New Life Centers provides intensive, community-based mentoring programs for youth and their families in the Little Village, Humboldt Park, Pilsen and Brighton Park communities of Chicago. The target demographics of NLC are gang-affiliated youth, youth on probation, and at-risk youth referred to NLC by local schools and community agencies. Serving these populations allows NLC to holistically engage both violence prevention and intervention in response to community needs. We seek to reduce youth contact with the justice system, promote safety, and empower young people to become community-builders and peacemakers. Our holistic program model enables us to fulfill our Mission and Vision: Young people and their families connecting with Christ and Community through restorative justice, safe spaces and life-on-life relationships to create the Beloved Community together.

Position Summary

The IT Support Specialist is full-time, 40 hours per week (non-exempt, benefits available) and will take place at our NLC locations. Locations are primarily Little Village, Humboldt Park, Pilsen, and Midway. The IT Support Specialist (ITSS) is responsible for the overall planning, coordinating, and execution of all IT functions at the New Life Centers locations. The ITSS will align technology information with the strategic direction of the organization. This includes directing all IT operations to meet employee/participant needs, troubleshooting the support and maintenance of existing applications, and the development and coordination of new technical solutions. The ITSS will also work with technology partners and/or contractors to coordinate IT services at any of our Chicagoland locations. May require some local travel (reimbursable). Pay commensurate with experience. This position is in-person.

Job Responsibilities

• Communicates with Supervisor and staff to ensure any safety issues or concerns concerning IT are addressed immediately.
• Procures cost-effective materials and supplies.
• Manages time wisely to complete assigned projects.
• Monitors and updates Operations team on progress of IT projects.
• Recommends and plans information technology solutions to support and meet New Life objectives based on research and evaluation.
• Directs the implementation and execution of new/upgraded information systems via well-defined plans including procedures, deadlines, and accountability.
• Responsible for the development and training of IT related components of NLC services with NLC staff.
• Develop and maintain a New Life IT disaster recovery plan.
• Administer the IT department’s expense budget, within budgetary guidelines to contribute to cost-effective operation of the organization.
• Add and maintain users on the network including assigning application access, ensuring security, and maintaining their configurations within standards.
• Maintain user computers, servers, email systems and backups, internet connectivity, and network cable installation/planning.
• Assist in providing computer/network support relating to software and hardware problems reported by users including responding to user questions/issues, suggesting and implementing software solutions, providing consultation for sound/video, and providing network copier/printer support.
• Maintain an adequate level of knowledge of operating system and application software being used to provide support to users.
• Monitor and evaluate efficiency of software/hardware usage, providing items to be covered in training of users, making them more efficient.
• Procurement and installation of equipment, hardware and software for user devices, network, and coordinating assistance from third parties when necessary.
• Manage projects assigned to outside IT consultants when necessary.
• Research and refer outside IT consultants when necessary.
• Provide backend support for websites when needed.
• Manage web developers and other web support services when necessary.
• Support the Communications Team on website and collaboration tools.
• Make purchases and negotiate leases for equipment including computers, software licenses, copiers, and printers.
• Participate in team meetings to determine information needs, establish project priorities, and assist with the resolution of computer networking problems.
• Procure, monitor, and assign software licenses.
• Prepare monthly reports regarding activities, systems problems, Tech. support calls, and utilization.
• Coordinate and monitor an effective staff technology safety plan.
• Participates in required evaluations and audits when necessary.
• Demonstrates New Life Centers’ values.
• Attends required meetings and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must become a Certified Mandated Reporter. Training provided.
• Must pass a background check, must not have any pending cases.
• Must pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System background check.
• Must pass a National Sex Offender Registry background check.
• Must have a working phone and phone number.
• One year of experience working in IT.
• Degree in Computer Science and/or equivalent certifications such as A Certification, MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Admin).
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
• Must be willing to be trained, and proficiently utilize Microsoft 365 and other information tracking systems relevant to duties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license. Ability to travel to different sites as needed. Subject to driving background check.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials

• Cover letter indicating your experience and interest in the position
• Resume
• List of three references with contact information (minimum 2 professional references, email and phone number included)
• Please mention the name of any New Life Centers staff who referred the position to you if applicable.

New Life Centers provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. New Life Centers complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.