Technology Hub Specialist (STEAM Program Specialist)

Chicago Youth Centers seeks a Full Time Technology (Tech) Hub Specialist for the (OST) out-of-school-time program at Calumet Heights Center, located at 9207 South Phillips, Chicago, IL. The work hours are 10:00 am-6:00 pm.

Under the general supervision of the Center Director, the Technology (Tech) Hub Specialist assists elementary, middle, and high school youth, parents, and community partners in using the lab's computers, resources, and other technology. In addition to students, a focus on adults will be integrated into the center's daily activities. This position requires a high level of teamwork, responsibility, communication, capacity for youth mentorship, customer focus, and the ability to interact with youth positively and appropriately, adults, and the public.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and maintain a supportive environment that is conducive to skill development and adolescent development based on your interests supported by peer and intergenerational collaboration.
• Prepares Technology Lab including setup, cleanup, and inventory of CYC equipment.
• Recruits for and promote workshops and CYC happenings, act as a mentor and guide for the use utilization of equipment in the Tech Lab.
• Operates and inventories a variety of site-specific equipment including but not limited to desktop and laptop computers (PCs), printers, cameras, 3D printers, and vinyl cutters.
• Instruct/assists in the instruction of classes on a variety of technology-related subjects including but not limited to digital media, or technology.
• Provides participants with regular opportunities to showcase work both through CYC and through other opportunities and venues.
• Assures that CYC participants understand options & career paths in Technology related fields.
• Identifies and encourages CYC participants that show passion for Technology, offering or referring to special program opportunities.
• Creates opportunities for youth to collaborate creatively and showcase their success locally, nationally, and globally.
• Assures that CYC youth participants understand options & career paths in technology-related fields.
• Administers assessments and collects feedback from students, including evaluating and reporting on students' progress regularly according to CYC reporting standards
• Performs basic and routine technical maintenance when needed and contributes to the daily record and statistics keeping.
• Manages the care, maintenance, troubleshooting, inventory, and checkout of equipment and operates as a desk attendant, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree required, with a preference for a degree in a relevant field.
• Skills with technology, art, craft, engineering, music, science, green design, and other Maker themes OR curiosity and commitment to quickly develop such skills.
• As a learning and creation space (for digital media, making, and STEAM), a background and skill level with one or more of these disciplines is important.
• Experience teaching in an educational or youth development setting; specifically through project-based learning
• Experience working successfully with school-age, high-school-aged students and/or adult participants;
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the needs of at-risk youth and families.
• Valid driver's license in Illinois or state of residency; acceptable Motor Vehicle Record
• Job experience and/or coursework in computer technology, digital media, or multimedia, a S.T.E.A.M. discipline, hardware or software applications and troubleshooting, Internet research, teaching, or training.
• Commitment and ability to learn and use newly installed equipment.
• Experience with standard software and applications as tools and program resources; (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Suites, virtual platforms, or other programs)
• Ability to operate a variety of site-specific equipment including but not limited to desktop and laptop computers printers, tablets, maker equipment, and tools including 3D printers, vinyl cutters, etc.
• Operational knowledge of digital fabrication equipment (e.g. 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers), including demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to use the technology associated with the Maker Space program.