COMPUTER APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST OR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST TRAINEE

Full-Time (1.0 FTE), 7.5-Hour Day, 12-Month Position

The following work activities are listed as examples only and in no event shall an employee be limited to only those examples listed here:

• Provide first line troubleshooting and technical support (telephone and on site) for computer software and basic hardware issues for end users
• Create, revise, maintain and ensure accuracy of reports and queries as school districts request data analysis from software
• Maintain current knowledge on statewide reports and regulations
• Communicate with and assist school district administrators, principals, counselors, and clerical staff as necessary
• Export and import data from various applications for shared use with other software programs on a regular basis
• Consult and troubleshoot with programmers, vendors and/or LAN staff on problems, changes, or enhancement requests to software
• Develop and implement procedures for managing projects and report requests
• Test new software releases for vendors before general release
• Install software, updates, and patches on end user machines
• Work independently to maintain servers and software applications
• Demonstrate specialized software applications to school administrators, teachers, counselors, and school district support staff
• Coordinate implementation of upgrades and conversions to new software
• Develop and implement procedures to maintain the integrity of data from year to year, which includes informing district administrators of responsibilities and testing results upon completion
• Research, analyze, evaluate, and consult with school district administrators and technology directors on available software for current and future needs
• Provide direction to less experienced staff on specifications and procedures for applications support, report writing, state reporting and query development
• Consult with the district to schedule and conduct training on specialized computer software applications for school administrators, teachers, counselors, and school district support staff
• Attend bi-weekly technology meetings to discuss software changes, problems, state-mandated data collection issues and other information sharing
• Evaluate, order, and maintain inventory supplies
• Attend instructional meetings and training classes to enhance current knowledge of software programs and apply this knowledge to aid the end user
• Create, revise, maintain and provide training manuals and documentation of specialized software applications
• Maintain and submit statistical and financial records to district personnel (superintendents, administrators, and clerical staff), New York State and the Federal Government. Information is also maintained for Computer Services budgeting purposes
• Interpret State and Federal rules, regulations, and mandates for reports.
• Schedule meetings and consult with school district administrators to establish deadlines based on state and district requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

This is a competitive Civil Service position. The selected candidate must possess this title, be among the top three of a binding Civil Service Certificate of Eligibles List for this title or be among the top three after taking the required Civil Service exam for the appropriate title:

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST

• Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field and six (6) months of experience supporting computer applications in a school, BOCES, or an office setting;

OR

• Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's Degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, Executive Secretarial Science or a related field and two and one half (2 ½) years of experience supporting computer applications in a school, BOCES, or an office setting;

OR

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and four and one half (4 ½) years of experience supporting computer applications in a school, BOCES, or an office setting;

OR

• A satisfactory equivalent combination of training and experience.

Individual must possess comprehensive knowledge and understanding of computer software applications, their functionality and capabilities; comprehensive understanding, knowledge, and intuitiveness related to the varied needs of the Computer Services Center’s customers; Seasoned and astute customer support skills; thorough knowledge of the technological infrastructure and its respective relationship between workstation, internet, hosted server, and report server; possess a mastery skill level with the applications report writer tool and query building tool; good presentation and training skills in both a group and one-on-one setting; ability to resolve complex issues and requests; the ability to direct support team members through guidance, training and support.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST TRAINEE

This is a trainee position responsible for learning the operations and aspects of a Computer Applications Specialist while participating in a 52-week intensive, on-the-job training program. The incumbent will learn and become progressively responsible for all phases of the Computer Applications Specialist position.

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.