Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Learner Web Assistant Coordinator
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Position: AmeriCorps MemberProgram: Community Technology Empowerment Project
Partner Agency: Saint Paul ABE, Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
Location(s): 1030 University Avenue W, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Site Supervisor: Jenifer Vanek, Learner Web Regional Coordinator
CTEP Program Description:
The AmeriCorps Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) bridges the “digital divide” for new Immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Join AmeriCorps CTEP and help make the information age accessible to all. CTEP is a project of Saint Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN).
Site History and Mission
The mission of Saint Paul Public Schools Adult Basic Education (ABE) is to provide adults with educational opportunities to acquire and improve their literacy skills necessary to be self-sufficient and to participate effectively as productive workers, family members, and citizens. Saint Paul ABE currently provides programming including: work readiness and numeracy embedded English Language Learning (ELL) for immigrants and resettled refugees; GED preparation; Accuplacer and college preparation; citizenship test preparation; and pre-occupational training such as pre-Certified Nursing Assistant, ServSafe, Commercial Driver’s License, Boiler’s License, and more.
As part of the FastTRAC initiative, Saint Paul ABE partners with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) and Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) systems to develop bridge and pathways programs for low-income, low-literacy adults that connect literacy skills development with academic and career training. One example is the Medical Billing and Coding class which is taught jointly by a Hubbs Center instructor and a Saint Paul College instructor. Additionally, Saint Paul ABE has a representative in two Ramsey County Workforce Centers.
Saint Paul ABE is on the forefront of implementation of credentials for adults such as the MN Essential Skills Credential (ESC) for adult ELL students and the National Work Readiness Credential (NWRC), a portable, national standard which signifies that credential earners are qualified for entry level employment and possess the skills necessary to train and move beyond entry level positions.
St. Paul ABE works to provide full services and support to adult students by working collaboratively with other community-based organizations through the Saint Paul Community Literacy Consortium (SPCLC).
Preferred Site Schedule for Member
The schedule is very flexible. One sample schedule might be M-Th 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Fridays 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The CTEP member can coordinate schedules with the LW Regional Coordinator and it can vary week to week.
In addition, members attend professional development days with their fellow CTEP members to enhance service-readiness skills, personal attributes at the service site, and citizenship skills. These Corps days take place twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Fridays from 9 AM to 4 PM, and these trainings are mandatory. Members also attend statewide AmeriCorps events, such as the Martin Luther King Day celebration, and/or serve on the statewide InterCorps Council.
Essential Functions:
1) Capacity Building
- building learning plans using Learner Web software based upon content given by educational staff;
- enhancing and strengthening currently existing learning plans based upon feedback, including updating content and identifying technical and navigation issues;
- performing ongoing maintenance and support of Learner Web based on survey feedback, including repairing or updating web links;
- assist the Learner Web Regional Coordinator in carrying out the established work plan;
- carry out established implementation processes and help create new processes as the program reach grows geographically and in content participate in quality control of existing learning plans, keeping resources up to date and building revisions suggested by teachers and other end users.
2) Direct Service
a) Working with Learners
The member will engage with learners using Learner Web both in the classroom and the distance-learning lab. She or he will be responsible for assisting with technical questions and academic basic skills questions.
b) Supporting Volunteers
The Learner Web is based on the concept that there are many different people in the community who can help learners reach their learning goals. There are several support roles built into the Learner Web software: teacher, counselor, tutor, and helper.
One of the most important tasks in our implementation next year will be to fully develop our implementation of these support roles. The CTEP member will play an important role in supporting volunteers who fulfill the software roles. Volunteers will be used for both the Helper and Tutor roles.
The Helpers are one time phone/computer based assistants. The system connects them with the learner though a computerized phone system, enabling the Helper to both talk to the learner and see the learner’s current screen. Helpers volunteer remotely but need to be supported in their work through training, frequent check-in, and community building opportunities.
In addition, we hope to begin our initial use of the Tutor role. The Tutor is a volunteer who agrees to an ongoing commitment supporting the learner with face-to-face meetings and asynchronous interaction through the software. They, too, need training and support.
Minimal Functions:
The CTEP member will be given the same consideration as full-fledged members of the Saint Paul ABE staff. As a result, the CTEP member will be expected to attend relevant staff, consortium, and possibly even LW national meetings. Additionally, there may be professional development opportunities that are relevant to the position. The CTEP member may stand in as a member of the Distance Learning Committee as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- At least 17 years old
- U.S. citizenship, naturalization, or permanent residency
- Ability to travel within the Twin Cities
- High school diploma or GED (or progress toward while serving for special circumstances)
- Basic personal computer skills (word processing, internet, email, etc.)
- Experience working with low-income and/or recent immigrant populations, especially in education or mentoring
- Quick learner on computer software (faculty with HTML code and Moodle a plus)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent problem solving/troubleshooting skills
- Ability to be self-directed and work independently as part of a team
- Capacity to spend long periods of time at a computer
- Ability to move up to 25 pounds
Preferred Qualifications:
(One or more of the following are desired but not required):
- Post-Secondary Education
- Bilingual in Hmong, Somali, Spanish or other
- Experience in volunteer management
- Advanced technology skills, especially in web design, video production, or computer applications
- Experience in staff training, especially technology
Site Environment:
The Hubbs Center is a bustling adult education facility. While the CTEP will have her or his own desk space, the office area is open and in close proximity to other special projects staff. Interruptions are common so the ability to both shift gears quickly and to resume focus on task is helpful.
Service Term:
Full-time: 1700 hours. Start Sept 7, 2010; complete by Aug 31, 2011.
Members Receive:
Full-time: A living allowance (approximately $450 bi-weekly), an educational award of $5,350.00 (upon successful completion), health and dental insurance plan including reimbursement of deductible charge, child care (d.o.q) and ongoing training.
How to Apply:
Apply online at my.americorps.gov and click on “Apply to Serve” (be sure to enter 06ACHMN0010008-0 as the “Program Listing ID,” or search for the Community Technology Empowerment Project). Contact: Joel Krogstad, joel@technologypower.org, 651.556.1384
We are committed to recruiting and engaging individuals without regard to disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request. Alternative formats of this document are also available.