Learning Strategist

Title: Learning Strategist

Executive Area: Student Affairs & Campus Life

College/School/MBU: Advocacy, Inclusion & Sup Prog

Department: Disability Services

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Academic Access, the Learning Strategist works with students with disabilities in 1‑1 or small group sessions providing coaching and mentoring techniques to facilitate self‑education and skill development specifically designed to meet each student’s individual needs.

• Meet students 1‑1 or in small groups to establish student‑directed goals.
• Practice student advocacy and communication skill development.
• Build habits and routines.
• Foster critical self‑reflection.
• Explore environmental factors that affect learning and development in higher education settings.
• Prepare individualized learning strategies using a disability‑informed, strengths‑based approach, including: neuro‑inclusive study skills, reading, and organizational techniques; individualized approaches to critically examine syllabi and assignments; teaching active learning strategies to develop metacognitive skills; implementing diverse approaches to information processing such as active reading, note‑taking, and the writing process; building essential communication strategies for self‑advocacy with faculty, staff, parents, etc.; encouraging adoption of methods and skill development in executive functioning, organizational techniques, and workload management;
  
  utilizing appropriate disability and social justice theories to inform interactions; modeling coaching and mentoring approaches for academics, disability identity, student development, and success.
• Manage a diverse caseload of UMASS students with a range of disabilities and accommodation requirements eligible for the Learning Specialist Program support as an approved accommodation.
• Work closely with students and Access Coordinators to address disability‑related barriers in academics and student life.
• During summer months: collaborate with academic departments and Student Success to form partnerships and plan initiatives for the next academic year; work with eligible students enrolled in summer courses and assist those with persistence and retention following withdrawal, in completes, and re‑entry.
• Evaluate and prioritize case management demands and make appropriate referrals to campus and community resources.
• Maintain current standards of practice and stay abreast of new and emerging issues and practices in the field.
• Keep careful, detailed records of all contacts and sessions.
• Understand and abide by FERPA, ADA, and university confidentiality standards.
• Support the general operation of Disability Services and promote broad disability awareness, access, and inclusivity.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships within the environment and campus community.

• Perform related duties as assigned or required, including Title IX, Clery, and compliance responsibilities.
• Demonstrate capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Maintain professional conduct regarding conflicts of interest and privacy.
• Contribute to a positive and respectful workplace and handle sensitive information responsibly.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three (3) years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the diverse social, cognitive, and educational needs and characteristics of individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of disability‑related learning and access issues in higher education settings.
• Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Fair Housing Act, and applicable laws.
• Understanding of accommodation requirements for full engagement in campus life.
• Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills.
• Proficiency with typical office suite software such as Microsoft Office, Teams, and web‑based data management systems.

• Experience in education, student affairs, human services, special education, disability studies, rehabilitation, social work, or counseling.

Ability to travel for job‑related purposes.

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment with minimal physical exertion.

Monday‑Friday 8:30 am‑5:00 pm; occasional nights and weekends required.

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Professional Staff Hiring Ranges available from university resources.