Quality Assurance Specialist (Braille Products)

Summary This position is located in the Content Quality Assurance Section, Collections Division, National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library Collections and Services Group.  The position description number for this position is 433614.  The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Learn more about this agency Duties As assigned, interprets and coordinates basic standards for the production of electronic braille books and periodicals provided through the NLS program; may perform routine assignments such as information research and documentation to support planning and development of standards. Performs routine and recurring evaluations of the quality of items manufactured using production methods such as automated braille transcription, direct braille input, optical character recognition, and production from eBook files. Conducts routine audits of embossed and electronic braille control copies to ensure proper conformance with braille codes, proper technical specifications and format. Participates in the audit of braille masters and control copies for adherence to NLS standards and specifications and recommends certification of the quality acceptability of electronic braille materials produced for the NLS program. Participates in the audit of electronic braille files to ensure proper conformance with braille codes, proper technical specifications and format. Drafts written critiques of the results of each inspection; after approval, communicates results to contractors via established NLS communication systems. As assigned, interprets and coordinates standards for the production of embossed braille books and periodicals provided through the NLS program; may perform routine assignments such as information research and documentation to support planning and development of standards. Performs routine and recurring evaluation of the quality of items manufactured using production methods such as automated braille transcription, direct braille input, optical character recognition, and production from eBook files. Conducts routine analyses of the merits of braille materials produced on new systems and documents results. Completes routine and recurring evaluation of tactile graphics according to standards and specifications established by NLS and braille authorities with an understanding of the subject and reading level of the surrounding material. Completes routine and recurring descriptions of illustrations with an understanding of the style, subject and reading level of the surrounding material. Participates in the audit of braille masters and control copies for adherence to NLS standards and specifications and recommends certification of the quality acceptability of braille materials produced for the NLS program. Participates in the audit of embossed braille control copies to ensure proper conformance with braille codes, proper technical specifications and format. Drafts written critiques of the results of each inspection; after approval, communicates results to contractors via established NLS communication systems. Implements NLS decisions on formatting criteria, including interpoint braille production, page numbering, preliminary page requirements, cover labeling, volume size and other matters. Drafts reports of results and may make recommendations to section head and other NLS staff for use in producing NLS materials. Provides routine guidance to contractors, network libraries and multistate center personnel related to the development of quality assurance programs and procedures. Working with higher graded staff, administers programs to evaluate the precision and accuracy of incoming materials. Applies standard methods and procedures for inspection, testing, and evaluation of braille materials and identifies and reports problems to supervisor or other higher graded staff. Participates in assessment of contractor facilities and equipment, individual transcribers, proofreaders and binderies’ ability to produce braille material for the NLS program. Supports or participates in onsite inspections at contractors’ facilities; identifies potential problems or issues and advises supervisor or higher graded staff. With approval, may provide direction to contractors in their efforts to achieve the quality standards set forth by NLS. Provides consultation and representation of NLS in established and recurring situations, with guidance from other staff or supervisor. Coordinates and exchanges information with other NLS sections and divisions on matters affecting quality assurance. May participate in assessments to support internal and external Library or NLS activities. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements Conditions of employment Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Qualifications Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision GS-09 Ability to perform quality control inspections of digital and physical braille materials.**  Ability to evaluate quality assurance processes and procedures.** Knowledge of braille and systems that create braille reading materials. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.  GS-11 Ability to perform quality control inspections of digital and physical braille materials.**  Ability to evaluate quality assurance processes and procedures.** Ability to monitor quality control operations.  Knowledge of braille and systems that create braille reading materials. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and present information orally.  Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education There are no education requirements for this vacancy Additional information Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email [email protected]. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application.  Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-707-6024 or email [email protected]. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.  The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.A “Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.Are you a veteran?  Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim.  Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214.  Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form.  If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.  Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.