Give Russian Tech Help at Gresham Library

Do you always get asked by friends and family members to help with their tech issues - and love it? Are you fluent in Russian and English? Share your tech skills with library patrons who need help with mobile devices, websites, downloading, e-readers, getting started with tech, and more. Tech Help sessions involve working with people one-on-one. Empower patrons by improving their computer skills and their access to information. This is a teaching position; volunteers help the patron find information about using their mobile device or computer and talk them through the steps. The patron will then navigate through the steps themselves.

Time commitment: One weekly shift for a minimum of 6 months

Available shifts: Thursdays 1:00 - 3:00 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
• Help people use the library catalog and other library electronic resources
• Please note, we do not perform repairs or troubleshoot equipment problems or failures

Skills & Qualifications

• 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. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to volunteering.
• Ability to fluently speak and read Russian and English

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

• Tech Help shadowing
• Onsite orientation and training