Digital Learning Lab Assistant

Portland Public Schools

Job Title: Digital Learning Lab Assistant 

Pay Plan: Non-Rep, hourly   Grade: 12   Months: 12;  Grant Funded Position
Remote Eligible: No

Dept: Portland Adult Education  

Reports to: Learning Lab Coordinator and HiSET Coach

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION:  

With a commitment to equitable learning and community engagement, Portland Adult Education (PAE) provides a diverse range of programs to help adults achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals. As the largest adult education provider in Maine, we serve 2,000 adult learners annually through our Academic and Workforce programs, and another 1,000 adults a year through our Enrichment programs. To learn more about PAE’s work and impact, visit portlandadulted.org.

As a team member at PAE, you will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of educators and administrators, and to make a positive impact on the lives of adult learners from all walks of life. Apply today and join a vibrant team dedicated to creating meaningful and transformative learning experiences. 

The English and Digital Literacy (EDL) Lab Assistant is a 40 hour a week onsite position. The Lab Assistant will be responsible for the day to day running of the EDL Lab. The work of the assistant falls into the categories of student support, volunteer management and equipment management.  The Lab Assistant will support students, including those who are multilingual, and have a range of digital literacy skills from emerging to advanced.  

The EDL Lab Assistant position is a 1.5-year grant funded position.  Work hours include traditional work week hours, some evenings and may include weekends. The EDL Lab Assistant will work closely with the Program Coordinator to expand the lab capacity by working with and training a group of student-peer volunteers, collect and manage EDL Lab user data and to create a dynamic learning environment that responds to both student needs and PAE course requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Support

• Create a positive, welcoming environment for all in the PAE community

• Provide support for PAE students using digital tools to study for courses, certifications, digital skill building and HiSET

• Oversee the day to day function of the lab including:

  • Greeting students and using established check in procedures

  • Work actively with students during their lab visit by providing English language, digital literacy support and by directing students to digital tools that meet their learning goals. 

  • Confirming students follow check out procedures

• Provide students with orientation to digital tools as well as ongoing assistance

• Connect students to PAE resources including Workforce, New Mainers Resource Center, Course and Workshop opportunities

• Provide motivational communications to EDL Lab users to encourage retention and to support student learning goals using WhatsApp or other platforms

• Collaborate with Program Coordinator to maintain a responsive and innovative environment that meets the needs of PAE students

• Collect and maintain student data using MaineStars, TimeStation, and Google Sheets

• Support ongoing student device distributions as needed

• Other duties as assigned

Volunteer Management

• Work with Program Coordinator to recruit and train volunteers

• Manage the day to day schedule of volunteers

Equipment

• Clean/Organize lab devices to ensure student safety and to protect equipment

• Store devices after student use

• Communicate with Program Coordinator about equipment needs

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Multilingual with proficiencies in any of the following in addition to English: Portuguese, French, Arabic, Spanish or Somali 

• Ability and skill to understand and value students’ concerns and educational needs 

• Ability to guide students with low digital literacy 

• Ability to research student learning tools 

• Experience with data collection 

• Ability to offer problem-solving techniques and to think creatively to improve the program 

• Ability to problem solve and provide basic tech support 

• Customer service experience 

• High level of digital skills and problem solving with a variety of tools including: Google Tools, and a comfort with a variety of devices and OS including: laptops, tablets, Chromebooks, phones and Apple/Android 

• Ability to multitask 

• Excellent verbal, email and text communication skills 

• Self-starter 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Authorization to work in the U.S. (required by time of application)

• Experience working with adults from diverse socioeconomic and linguistic backgrounds 

• Relevant customer service or educational coaching experience 

• Training in Google Suite or other online learning tools for digital skill building and language learning preferred

CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: 

• Criminal History Records Check (CHRC)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Light physical effort may be required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Required to attend school meetings, programs and activities outside the instructional day as needed

• Work is onsite at 14 Locust Street in Portland, ME.  Hours may include evening and/or weekend work.

OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter and resume through the linked portal.

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.