Meter Reader jobs in District of Columbia

Overview

Visit our website at www.beringstraits.com to apply!

SUMMARY

Arcticom, a subsidiary of Bering Straits Native Corporation, is currently seeking a qualified Reader Support Specialist to assist an employee who is blind.  For the purposes of this PWS the term Reader shall be used for this position.  The mission of the reader is to facilitate effective resources to seamlessly integrate the employee into any work-related environment. 

The distinguishing feature of the Reader Support Specialist is their autonomous provision of services directed by the employee in need, demonstrating a high degree of professional autonomy and integrity. Arcticom supports this Global Talent Management (GTM) Bureau contract, yet services are frequently provided to bureaus outside GTM, emphasizing the necessity for a strong functional knowledge of the Department of State's operations. The reader employs critical thinking skills to ensure barrier-free access, providing support without taking ownership of the work product.

The position works independently or as a member of a team at the direction of the government which is directly related to the business operation of GTM.  

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Essential Duties and Responsibilities are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed for this position and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Other duties may be assigned

• Verbally identifying key individuals relevant to the accommodated employee to facilitate communication.
• Providing visual access to various documents, including cables, faxes, letters, memoranda, reports, pamphlets, invitations, and meeting notices.
• Reading and reviewing hard copy and electronically displayed information, formatting documents to DOS standards, and adjusting font sizes for easy viewing.
• Reading texts at a suitable pace for comprehension and dictation purposes.
• Assisting with form filling, signing, and managing electronic materials.
• Navigating complex vocabulary, including foreign names, technical language, and Department of State-specific jargon.
• Reading aloud documents to expose errors and ensure completeness, including punctuation, spelling, and missing information.
• Formatting documents to meet DOS standards, following guidance from the employee on corrections.
• Providing sight comparisons between handwritten/printed documents and electronic versions.
• Offering visual information to help employees navigate unfamiliar software systems, interfaces, templates, and training materials.
• Performing duties manually or using various technology and software packages.
• Integrating multiple types of software to generate specific working documents and forms (spreadsheets, databases, word processing, etc.).
• Independently reaching out to technology support to resolve accommodation technology issues.

Examples of OMS/READER Orientation and Mobility Support:

• The Reader Support Specialist will familiarize yourself with event locations in advance to ensure seamless access for the accommodated employee.
• Providing mobility assistance using the sighted guide (human guide) technique.
• Assisting by pushing the employee in a wheelchair to specific locations.
• Offering visual environmental cues, such as describing people in the room or features along a corridor.
• Helping the employee locate specific individuals during events.
• Providing mobility support in navigating buffet lines.
• Offering visual descriptions and navigational support during training sessions.
• Taking notes during meetings.
• Handwriting material or ensuring the legibility of handwritten or printed materials.
• Providing specific DOS protocol visual information to the client during events.

Handover Notes:

• Crucial for a smooth transition of services to another OMS/ Reader Support Specialist or direct hire, detailing processes, file locations, formatting conventions, and key points.

In Cases Where Services Are Not Required:

• Reader may undertake administrative functions for GTM/OAA leadership. These duties are secondary and never supersede primary

• Functional understanding of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its nexus to providing reasonable accommodation.

• Proficient command of English, both spoken and written.

• Familiarity with administrative, clerical, and technical processes.
• Experience in human resources or disability services is advantageous.

• Ability to work independently and efficiently without close supervision.

• Strong command of computer systems and software applications, including Microsoft Windows, Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Communicator, and Internet Explorer.
• Capability to troubleshoot IT issues related to accessible technologies.

• Knowledge of the Department’s computer security protocols.

• Flexibility to adapt to new systems, policies, guidelines, and procedures.

• Accurate typing at a minimum of 30 words per minute.

• Proficiency in navigating and conducting complex research using the internet.

• Willingness to accompany Department of State employees to official events, serving as a note-taker.

• Ability to travel internationally for periods of three or more months, up to a maximum of two years.
• Possesses a valid passport with an expiration date exceeding 6 months and is capable of international travel for durations up to three (3) months.

• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours and occasional overtime, with short notice, to meet mission requirements.

• Ability to handle administrative functions during periods when eligible employee(s) do not require services, including data entry, filing, escorting, and electronic document review. These duties are secondary and never take priority over the eligible employee.