Gregory Heights Library: Spanish Bilingual Tech Help (age 18+)

Do you always get asked by friends and family members to help with their tech issues — and love it? Are you fluent in Spanish? Ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not required. Share your tech skills with library patrons who need help with mobile devices, websites, password and account management, e-readers, getting started with tech, and more. Tech Help sessions involve working with people one-on-one and using a variety of devices. Empower patrons by improving their technology skills and their access to information. 

Currently recruiting: Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213 

Time commitment: One weekly shift for a minimum of 6 months, starting in March

Available shifts: Thursdays 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Help people use the Internet and assist with their email accounts
  • Teach patron resources related to Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Home Office and other office productivity software
  • Assist patrons with learning about personal electronic devices like e-readers, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets and various applications
  • Highlight the impact of our program by tracking key statistics after each session
  • Please note, we do not perform repairs or troubleshoot equipment problems or failures

Skills & Qualifications

  • Ability to fluently speak and read Spanish preferred but not required
  • Enjoy teaching people new skills and problem-solving with others
  • Patience to work with novice computer/smartphone users
  • Proficient knowledge of basic computer & smartphone components, Internet, and email
  • Proficient knowledge of computer software & smartphone apps, or the desire to learn it
  • Ability to work independently
  • Enjoy working with people with diverse educational, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to work with older adults
  • Age 18 or older
  • Ability to pass a criminal record check if 18 years or older. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to volunteering.

Benefits

  • Feel that you are a making a difference in someone’s life
  • Empower people to use technology
  • Promote lifelong learning
  • Learn more about adult learning styles
  • Get frontline experience working with library patrons

Training

  • Virtual Tech Help training via Zoom
  • Shadowing session with another volunteer or staff
  • Site orientation at library location before volunteer shift begins