Technology Associate, Computers for Youth

Posted by on September 7, 2009

Position: Technology Associate
Job Type: Part-time, temporary, Fridays and Saturdays
Location: Philadelphia, PA

ABOUT COMPUTERS FOR YOUTH
Computers for Youth (CFY) is tackling an important national problem—across our country, we are failing to provide low-income children the support they need during the critical middle school years. As a result, test scores (particularly in math) are falling between the fifth and sixth grades. CFY’s approach is innovative and effective. Unlike efforts that focus solely on the classroom, CFY helps low-income students do better academically by improving their learning environment at home. Specifically, CFY partners with high-poverty middle schools to improve the educational resources in students’ homes, enhance parent-child interaction around learning, and help teachers connect classroom learning with the home. Our innovative technology (topnotch educational software loaded onto refurbished computers) in conjunction with family training both enriches students’ home learning environment and increases the confidence of their parents as learning partners. CFY has shown significant results on student test scores, class effort and parental confidence in helping their children learn. Over the past decade, we have reached more than 35,000 students and parents from 50 schools in New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, the San Francisco Bay area and Los Angeles. In addition, we’re growing our Affiliate Network to reach all 50 U.S. states and beginning to work on a national scale to influence education policy. For more information, please visit http://www.cfy.org.

ASSOCIATE DESCRIPTION
The Computers for Youth Technology Associate will provide desktop support and manage inventory while supporting children and families during the Family Learning Workshops. Technology Associates work directly with CFY’s Technology Coordinator to ensure that our Family Learning Workshops run smoothly and that the students and parents we serve have an excellent training experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
o On Friday afternoons, assist with the set-up of classrooms at schools; i.e. prepare classrooms with desks and chairs, run electrical cables, set up computers, monitors and peripherals, etc.
o During workshops on Saturdays, help solve any technical problems that may arise and provide desktop support to families who have technical questions.
o Assist with the security and safety of CFY’s computer equipment during workshops.
o After workshops, breakdown classrooms, inventory and pack away equipment.
o Assist whenever necessary with the delivery of computer equipment to local schools.
o Other duties as necessary.

This position requires work on Friday afternoons and Saturdays — specifically, November 6-7, 13-14; December 12-13; spring dates TBD.

QUALIFICATIONS
o A+ and basic networking skills are a plus.
o Some experience with computer systems and architecture.
o Ability to communicate clearly and accurately.
o Enjoys working with families and students.
o Proficiency in Spanish and other languages is a plus
o Team-player who is also capable of working independently or with minimal oversight.
o Problem-solver.
o Able to lift a minimum of 30lbs.

TO APPLY: Please send a resume and a brief cover letter to mrashid@cfy.org using the subject line: CFY-PHL Technology Associate Search. Submission deadline: September 14, 2009. Computers for Youth is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.