Belmont Charter Network Careers
IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Belmont Charter Network Careers, Phila, Pennsylvania, United States, 19117
Job Details
Job Location Belmont Charter Network - Philadelphia, PA
Description
Belmont Charter Network is a family of 5 community schools centered on the central mission to promote the academic, social and emotional well-being of each child. Our schools are supported by a non-profit partner to provide holistic services to the school including out-of-school time, our social work project and Head start. How do we do this? We do it by ensuring our students have access to complete support both in and out of the classroom through a talented team of teachers, leaders, social workers, and partners.
We believe that schools and learning should be joyful!
You can find more about our core values and vision here. We believe that education is the single biggest way we can disrupt the systemic racism that impacts Philadelphia and by extension our country. We are a mission centered organization that has grown since its founding over 20 years ago to be the organization that serves Philadelphia today. Learn more about our partners who support this vision by creating a full scope of community support for our students and families. Our approach is grounded in trauma informed practice which you can read more about here.
Your areas of knowledge and expertise: Demonstrated skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds. Creative problem solving A commitment to being a lifelong learner, commitment to refining your craft A knack for connecting with people across differences including parents, colleagues and students. Position Summary:
The IT Specialist in this role plays a critical and impactful role in supporting the technology needs of inner city schools that serve underserved populations. This position is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology and information resources for students, teachers, and staff. The IT Specialist will work closely with the school community to provide technical support, maintain IT infrastructure, and implement technology initiatives that promote learning and empower the underserved students to thrive in a digital world. We are looking for a self-starter and a problem solver who is highly adaptable to the organization's dynamic landscape in a fast paced academic setting. This is a 12 month position that is supervised by the Director of Technology.
Core Responsibilities:
Technical Support and Troubleshooting:
Provide compassionate and patient technical support to students, teachers, and staff in underserved communities. Assist with productivity software issues, from supporting Google Workspace, Microsoft Windows & Office Suite, to instructional software via Clever and Powerschool Teacher/Gradebook. Ensuring swift resolutions and minimizing disruptions to the learning process. Adapt communication to accommodate varying levels of technical literacy and cultural backgrounds for all stakeholders. Maintain appropriate documentation and progression of work in the ticketing and email system. Equitable Technology Access:
Work to bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology resources for students who may not have personal devices at home. Troubleshooting and repairing stakeholders' school issued devices including desktops and various mobile devices e.g. Windows laptops, Chromebooks, tablets and cellphones. Support and integrate new software applications, including but not limited to School's students information system (Powerschool), remote learning and conference platforms as well as instructional learning platforms. Classroom Technology Integration:
Assist teachers in integrating technology effectively into the curriculum, promoting digital literacy, and enhancing the learning experience, e.g. document camera, interactive whiteboards & TVs, projectors, wireless projection applications. Provide training sessions and workshops to empower educators with the skills to leverage technology for teaching in diverse classrooms. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
Foster strong relationships with students, parents, and community members, ensuring they feel empowered to utilize technology for educational and personal growth. Working with in-house students in tech internships that promote digital literacy and tech-related skills. Data Management and Reporting:
Maintain accurate records of hardware and IT assets in a resource-constrained environment. Generate reports on technology usage and effectiveness for school administration. Additional responsibilities:
Network and Infrastructure Maintenance:
Ensure the school's IT infrastructure is reliable, secure, and optimized to support the unique challenges of underserved communities. Monitor network performance to identify and address potential bottlenecks or connectivity issues. support in planning, designing, configuring, managing and maintaining the organization's LAN & WAN infrastructure. This includes but is not limited to; managed router and switches, access points, firewalls, cloud based or on-premise content filters, physical and virtual Windows and Linux servers as well as Asterisk/FreePBX servers, and intercom devices. support all things technology in the organization, including but not limited to all computing devices, network infrastructure and servers, surveillance system, entry control and building safety systems, IOT devices, audio/visual equipment, multifunctional copiers and analog PA system. Software and Hardware Procurement:
Research cost-effective solutions for hardware and software procurement to maximize the impact of limited budgets. Collaborate with vendors to negotiate favorable pricing and support packages. Any additional responsibilities as assigned by the manager.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Degrees in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Instructional Technology or equivalent are preferred. Minimum of 3 years of combined support of IT software, hardware and system applications are required.
Experience in providing IT support and services to underserved communities or in environments with limited resources is a plus
Understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved populations and a commitment to promoting digital equity.
Strong technical knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, networks, and software applications.
Experience with troubleshooting and repairing Chromebooks, iPads, Android tablets, Windows devices and smartphones.
Experience with supporting printers and copiers.
Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with diverse stakeholders.
Empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity in working with individuals from different backgrounds.
Familiarity with educational software, learning management systems, and assistive technologies is beneficial.
Ability to produce clear, concise and accurate communication, documentation, notes and reports is required.
Understanding of audio and visual technologies and experience in setting up and managing equipment.
Ability to articulate technical issues at varying levels of expertise (for example, working with students with limited knowledge of technology then switching and working with contracted vendors on advanced projects).
Knowledge of network infrastructure and familiarity with the OSI model and various network routed protocols.
COMPTIA A+ or Network+ certificates or have passed exams in the MCSA/SE curriculum. Current CCENT on routing and switching or above is a plus.
Experience in instructional learning platforms e.g. Clever and its supported instructional software and LMS is a plus.
Experience in PowerSchool as an administrator and creating customization pages is a plus.
Advanced level knowledge with Microsoft Windows & Office, Google Workspace especially with Excel/Sheets is a plus
Strong understanding and experience working with Microsoft Active Directory, Group Policies and domain controllers.
Knowledge of routers, firewalls, switches, VPN devices and wireless networking technologies, including TCP/IP, DNS and DHCP.
Willingness to work outside normal office hours from time to time when required.
Ability to handle multiple requests and projects simultaneously.
Ability and willingness to learn on the job and continue to advance technical skill sets.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
Ability to climb ladders up to 15 feet.
• Technical proficiency in IT hardware, operating systems, and software.
• Troubleshooting skills for various devices and peripherals.
• Effective and empathetic communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with educational and assistive technologies.
• Strong documentation and reporting abilities.
• Fundamental networking knowledge, including the OSI model, IP network, protocols.
• Relevant certifications and willingness to learn and adapt.
Ability to Climb ladders up to 15 feet and lift up to 60 lbs
Job Location Belmont Charter Network - Philadelphia, PA
Description
Belmont Charter Network is a family of 5 community schools centered on the central mission to promote the academic, social and emotional well-being of each child. Our schools are supported by a non-profit partner to provide holistic services to the school including out-of-school time, our social work project and Head start. How do we do this? We do it by ensuring our students have access to complete support both in and out of the classroom through a talented team of teachers, leaders, social workers, and partners.
We believe that schools and learning should be joyful!
You can find more about our core values and vision here. We believe that education is the single biggest way we can disrupt the systemic racism that impacts Philadelphia and by extension our country. We are a mission centered organization that has grown since its founding over 20 years ago to be the organization that serves Philadelphia today. Learn more about our partners who support this vision by creating a full scope of community support for our students and families. Our approach is grounded in trauma informed practice which you can read more about here.
Your areas of knowledge and expertise: Demonstrated skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds. Creative problem solving A commitment to being a lifelong learner, commitment to refining your craft A knack for connecting with people across differences including parents, colleagues and students. Position Summary:
The IT Specialist in this role plays a critical and impactful role in supporting the technology needs of inner city schools that serve underserved populations. This position is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology and information resources for students, teachers, and staff. The IT Specialist will work closely with the school community to provide technical support, maintain IT infrastructure, and implement technology initiatives that promote learning and empower the underserved students to thrive in a digital world. We are looking for a self-starter and a problem solver who is highly adaptable to the organization's dynamic landscape in a fast paced academic setting. This is a 12 month position that is supervised by the Director of Technology.
Core Responsibilities:
Technical Support and Troubleshooting:
Provide compassionate and patient technical support to students, teachers, and staff in underserved communities. Assist with productivity software issues, from supporting Google Workspace, Microsoft Windows & Office Suite, to instructional software via Clever and Powerschool Teacher/Gradebook. Ensuring swift resolutions and minimizing disruptions to the learning process. Adapt communication to accommodate varying levels of technical literacy and cultural backgrounds for all stakeholders. Maintain appropriate documentation and progression of work in the ticketing and email system. Equitable Technology Access:
Work to bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology resources for students who may not have personal devices at home. Troubleshooting and repairing stakeholders' school issued devices including desktops and various mobile devices e.g. Windows laptops, Chromebooks, tablets and cellphones. Support and integrate new software applications, including but not limited to School's students information system (Powerschool), remote learning and conference platforms as well as instructional learning platforms. Classroom Technology Integration:
Assist teachers in integrating technology effectively into the curriculum, promoting digital literacy, and enhancing the learning experience, e.g. document camera, interactive whiteboards & TVs, projectors, wireless projection applications. Provide training sessions and workshops to empower educators with the skills to leverage technology for teaching in diverse classrooms. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
Foster strong relationships with students, parents, and community members, ensuring they feel empowered to utilize technology for educational and personal growth. Working with in-house students in tech internships that promote digital literacy and tech-related skills. Data Management and Reporting:
Maintain accurate records of hardware and IT assets in a resource-constrained environment. Generate reports on technology usage and effectiveness for school administration. Additional responsibilities:
Network and Infrastructure Maintenance:
Ensure the school's IT infrastructure is reliable, secure, and optimized to support the unique challenges of underserved communities. Monitor network performance to identify and address potential bottlenecks or connectivity issues. support in planning, designing, configuring, managing and maintaining the organization's LAN & WAN infrastructure. This includes but is not limited to; managed router and switches, access points, firewalls, cloud based or on-premise content filters, physical and virtual Windows and Linux servers as well as Asterisk/FreePBX servers, and intercom devices. support all things technology in the organization, including but not limited to all computing devices, network infrastructure and servers, surveillance system, entry control and building safety systems, IOT devices, audio/visual equipment, multifunctional copiers and analog PA system. Software and Hardware Procurement:
Research cost-effective solutions for hardware and software procurement to maximize the impact of limited budgets. Collaborate with vendors to negotiate favorable pricing and support packages. Any additional responsibilities as assigned by the manager.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Degrees in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Instructional Technology or equivalent are preferred. Minimum of 3 years of combined support of IT software, hardware and system applications are required.
Experience in providing IT support and services to underserved communities or in environments with limited resources is a plus
Understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved populations and a commitment to promoting digital equity.
Strong technical knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, networks, and software applications.
Experience with troubleshooting and repairing Chromebooks, iPads, Android tablets, Windows devices and smartphones.
Experience with supporting printers and copiers.
Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with diverse stakeholders.
Empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity in working with individuals from different backgrounds.
Familiarity with educational software, learning management systems, and assistive technologies is beneficial.
Ability to produce clear, concise and accurate communication, documentation, notes and reports is required.
Understanding of audio and visual technologies and experience in setting up and managing equipment.
Ability to articulate technical issues at varying levels of expertise (for example, working with students with limited knowledge of technology then switching and working with contracted vendors on advanced projects).
Knowledge of network infrastructure and familiarity with the OSI model and various network routed protocols.
COMPTIA A+ or Network+ certificates or have passed exams in the MCSA/SE curriculum. Current CCENT on routing and switching or above is a plus.
Experience in instructional learning platforms e.g. Clever and its supported instructional software and LMS is a plus.
Experience in PowerSchool as an administrator and creating customization pages is a plus.
Advanced level knowledge with Microsoft Windows & Office, Google Workspace especially with Excel/Sheets is a plus
Strong understanding and experience working with Microsoft Active Directory, Group Policies and domain controllers.
Knowledge of routers, firewalls, switches, VPN devices and wireless networking technologies, including TCP/IP, DNS and DHCP.
Willingness to work outside normal office hours from time to time when required.
Ability to handle multiple requests and projects simultaneously.
Ability and willingness to learn on the job and continue to advance technical skill sets.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
Ability to climb ladders up to 15 feet.
• Technical proficiency in IT hardware, operating systems, and software.
• Troubleshooting skills for various devices and peripherals.
• Effective and empathetic communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with educational and assistive technologies.
• Strong documentation and reporting abilities.
• Fundamental networking knowledge, including the OSI model, IP network, protocols.
• Relevant certifications and willingness to learn and adapt.
Ability to Climb ladders up to 15 feet and lift up to 60 lbs