Digital Navigator - AmeriCorps Service Member Red Feather or Estes Park Locations (Reduced Half-Time - 675 hours per year)

Job Description:

Digital Navigator - AmeriCorps Service Member Red Feather or Estes Park Locations (Reduced Half-Time - 675 hours per year)

Description

The Digital Navigation Program at Loveland Public Library aligns with our vision and mission of creating a more digital equitable and inclusive community in Larimer County. AmeriCorps members serving as Digital Navigators assist community members with accessing affordable internet service and devices and providing digital skills training. During the 2024-25 service term, members will be placed with one of 6 host-sites in Larimer County. To learn more about Loveland Public Library and the Digital Navigators of Larimer County Libraries programming, visit www.lovlib.org/americorps.

PLEASE UPLOAD A RESUME, COVER LETTER. & 2 SUPERVISOR LEVEL REFERENCES WITH APPLICATION

SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Digital Navigators will meet community members one on one at one or more host/outreach sites to teach digital literacy skills and provide occasional assistance by email, video call, or phone according to the needs/abilities of the community member. Digital Navigators will assess community members and their ability to access internet service at home, their equipment to connect to the internet, and their ability to utilize their technology to meet their needs and achieve their goals. Digital Navigators will serve community members of historically marginalized communities including but limited to individuals with disabilities, older adults, members of ethnic/racial minorities, people living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, people with limited literacy, people with limited English language proficiency, and people who reside in primarily rural areas. Digital Navigators will conduct outreach activities to raise awareness of digital inclusion and equity in the community and spread the word about digital navigation services available. Members will regularly and accurately collect and report data on the types of requests received, the service provided, and the outcomes of the services provided. Members will meet regularly with Program staff at least once (1) per month and up to once (1) weekly to ensure success at their site.

Access to affordable internet services:

Members will be available to assist community members research low-cost internet service options in their community.

Access to affordable electronic devices:

Members will assist community members with obtaining devices they need to achieve their digital inclusion goals. AmeriCorps members will connect community members with providers of affordable devices, assist with navigating technical support for partnered vendors for device distribution, and teach community members how to find reputable repair shops in their community.

Digital skills training:

Community members with access to internet service & a new device may need additional assistance or training to complete various tasks. Examples of how members will assist members of the community include staying safe online, setting up online bill payment, searching for accurate information online, how to navigate and set up Two Factor Authentication, finding digital skills tutorials and information online, using and navigating new devices/operating systems, accessing and using social media, communicating via video chat, navigating online applications for public benefits, jobs, or online training, using and navigating email, accessing online health information or apps, and so much more!

TERM OF SERVICE:

• Start Date: January 6, 2025
• End Date: December 12, 2025
• Average hours per week: 15-16 hours
• Total Expected Hours: 675 hours of service

BENEFITS:

• Up to a $747.33 monthly maximum living allowance, paid bi-weekly.
• Segal Education Award of $2,817.14 upon successful completion of the term.
• Laptop to keep after service term.
• Internet/mobile hotspot for use during term.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to host site.
• Attendance ticket for local or virtual digital literacy or professional development conference such as National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) in 2025.
• Access to AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program.
• Remote service opportunity for up to 20% of service time.
• Multiple opportunities for professional development. Topics include digital inclusion and equity, communicating with diverse populations, fundamentals of adult learning, and other relevant topics.

Minimum qualifications and requirements:

• US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• At least 17 years of age at the commencement of service.
• Received a high school diploma or equivalent or, if current high school student, agreement to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass federal, state and National Sex Offender background checks.
• Able to lift, transfer, and move light duty technology equipment such as laptops, tablets, and rolling carts of up to 20lbs.

Committed to developing the skills below (if the applicant does not already have these skills)

• Embrace the challenge of learning and teaching basic technological concepts related to internet services, computer and device characteristics, online security practices, and common online services and applications.
• Take initiative, be organized, and effectively manage time.
• Provide excellent customer service in person, via email/chat, video conference, and on the phone.
• Establish appropriate professional boundaries with clients.
• Establish trust with clients of varied ages and socioeconomic, educational, language and cultural backgrounds.

Professional responsibilities:

• Ability to act as a positive role model.
• Commitment to ethics of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to learn and adapt and accept feedback from staff.
• Ability to work well within a team setting.
• Participate in professional development training required by Loveland Public Library, City of Loveland, and applicable host site (Berthoud Community Library District, Estes Valley Library, Red Feather Lakes Community Library, Wellington Public Library, Front Range Community College Harmony Library).
• Professionally represent AmeriCorps, Loveland Public Library, and host site Libraries when serving with students, community members and partners.
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, a positive attitude, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor in working with diverse populations.
• Creatively solve problems, and negotiate and handle stressful situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Create and update digital inclusion plan with needs assessment, goals and outcomes for each community member served.
• Create short form written, image-based, or video instructions and guides to aid community members with basic technological concepts.
• Serve both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking members of the community.
• Accurately collect & report data on interactions with the community.

HOST-SITE PLACEMENT:

Determined by Program Manager and Program Coordinator after interview process.

DISCLAIMERS:

AmeriCorps:

In accordance with AmeriCorps Regulation 45 CFR 2540.100, this position does not duplicate work of previous or existing employees or volunteers, supplant the hiring of workers, or include service or duties that have been performed or were performed by a current employee, an employee who recently resigned or was discharged, an employee subject to a reduction in workforce, or an employee who is on leave. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is committed to achieving a diverse, high-performing workforce. No persons involved with this program will discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability, marital/parental status, or military service. We strive to provide a service and work environment free of sexual, racial, ethnic, religious or other harassment.

City of Loveland:

The City of Loveland provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential position functions.

A criminal history and NHCSC check will be obtained pre-service.