Student Data Applications Support Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: Provide ESC-20 clients with software support and services for ASCENDER student applications.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES

Knowledge
• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university preferred.
• Two to three years of school/service center experience related to student data support required.
• Experience with school student accounting procedures and problems, especially in the areas of attendance, special education, scheduling, discipline and grade reporting.
• Understanding of PEIMS submissions and TSDS collections.
• Knowledge of state and federal rules and laws related to student applications provided by ESC-20.
• Knowledge of the ASCENDER student software applications and familiarity with its processes.

Skills/Abilities
• Excellent problem-solving skills and creativity associated with business data support.
• Excellence in training and presentation skills, including development of training materials.
• Proficiency with standard functions within electronic applications such as MS Office (e.g., word processing, electronic spreadsheets) and e-mail.
• Proficiency with computers (PCs and/or MACs) to include desktop management, file management and operations, and working in a network environment.

• Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.

PRODUCTS AND OUTCOMES
• Make decisions and develop a mechanism to provide software support and services to users of all ESC-20 student systems applications.
• Ensure requests for services and support are promptly handled and that proper output and information is provided.
• Ensure clients are aware of the services offered by the service center.
• Conduct workshops and user training on student applications at the service center, online, and/or at the local education agency (LEA)s (support sessions).
• Record and update the ESC-20 ticketing system with support details and time spent.
• Provide onboarding support for new LEAs.
• Ensure problems reported or requests for changes by users for special programming are understood and reported properly to the direct supervisor.
• Interpret client’s view of problems and communicate these to the Texas Computer Cooperative (TCC) using the TCC helpdesk application.
• Gather user requirements for modifications and enhancements to the student software system and provide to the TCC through the helpdesk application.
• In cooperation with the other team members and the direct supervisor, develop an annual calendar of processing and training dates.
• Participate in TCC user acceptance testing as appropriate.
• Serve as a resource to users in identifying file or data problems and suggest methods for corrective procedures.
• Ensure billing for special programming and other on-request services to clients is submitted in a timely manner.
• Ensure student system users are informed of system updates/enhancements.
• Continuously monitor the progress of client districts, identify problems encountered, and use problem-solving skills to determine the appropriate action for resolution.
• Read and interpret technical material and applicable state laws and rules.
• Provide detailed documentation for software support to clients.
• Test software prior to its release to clients to ensure accuracy and that changes are made that are advantageous for client use.
• Provide requested reports related to the review and evaluation of a client’s student data elements.
• Actively solicit user feedback.
• Submit recommended designs, modifications, and enhancements to direct supervisor.
• Offer professional assistance to other staff members when appropriate.

INITIATIVE
• Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a proactive approach to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the needs of the Center and clients served.
• Seek, participate, and engage in job-related learning and development experiences that provide professional growth.
• Remain current with industry standards, developments, and applicable laws/regulations; implement accordingly.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
• Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite barriers encountered.
• Perform duties with awareness of broader organizational impact, ensuring actions and decisions support department and organizational success.
• Promote and support continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Work under minimal supervision.

COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS
• Model the Principals of Public Service (Policy AD LOCAL).
• Communicate in a timely and effective manner, and interact professionally.
• Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular interaction to meet shared outcomes.
• Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Keep supervisors informed.
• Regularly handle and maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications and information at all times.

SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION OF STAFF
• None

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY
• Be aware of and follow Center guidelines of allowable costs when recommending use of public funds for expenditures for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer, peripherals, copy machine, phone, etc.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting/carrying (15–50 pounds).
• Environment: This role primarily operates in an in-person, dynamic office setting, characterized by frequent verbal communication, movement, and collaboration among team members (small to large in-person gatherings/meetings); exposure to low or intense illumination; exposure to office equipment noise; may work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent travel; and, occasional remote work (after pre-determined length of employment).
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Champion and model the Center’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Service Standards.
• Function within the policies and procedures of ESC-20.
• Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
• Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.
• Travel independently to fulfill responsibilities of the position.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, majority in-person/onsite.
• Serve at the will of the Executive Director.