APSEA Job Board
2026-33 Intermediate Alternate Format Technician
Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada .
full-time . May 22, 2026
Description
Competition #: 2026-33 Intermediate Alternate Format Technician INTERNAL OPPORTUNITY
Position: Full-Time, permanent, one position available
Location: Halifax Regional Municipality, NS at APSEA Central Office - this position requires in-person services
Initial Posting Date: May 25, 2026
Application Deadline: June 3, 2026 at Noon
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026
Compensation is in accordance with the APSEA/NSGEU Collective Agreement
Unlock Your Potential with APSEA – A Career That Makes a Difference!
Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) is more than just an agency – it’s a community dedicated to empowering children and youth across Atlantic Canada who are Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing (DHH), blind and low vision (BLV). Since 1975, we’ve been on a mission to provide inclusive, responsive, and flexible educational services. Now, we want you to join us and help make a lasting impact on the lives of learners and their families.
Here’s what we bring to the table:
- Access to a pension plan
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits
- Professional learning opportunities to keep you at the top of your game
- A supportive, inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated and embraced
Why Join Us?
The Intermediate Alternate Format Technician, under the direction of the Supervisor of Production and Library Services (PALS), is responsible for full cycle production of alternate format materials for learners who are blind, have low vision (BLV).
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are among APSEA’s guiding principles. Moreover, diversity within APSEA is a strength that must be cultivated. It is the responsibility of every APSEA employee to foster a culture that embraces and promotes diversity.
Day-to-day, the Intermediate Alternate Format Technician:
- Transcribes educational materials into the appropriate format for the purpose of providing educational materials for BLV learners.
- Produces contracted Unified English Braille (UEB) and uncontracted French at an intermediate level using specialized braille computer translation software – or by occasional use of a Perkins Brailler. Examples of intermediate level production material are textbooks (social studies, English language arts, elementary level math), poetry, graphic novels, plays, and elementary French material.
- Produces digital text based on learner requirements.
- Operates computer software programs to create basic and intermediate tactile graphics.
- Proofreads co-workers’ production assignments at a basic and intermediate level for braille and all levels of digital format materials.
- Proofreads basic tactile illustrations.
- Evaluates the print materials and decides the appropriate format to be used in conjunction with the assigned proofreader.
- Embosses, collates, binds, labels, and repairs braille, enlarged print, and print volumes.
- Maintains records of production statistics for tracking purposes.
- Participates in professional learning opportunities to ensure alternate format production reflects current research and best practices.
- On occasion, will liaise with other departments within APSEA including consulting with employees who are unfamiliar with Alternate Formats/Production.
- Provides cross-training to Junior and/or Intermediate Alternate Format Technician, to ensure skills transfer and career development.
- Participates in regular professional learning as well as representing APSEA in national alternate format committees and organizations as required.
What you bring to the table:
- Completion of a post-secondary graphic design/information technology program is required, or a comparable combination of qualification(s) and experience.
- Certification in Unified English Braille (UEB) Transcription through CNIB or equivalent.
- Completion of UEB Technical Materials certificate through CNIB or equivalent.
- Willingness to complete ongoing extensive training in braille formats, proofreading.
- Demonstrated ability to apply concepts from reference resources such as; Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics, The Rules of Unified English Braille, UEB Guidelines for Technical Material.
- Demonstrated expert typing and word/data processing skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word.
- A strong knowledge of business English, punctuation, and spelling.
- Advanced working knowledge of and practical experience with computers, Internet, and online searching. Ability to focus on a computer screen for prolonged periods of time due to nature of the work.
- Advanced working knowledge and experience with graphics editor software programs.
- Ability to maintain accuracy, pay close attention to detail and to proofread with a high degree of accuracy.
- Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Confidentiality and professionalism with regard to access and distribution of learner information.
- Ability to handle routine and repetitive work efficiently while working under pressure.
- Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
- Music and/or French transcribing is an asset, as is familiarity in CBFU (Code braille français uniformisé pour la transcription des textes imprimé), and/or CBSQ (Code braille scientifique québécois pour la transcription des mathématiques et de la chimie).
- Certification in proofreading is considered an asset.
- Bilingual in French/English is an asset.
- Minimum of two (2) years demonstrated experience in transcribing and proofreading basic braille and tactiles.
- Minimum of two (2) years demonstrated experience in transcribing and proofreading basic math and science material.
APSEA embraces a culture of belonging in the workplace. We believe that the lived experiences of individuals enrich our organization and enhance our ability to serve Atlantic communities. We value the unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
If you require accommodation in the application and/or interview process, please let our DEI & HR Consultant know at hailey_thomas@apsea.ca
If you’re ready to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of children and youth in Atlantic Canada, don’t wait! Apply now and join an incredible team that’s helping to shape the future of education.
Compensation
$57,670.60 - $67,635.88 per year