Student Data Applications Support Specialist

DeKalb Health; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

ESC-20 seeks a software support specialist to provide support and services for ASCENDER student applications to its client districts.

You will troubleshoot, train users, and ensure reliable operation of student data systems, while documenting issues and coordinating with partners such as LEAs and the Texas Computer Cooperative. A High School Diploma is required; a Bachelor's degree is preferred, with 2–3 years of school data support experience valued.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Data support experience

Attendance & reporting

PEIMS familiarity

TSDS collections

ASCENDER software

Regulatory knowledge

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

• Base Pay $5,859.00 - $6,591.00 / Month
• Relocation Expense Covered No
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Contact information

• Name Human Resource Services
• Phone [phone]
• Email [e-mail]

Description

JOB SUMMARY

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

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.

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.