TechNet Leader
Name of Organization: Associated Recreation Council, affiliated with Seattle Parks and Recreation
Job Location: RecTech Coalition Community Technology Center, located within Delridge, Garfield, Miller, Rainier, Rainier Beach, South Park and Southwest Community Centers
City: Seattle, WA
Metro Route Serving this Location: Delridge: 120, 125; Garfield: 2, 3, 4, 8, 48, 84; Miller: 8, 12, 43, 48; Rainier: 7, 9, 34, 39, 42, 48; Rainier Beach: 7, 9, 36, 42, 48, 106; South Park: 60, 131, 132, 134; Southwest: 21, 22, 85.
Number of Positions Available: Open (2 at each site)
Nature of Business or Organization
The TechNet Program will launch in September 2006 to provide computer-based recreational programming that supports the academic success of its participants. Students currently enrolled in the Seattle Public School District will participate in programming at seven Community Technology Centers (CTCs) in partnership with school-based Community Learning Centers (CLCs) managed by Seattle Parks and Recreation and YMCA of Greater Seattle.
TechNet is a program that will increase communication and coordination among teachers, neighborhood youth serving agencies, and parents in order to improve the academic achievement of SeattleÕs lowest performing middle and high school students. TechNet helps ensure there is a system of support Ð technological, academic, and social recreation Ð to support learning.
TechNet will adhere to improving the studentÕs academic performance by providing the following services:
- Integrating technology into ongoing, project-based learning opportunities for students;
- Providing fun, high interest recreational youth programming that academically aligns with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs); and
- Coordinating trainings for parents and neighborhood youth serving agencies on technology and its applications, including how to access student academic information online.
Our target population is primarily low income and refugee and immigrant children, many of whom regard their nearby Community Center staff as a second family, and the staff there as second teachers. These students are usually the lowest performing students in their class. For many youth our programs represent their primary resource for homework help, peer support and adult mentoring. Some of the youth we serve are on the brink of dropping out of school because they have to support families, or see no relevance in learning.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Attend staff orientation and training prior to placement
- Provide supervision and ensure the safety of program participants at all times
- Work collaboratively with AmeriCorps Members, Seattle Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers to plan a variety of youth activities
- Deliver and engage students in a wide range of project based learning activities, including homework assistance, two days a week between 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m. (Monday-Thursday only)
- Maintain accurate participant attendance, activity and sign-in and sign-out records
- Establish a comfortable learning environment and implement clear, consistent age-appropriate expectations and rules
- Model appropriate child development practices
- Uphold program policies and procedures and proper use of supplies and materials
- Maintain computer lab cleanliness and organization
- Maintain ongoing open communication with parents and day school teachers when appropriate
- Attend staff meetings, professional development workshops and program events
- Communicate with all staff, parents, children and community members in a polite and respectful manner so as to represent the program in a professional way
- Perform other duties as assigned by the TechNet Program Administrator
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be a student qualified for 2006-07 Work Study
- Must be able to pass a Washington State Background check (required under Revised Code of Washington to work with youth and/or "vulnerable adults")
- Must have a desire to work with middle and high school aged youth
- Must have the desire to work with a diverse clientele, including low income communities and people of color
- Must have excellent customer service skills
- Must have knowledge of basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Office
- Must have knowledge of basic PC computer hardware, such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and basic knowledge of a CPU (how to turn on, where to plug in monitor, keyboard, etc.)
- Must have a desire to use technology (computers, printers, digital cameras, projectors, multimedia equipment) to implement an after school curriculum
- Must have knowledge of middle and high school level core academic subjects, including math, English (reading and writing), science and basic research strategies
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in working with and motivating young people, particularly racially and culturally diverse, low-income, urban youth
- Experience serving as a role model for middle and high school aged youth
- Experience advancing multiple projects at the same time
- Ability to speak a language other than English
- Skilled at using MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
Educational Benefits
- Experience teaching a project-based curriculum to middle and high school youth
- Experience in SeattleÕs lowest income, most racially/ethnically diverse neighborhood
- Experience providing community programming
Additional Details
- Hourly Pay Rate: $12.50 to $14.00
- Period of Employment: Academic Year Only
- Hours Per Week: 15 during Academic Year
