Digital Navigator-3

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.
Job Summary:
The Digital Navigator works in close collaboration with the Project Manager, Project Coordinator, and Principal Investigator to advance the Northeastern Illinois University's mission by providing individualized or small group assistance to Illinois residents and community organizations that need affordable home internet service, affordable internet-capable devices, and/or coaching in introductory digital skills in order to become effective home internet users. This assistance will be provided primarily in-person or by voice telephone but may also include email, text, video chat, in-person, and other communication methods that work for the learner in English or another language, as appropriate to the assignment.
The Digital Navigator will also work closely with the navigator program at Chicago State University, as well as other education and community partners to deliver the digital navigation technical assistance to eligible individuals, from early learners to seniors, residing in the zip codes and census tracts identified in the grant funding this initiative.
Job Description:
Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, return, or initiate telephone, email or in-person contact with Illinois residents and community organizations seeking assistance or identified by CSU, NEIU, UIC, GSU, Illinois Broadband Lab, or Illinois Innovation Network for assistance.
• Confirm eligibility for program services, from informational services to everyone to technical assistance for those residing in the eligible geographic area.
• Assess their access to technology, current digital skill level pertaining to what they need to accomplish the learning plan, connectivity needs, and internet use priorities. Work with community members to identify and agree upon goals for Digital Navigator services. Confirm the details with the resident.
• Coach, train, and guide residents individually or in group settings on how to use their home internet service to meet their day-to-day needs (i.e., creating an email account, applying for a job, participating in virtual learning, etc.). This may include both in-person, phone, and online interactions, as well as referral to sources of additional no-cost digital literacy skill training offered in their community at non-profits, community-based or faith-based organizations, government departments, or other institutions. Serve as a trusted, supportive, and empathetic resource for community members as they build confidence in their digital skills.
• Work collaboratively with community organizations, local government, anchor institutions, and other service providers to coordinate and provide information and training at their facilities to their members/clients/customers.
• If applicable, provide training at an agreed upon training site or location other than a community anchor institution.
• If applicable, advise residents about free or affordable home internet service options for which they may qualify (such as ACP), assist clients to apply for services they choose, and support their efforts to secure service. Help them navigate enrollment processes from start to finish.
• If applicable, advise residents about sources of affordable computers or other internet connected devices for which they may qualify, and support their efforts to acquireappropriate devices and where they can get help for repair.
• If applicable, advise residents about financial digital literacy and connect them with the Illinois Comptroller's Bank On program.
• Track types of requests through a uniform system, as well as each resident's progress toward goals. Keep accurate and timely records, and report outcomes as required. Proactively follow up with residents.
• Plan and manage assistance to each resident with the goal of fulfilling the agreed-upon
• Coordinate and collaborate with the local digital equity leadership entity for the region or area of service to deliver grant-funded services.
• Complete and remain current on internet safety training to be able to advise community members at a basic level on how to stay safe and avoid scams. Follow safety protocols. Maintain the confidentiality of client information. Other tasks as necessary or as assigned by the Principal Investigator, project manager, navigator lead, or direct supervisor.

Minimal Qualifications:
Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:Coursework in social work or behavioral sciences, or closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

Progressively more responsible work experience in social service/ counseling at a paraprofessional level under qualified supervision.
Departmental Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply (in particular Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Tagalog, or Chinese)
• Knowledge of common software/applications such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite Intermediate experience with navigating:
• Windows and Apple computers
  Android and Apple smartphones/tablets
  Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  Google Applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
  Zoom Video Chat/Screen Sharing
• Job experience and/or coursework in computer technology, software applications and troubleshooting, multimedia, Internet research, teaching, or training
• Knowledge or experience with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) application process
• Knowledge or experience with digital financial literacy
• Knowledge or experience working with long-term unemployed, single parents, immigrants and migrants, and returning residents.
• Knowledge or experience of government and charitable assistance programs, including financial, housing/shelter, heating, food, childcare, transportation, public health, mental health, violence prevention, crisis intervention, and other similar services.
• Lived experience of unemployment, single parenthood, immigrant or migrant status, or re-entry.

(This position requires a background check).
Salary: $50,000
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off plans, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.