Service Desk Specialist, Entry Level - University of Chicago : Job Details

DepartmentF&A ITS - Help DeskAbout the DepartmentThe University of Chicago's IT Services Department is an integral component of the institution, driving technological innovation and services. As a dynamic team of professionals, we continually strive for excellence in supporting the university's mission through advanced IT solutions and a strong commitment to improving employee relations, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and aligning with the University's strategic goals.Job SummaryThe Service Desk Support Specialist, reporting to service desk management, offers Tier 1 support as the initial point of contact for IT issues within the University community. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance via phone, live chat, walk-up, email, and web submissions. Duties encompass addressing a range of issues such as email accounts, connectivity, operating system glitches, spyware/virus removal, and support for enterprise applications and desktop software packages. Additionally, the role involves crafting support documentation for common issues and updating the IT Services Knowledge Base. The Specialist tracks issues to resolution, updates internal knowledge bases, communicates findings with leadership, and follows escalation workflows as needed, ensuring efficient problem resolution and service delivery.Responsibilities* Provides a high level of customer service focused technical support over the phone, via email, over chat and other communication mediums identified.* Performs timely, courteous and polite customer interactions.* High level problem-solving skills to resolve issues and problems, answer questions and concerns, and determine ways to eliminate these issues in the future.* Technical knowledge of desktop hardware and software, network connectivity, application questions about installation, application compatibility, and specific hardware and software related queries.* Appropriately documents all interactions to capture accurate history of events to help minimize future issues.* Reviews current knowledgebase documentation for updates and suggests updates.* Becomes proficient in the understanding of University process, policy, and operations developing positive professional relationships with co-workers and service owners.* Assists with onboarding and operationalizing new technical products and services to ensure the proper level of service is available moving forward.* Refines and develops first tier troubleshooting scripts.* Reviews industry trade literature and makes recommendations for new products and services.* Tracks issues to resolution updating the internal knowledgebase and/or communicating findings with relevant business units. Follows workflows for escalations when escalating problems to appropriate support groups through the IT service management system. Escalates more involved incidents to the appropriate service owner or problem manager. Combines related incidents that have become problems and address or escalate those holistically.* Updates daily status reports and shift handover reports. Acts as a liaison between customers and technical escalation teams by coordinating installation and maintenance services. Maintains communications with customers during the problem resolution process. Provides a single view to the organization for information technology related questions, requests, and problems. Follows proper standard operating procedures.* Performs other related work as needed.Minimum QualificationsEducation:Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).* --Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.* --Certifications:* --Preferred QualificationsEducation:* Associates degree or higher in a related technical area.Experience:* A minimum of 2 years experience with IT customer support within a research or academic environment.* A minimum of 2 years of end user support experience in resolving issues and providing a high level of customer service.Technical Skills or Knowledge:* Familiarity with network connectivity* Understanding of PC/Mac software, operating systems and applications, networks, and hardware.* Understanding of Microsoft Office Suite, email clients, and browsers.* Fundamental understanding of hardware and software installation and troubleshooting in a desktop computing environment.Preferred Competencies* Maintain strictest confidentiality when working with sensitive information.* Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills.* Listen to client concerns, demonstrate client empathy, and remain humble during client interactions.* Demonstrate initiative in the resolution of problems.* Effective time management skills.* Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on detail and follow-through.* Excellent listening skills with the ability to empathize and focus on client service.* Communicate technical information to a non-technical audience in a clear and coherent manner.Working Conditions* Standard office environment.Application Documents* Resume/CV (required)* Cover Letter (required)When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.Job FamilyInformation TechnologyRole ImpactIndividual ContributorFLSA StatusNon-ExemptPay FrequencyBiweeklyScheduled Weekly Hours40Benefits EligibleYesDrug Test RequiredNoHealth Screen RequiredNoMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNoPosting StatementThe University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-###-#### or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.