Role
The primary function of this position is to assist schools in using new technologies to support instruction and assessment. The position will also be responsible for supporting all staff and students with the use and care of technology for their location. The User Support Specialist (USS) will be responsible for maintaining an accurate inventory of all technology at the school and in use by school staff and students. Reporting to the Technology Support Specialist (TS2) assigned to their feeder system, this position falls under the Department of Technology Infrastructure’s, Technical Support division.
Essential Functions
Maintains School-based Classroom and Instructional Technologies

• Provides “first level” support within the building for administrative, instructional, computer systems and peripherals.
• Primary contact within the building for technology related systems.
• Maintains lab and requests supplies for computers and other peripheral devices from the annex or appropriate vendor.
• Assists with the distribution and collection of staff and student devices.
• Serves as a resource regarding content of software on the network.
• Schedules and keeps a log of teacher and student use of computer labs to support school and county improvement goals.
• Provides timely and accurate troubleshooting of problems with system standard hardware platforms and software applications.
• Provides students and staff with software, hardware, and peripheral orientations as needed.
• Manages computer lab to provide on-going technical support.
• Manages the work order system for assigned school.

Supports the school computer networks

• Provides in-service on accessing the computer network and available resources.
• Provides teachers with instructions to locate support materials to facilitate their effective use of new hardware, software, and peripherals.
• Maintains user records in the inventory management system.
• Updates instructional and management software.
• Maintains a complete, accurate and up-to-date inventory of all technology equipment and peripherals for their assigned location.
• Teaches staff how to access software from various file servers.
• Supports a multi-level access password system to facilitate appropriate use of the network and prohibit inappropriate access.
• Maintains network management software to support multiple operating systems.
• Provides technical support to all staff accessing networks outside the school building, if applicable.
• Works to ensure system integrity and confidentiality.
• Provides first level support for network connectivity, wireless and VOIP telephones.

Provides software support and conducts staff development training.

• Performs software and hardware updates/upgrades as instructed by Department of Technology Infrastructure.
• Coordinates databases of licensed software with the Department of Technology Infrastructure.
• Works with the School Improvement Team to assist in developing a meaningful plan for the integration of technologies to support Essential Curriculum goals. May chair a subcommittee on school technology.
• Works with staff to develop the necessary skills to actively participate in various forms of communication such as e-mail, the Internet, etc.
• Provides basic support to staff using telecommunications hardware and software to access the many resources available to educators.

Other Functions

• Attends FCPS workshops and seminars as needed to update skills related to providing leadership for instructional applications of new technologies and improving technical skills.
• Provides preventive maintenance and coordinates computer repairs with the Department of Technology Infrastructure and maintains a database of service rendered.
• Conducts a yearly inventory of technology property (hardware and software) in the school and maintains a database of serial numbers with appropriate dates for warranty purposes.
• Collects and forwards data as required by Department of Technology Infrastructure.
• Provides training and technical support for the Distance Learning Classroom, if applicable.
• Willingness to stay current with developments in technology.
• Assists other schools in their feeder system and beyond as called upon in special situations.
• Performs other duties as required by Department of Technology Infrastructure.

Required Qualifications

• Two years successful experience supporting users with current Microsoft Windows operating system
• Knowledge and use of culturally responsive practices.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with database, communications, spreadsheet, and word processing software.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to lift at least 35 lbs.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to spend long hours sitting.
• Ability to travel to school and other local locations, sometimes with little notice.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to grasp, handle, manipulate, and/or feel objects and use office technology.
• Sufficient mobility to move about the work area.
• Sufficient vision to read and comprehend printed materials, see distant objects with clarity, and identify and distinguish objects.
• Sufficient hearing to hear and comprehend conversations in person and on the telephone, as well as distinguish sounds up to twenty (20) feet.
• Occasionally climb or balance.
• Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Work Environment
Moderate noise (examples: office environment with computers, printers, and telephones; regular conversations within offices, classrooms, cubicles, hallways, and conference rooms; meetings one-on-one, in small groups, and large settings, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree in a technology related field (such as computer science or office technology).
• A certification
• Familiarity with both Windows and Macintosh hardware and operating systems.
• Two years of successful experience in the administration of a computer network environment and related hardware in a similar setting.
• One-year successful experience in a technology support role.

FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN WRITTEN TO INDICATE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THIS POSITION. IT IS NOT WRITTEN TO INCLUDE OR BE INTERPRETED TO INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. NOTHING IN THIS DESCRIPTION RESTRICTS MANAGEMENT’S RIGHT TO ASSIGN OR REASSIGN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OR ADD REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME.