Applications Specialist, 2026-27

The Application Support Specialist serves as the district's primary point of contact for all curriculum-supported digital resources. This role is responsible for ensuring that staff and students can reliably access instructional applications by managing configuration, integration, and user provisioning within the district's digital resource portal (currently ClassLink). The specialist adds, configures, maintains, and retires digital resources in alignment with district needs and instructional priorities. Additionally, this position collaborates directly with vendors to troubleshoot issues, resolve integration problems, and ensure secure, compliant data flows between district systems and third-party platforms. Through strong technical expertise and clear communication, the Application Support Specialist plays a critical role in supporting effective digital learning across the district., * Learn, maintain, and support all curriculum-approved digital instructional resources used throughout the district.

• Manage and monitor data integrations between district systems and digital resources using platforms such as ClassLink/OneRoster, Clever, and vendor-specific administrative consoles.
• Configure, support, and troubleshoot Single Sign-On (SSO) integrations, including SAML, LTI, OpenID, and OAuth2.
• Add, assign, and manage digital resources within ClassLink, ensuring accurate user access and appropriate group provisioning.
• Conduct annual audits to identify outdated or unused applications, and deactivate or archive them as appropriate.
• Serve as the primary support contact for the district's communication platform, including managing nightly attendance notifications and nutrition services low-balance alerts.
• Develop and deliver training, documentation, and guidance for district staff on supported digital resources.
• Visit school sites to collaborate with technicians and educators, providing hands-on support and troubleshooting for curriculum-related applications.
• Assist CPS families by resetting guardian accounts and providing support for parent/guardian login issues.
• May oversee the creation, provisioning, and ongoing maintenance of all CPS staff, student, and parent accounts within district-approved identity platforms (currently Microsoft Active Directory and Entra).
• May develop processes, scripts, and procedures that improve the accuracy, effectiveness, and efficiency of data integration between district systems.
• Identify, analyze, and correct data errors within Active Directory/Entra datasets and other related data sources.
• Read, understand, and write technical processes and scripts using multiple programming and scripting languages such as SQL, PowerShell, Python, C#, PHP, and HTML.
• Support the implementation and daily use of online payment system across the district.
• Act as the district's main point of contact for most digital curriculum vendors, including submitting and managing support tickets.
• Provide technical phone assistance as a backup to Help Desk Support staff during peak periods.

Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent. Education and/or work experience in software/application support. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Experience troubleshooting software and hardware issues, with a basic understanding of networking, firewalls, and filtering. Strong writing and documentation skills, with the ability to work independently and take initiative. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with both technical staff and end users of varying technical proficiency.

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or a combination of education and five years of relevant work experience. Prior experience or familiarity with educational technology platforms such as ClassLink, Clever, JAMF, and Google Workspace for Education. Experience managing user access and provisioning within digital resource portals. Knowledge of data integration standards and protocols for educational applications.

Ideal Candidate: Demonstrated experience administering and supporting K-12 digital instructional resources, including ClassLink and Clever. Experience configuring and supporting Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols and identity providers (IdPs), including SAML, LTI, OpenID, or OAuth2. Proven ability to troubleshoot complex integration and access issues between district systems and third-party educational platforms. Experience developing training materials and providing technical guidance to educators and staff.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Language: Read and interpret documents such as instructions and procedure manuals; Write simple reports and correspondence; Speak and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically with colleagues, athletic staff, administration, and students.

Computation: Perform basic mathematical functions such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing

Reasoning: Interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Solve problems when such problems have a variety of concrete variables.

Technology: Use computers and mobile devices to access ticketing systems, inventory systems, network management tools, and standard office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, email). Learn new systems, software, and tools used for network, telephone, and infrastructure support.

Other Skills and Abilities: Work closely with a variety of staff members and demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills; Safeguard confidential information.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position an employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; The employee is frequently required to move about and use fingers and controls; The employee is occasionally required to reach, bend, and lift and carry up to fifty pounds; Close vision ability to look at a computer screen for long periods of time is required.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.