University of Maryland

Position Number: 127627

Title: Agent Associate

Functional Title: Agent Associate (Tech Ext Educator/Navigator - Carroll/Frederick)

Category Status: 15-Fac.Non-Tenured,Continuing Con

Applicant Search Category: Faculty

University Authorized FTE: 1.0

Unit: AGNR-UME-Family and Consumer Sciences

Campus/College Information: 

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Background Checks 

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:University of Maryland Extension is seeking to fill a Tech Extension Educator/Navigator positions, in Northern/Central Cluster, Carroll or Frederick County Extension office location.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position: Tech Extension Educator/Navigator will develop partnerships with local agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, workforce agencies, for-profit industry, and others in the respective city/cluster. Tech Extension Educator/Navigator will:

• Assist community residents with digital inclusion information and resources on affordable broadband access, appropriate device, and digital skills. Provide educational programs and information to increase digital literacy skills.
• Provide basic technical support to enhance digital access and inclusion in Maryland.
• Tech Extension Educator/Navigator will report to Digital Literacy (Tech Extension) Project Director and Digital Navigator Program Manager.

Digital literacy teaching can be conducted in-person, hybrid, or virtually (group or individual classes). Navigation assistance can be provided in-person, telephone, video-chat, email, text, and other communication methods that work for the learner.

Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:Education:

Bachelor’s degree in information science, public policy, business administration, or related fields.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to provide community-based education, coaching, and mentoring.
• Proficiency in using technology in communications, training, teaching, reporting, and working to develop and implement project activities.
• Excellent communication skills (in-person, telephone and online), including the ability to establish trust with clients of varied educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to embrace the challenge of learning and teaching basic technological concepts related to internet services, computer and device characteristics, and common online services and applications.
• Organization skills and ability to work on multiple tasks with deadlines. Must be able to travel within the state, have personal transportation, and have a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to creatively solve problems and negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service, establish appropriate boundaries with clients, and to demonstrate innovation and flexibility.
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through the Extension program model. This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and a University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferences:Preferences:

• Background content knowledge of digital equity, digital navigation, and broadband.
• Previous successful experience in research-based training and learning in digital literacy, media literacy, or technology.
• Experience in high-quality educational programs, virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats
• Evidence of positive and productive relationships with diverse colleagues and partners.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, or Vietnamese is a plus.

Additional Certifications: 

Additional Information: 

Digital Literacy Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain local partnerships through engagement, training, communications, meetings, and events.
• Coordinate with local entities or support existing local coalitions to advance digital equity and broadband adoption.
• Provide education, training, information, and community resources for digital literacy in the respective city/county/cluster.
• Provide content expertise and leadership in digital inclusion (navigation),including local digital inclusion resources and gaps.

Digital Navigation Responsibilities:

• Receive, return or initiate contacts (in-person, telephone, chat, or etc.) withclients (local residents or organizations) seeking assistance.
• Discuss with clients their home internet access or need for home internetaccess, technology experiences and their devices.
• Assess their access to technology, current digital skill level pertaining towhat they need to accomplish the plan, connectivity needs, and internet usepriorities.
• If necessary, advise clients about free or affordable home internet serviceoptions for which they may qualify, assist clients in applying for servicesthey choose, and support their efforts to secure service.
• If necessary, advise clients about sources of affordable computers or otherinternet-connected devices for which they may qualify, and support theirefforts to acquire appropriate devices and where they can get help for repair
• Coach clients as necessary to use their home internet services in order tomeet their internet use priorities. This may include both in-person, phone,and online interactions, as well as referral to sources of additional digitalliteracy skill training.
• Track each client’s progress and types of requests, keep accurate andtimely records, and report outcomes as required.
• Plan and manage assistance to each client with the goal of fulfilling theagreed goals.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience, with a minimum starting salary of $50,000. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package. The position is a 1.0 FTE, equivalent to 40 hours per week. The position is a 12-month grant-funded contract that may be renewed for the duration of the grant project (ending 12/31/2024).

Application Process:

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, current (signed) resume (or CV uploaded as resume), contact information for three (3) professional references (including name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address), and copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position).

Posting Date: 09/18/2023

Closing Date: 

Open Until Filled Yes

Best Consideration Date 04/25/2024

Physical Demands 

• This position requires periodic travel to meetings, training, and eventsthroughout the state. The person in position will frequently exchangeinformation through verbal and written communication with individuals ofvarious ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Visual acuity is required to prepare, review and/or analyze written reports,spreadsheets, data, and figures for accuracy.
• This position will also research information and prepare written materialsand presentations for annual reports, budget presentations, and/orstakeholder or staff meetings. Extensive viewing of a computer screen isnormal.
• This position requires the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages,and other items (up to 20 lbs.) between offices.

Diversity Statement: 

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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