Digital Navigators (multiple positions) - Hamden Public Library
Positions Available:
• Coordinating Digital Navigator (1) - $28 per hour for 25 hours per week
• Digital Navigators (2) - $25 per hour for 19 hours per week
The Hamden Public Library is piloting a national program to improve
digital inclusion and to bridge the digital divide. This project is made
possible with funding from the American Recovery Plan Act through the
Institute for Museum and Library Services and is administered by the
Connecticut State Library. The project period runs through July 31,
2022.
Position Overview: The Digital Navigator
provides individualized or small group assistance to community members
who need affordable home internet service, affordable internet capable
devices, and/or coaching in introductory digital skills in order to
become effective internet users. This assistance is provided primarily
in person but could involve telephone support, email, text, video chat,
and other communication methods that work for the learner. This is a
teaching/coaching position first and foremost that will help to foster
greater participation in the digital world. As such, the ability to
understand and relate to individuals’ circumstances, and to guide novice
users is more important than having technical skills.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Receive, return or initiate telephone contact with clients seeking
assistance or identified by our partners or self-identifying through the
Library. Discuss with each client their home internet access or need
for home internet access, technology experiences and their devices.
Based on client’s access to technology, digital skill level,
connectivity needs, and internet use priorities, set goals with the
client that will increase their digital competency. When necessary,
counsel clients about free or affordable home internet service options
for which they may qualify, assist clients to apply for services they
choose, and support their efforts to secure service. When necessary,
counsel 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 to use their home internet services in order
to meet their internet use priorities. This may include both in person,
phone, and online interactions, as well as referral to sources of
additional digital literacy 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 goals.
Critical Skills and Aptitudes:
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. Excellent
self-organization, language capacity, and cultural competency.
Excellent telephone and online communication skills, including the
ability to establish trust with clients of varied educational and
cultural backgrounds. Ability to demonstrate positive attitude,
excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and a sense of
humor in working with diverse customers, coworkers, and community.
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. Additionally, it would be
beneficial if the navigator was bilingual [Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, or
Korean].
For the project coordinator, all the above attributes
apply as well as at least past experience in executing a social
services/outreach campaign and/or one year’s experience supervising staff.
To Apply: Send a completed application and resume to Melissa Canham-Clyne, Library Director, email mcanhamclyne@hamdenlibrary.org or mail/drop-off at Miller Memorial Library 2901 Dixwell Avenue - Hamden, CT 06518 by October 31, 2021.
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer. It is our
policy to recruit and hire qualified staff regardless of race, color,
religion, gender, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability,
and any other protected characteristic as established by law.
