AmeriCorps Digital Navigator

Only Apply Using Official AmeriCorps Website link:

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=123824

If you apply anywhere else, your application will not be received.

Overview

AmeriCorps Harbor Navigators Baltimore (HNB) Digital Navigators program is centered on increasing Baltimore City residents' level of access to vital tools and services through technology, including but not limited to city services, teleworking, telemedicine, education, and other information and services. Members serving as AmeriCorps Digital Navigators through AmeriCorps HNB will assist community members with various digital tasks, including basic functionality of digital devices, using online job applications, creating digital documents, navigating websites, managing accounts and passwords, setting up user logins, using email, understanding the workings of PCs, filling out digital forms, and operating basic software. Through tutoring and guidance sessions, AmeriCorps Digital Navigators will foster the digital skill development of individuals by showing and guiding rather than doing the tasks for them. They will also conduct skills training for small groups in sessions or classes to efficiently cover common topics with multiple participants. 

At the Digital Harbor Foundation, the AmeriCorps Digital Navigators will help learners secure affordable internet access, low-cost devices, and provide training and information on how to use different forms of technology. These Digital Navigators will be AmeriCorps members helping in Maryland’s mission of closing the digital divide.

Digital Harbor Foundation is dedicated to fostering learning, creativity, productivity, and community through education with a vision of digital equity for everyone. Driven by our sincere belief that access to opportunity is a basic right, we take bold yet practical actions to support making a better future now. Through a portfolio of projects focused on developing leadership within communities, we support those closest to challenges to take deliberate actions based in design thinking approach, backed by data analysis, grounded in a practice of collective impact, and driven by a commitment to racial equity.

Education and Position Qualifications 

• At least 17 years old at the start of service. 
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. Members must obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (45 CFR 2540.202): state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Very comfortable with technology and digital communication tools including text, voice, email, and video conferencing.
• Ability and desire to learn and teach basic technological concepts related to internet services, computer and device characteristics, online services, and applications.
• Ability to build trust with clients.
• Patient, compassionate, and supportive.
• Creative problem solver, and ability to negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
• Service-oriented, conducting itself in an approachable and professional manner.
• Ability to fill out and turn in on-time timecards, surveys, and other documentation. 
• Reliable transportation is needed.

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands: 

• Learners can become highly frustrated with technology, and AmeriCorps Digital Navigators must be able to deal effectively with this frustration.
• Some learners may require re-learning the same lesson or function of technology. Patience is incredibly important.
• An AmeriCorps Digital Navigator must be comfortable researching and quickly learning any technological problem that arises.
• Must be flexible, compassionate, and creative.
• Familiarity with and ability to learn new technologies is essential. 

Role and Responsibilities

• Initiate interactions with clients seeking assistance or ones identified by AmeriCorps Harbor Navigators Baltimore and Digital Harbor Foundations partner agencies for assistance.
• Discuss with each client their home internet access or need for home internet access, technology experiences, and their devices.
• Assess their access to technology, current digital skill level about what they need to accomplish the plan, connectivity needs, and internet use priorities.
• Set agreed goals for AmeriCorps Digital Navigator services. Confirm the details with the client.
• As beneficial, advise clients about free or affordable home internet service options for which they may qualify, assist clients in applying for services they choose, and support their efforts to secure service.
• As beneficial, advise clients about sources of affordable computers or other internet connected devices for which they may qualify, and support their efforts to acquire appropriate devices and where they can get help for repair.
• Coach clients, as necessary, on how to use their home internet services to meet their internet use priorities. This may include in-person, phone, and online interactions, as well as referrals to sources of additional digital skill training.
• Track each client’s progress and types of requests, keep accurate and timely records, and report outcomes as required.
• Plan and manage assistance to each client, with the goal of fulfilling the agreed objectives.
• Create resources (videos, handouts, etc.) that can be given to digital learners.
• Self-study and research in the use of technologies as needed.
• Visit other sites (senior centers, libraries, schools, etc.) to perform job tasks.
• Present services to classes and other institutions also catering to underserved communities.

Additional Notes

Term of Service / Time Commitment: This is a full-time national and community service position requiring, at minimum, a total of 1,200 hours during the year (approximately 30-40 hours per week). The position begins on October 28, 2024 and ends on August 14th, 2025.

Compensation & Benefits

• A living allowance of approximately $909.10 bi-weekly, for an approximate total of $20,000 for the term of service (1,200 total hours). Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• An education award of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of a full term of service.
• Healthcare coverage through Carefirst Bluechoice PPO or the most currently offered plan through Digital Harbor Foundation
• Access to career pathway programming that AmeriCorps Harbor Navigators Baltimore offers via a partnership with NPower’s Tech fundamentals program.
• Child Care assistance (must meet qualifications).
• Student loan forbearance.
• Non-tangible benefits, including making a difference in a community, being part of a dedicated service team, extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need.
• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.
   

Additional Public Benefits

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the following benefits are generally available for AmeriCorps members serving in the state of Maryland. Eligibility is subject to term type, program offering and individual financial situations. Learn more about common public benefits below or reach out to the Director of Americorps Services for more information. 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): The Food Assistance Program provides Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to buy groceries at supermarkets, grocery stores and some Farmers Markets. To qualify for food assistance participants must meet income guidelines, be a citizen or legal immigrant. If you have questions about applying for Food Assistance, please contact your local DHS office. SNAP application instructions are found on the Maryland Department of Human Services website under “assistance programs.” 
  • Who qualifies: Eligibility is based on meeting household income guidelines. Volunteer Maryland can provide you with a letter verifying that your living allowance does not count as income for the purposes of this program. If needed, please check with your program staff.
• Medicaid: Medicaid is a health insurance program that provides medically necessary health care coverage based on income. Medicaid application instructions can be found on the Maryland Department of Human Services website under “health care.”
  • Who qualifies: In addition to meeting certain income levels, you need to meet specific eligibility requirements to receive Medicaid coverage. The following are some of these general requirements: A child under the age of 21, a parent living with a child under the age of 18, a woman who is pregnant, a woman in need of treatment for breast or cervical cancer, a person who is elderly (age 65 or older), a person who is disabled according to Social Security standards, an adult between the ages of 19 and 64 and whose income is at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), a person who is a resident of Maryland and a U.S. citizen, and others may also qualify.
• Office of Home Energy Programs: OHEP is designed to assist low-income individuals and families meet the cost of home heating by providing a one-time payment to the heating utility. OHEP generally runs from November 1 to April 30 every year (households with elderly and/or disabled members may begin applying Oct. 1). OHEP can also provide a moratorium for the winter season, ensuring that heating sources will not be cut off during a potentially dangerous time of the year. 
  • Who qualifies: Assistance level depends on income level, family size, the type of fuel you use to heat your home, and other factors. Applications are accepted at the local community action outreach office. 
     

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Digital Harbor and AmeriCorps are equal opportunity employers.

Only Apply Using Official AmeriCorps Website link:

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=123824

If you apply anywhere else, your application will not be received.