TOPS Academic Specialist 1 - Nisonger Center

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Job Title:

TOPS Academic Specialist 1 - Nisonger Center## Department:

Health Sciences | Nisonger Center The Ohio State University Nisonger Center’s Learning and Interpersonal Development Skills (LIDS) department seeks a student-centered, team-oriented candidate for the position of Academic Success & Enrichment Specialist. This in-person role is part of a vibrant team of student affairs, higher education, and social work professionals dedicated to supporting college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as other co-occurring conditions, as they transition from education to employment through the Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings (TOPS) program.

TOPS promotes student growth and success through a comprehensive range of services. The Academic Success & Enrichment Specialist supports students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in the TOPS workforce development certificate program.

This role supports a TOPS student’s academic coursework; in addition, recruits, selects, trains and oversees peer mentors. The Academic Success & Enrichment Specialist ensures students’ academic experiences align with their strengths, goals, and workforce outcomes. Key responsibilities include facilitate 1:1 structured advising and skill-building sessions; teach cohortbased workshops and independent study class; coordinate student accommodations and develop modifications for coursework; recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate peer mentors;

support adherence to TOPS academic policies and procedures; document and collect data to assess support needs and academic goal progress, and facilitate effective communication among students, faculty, and mentors to promote student success and engagement.

All TOPS staff contribute to program and departmental growth by participating in student and family recruitment and orientation activities. Additional responsibilities include attending community recruitment events for all LIDS programs, supporting local, regional, and national professional development efforts, and completing interviews, assessments and documentation with prospective TOPS students and their families. This role also includes coordinating, training, and supervising volunteers who support TOPS students related to social communication skills, connecting with campus and community service events, and student organizations.

Due to the nature of this position, evening and/or weekend availability is required for activities such as campus events, community engagement, professional development events, departmental presentations, and responding to email and text communication. Staff are expected to adhere to HIPAA, FERPA, and OSU/OSUMC requirements while upholding the program’s values of interdependency, supported decision-making, and self-determination.

Candidates may also have opportunities to engage in grant writing and funding initiatives, conference presentations, and research efforts, based on their interests. Education, lived experience, and/or experience in working with teens and/or young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other co-occurring conditions is desired. Bachelor’s degree in student affairs, social work, or other related social science field is preferred. It is preferred that the candidate also has experience in facilitating training for and overseeing groups of students.

Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills required.

Organizational Expectations
· Participate in student and family recruitment and orientation activities
· Attend community recruitment events for all LIDS programs
· Support local, regional, and national professional development efforts
· Complete interviews, assessments and documentation with prospective TOPS students and their families
· Coordinate, train, and supervise volunteers who support TOPS students.
· Evening and/or weekend availability is required for activities such as housing and residential life activities, community engagement, professional development events, departmental presentations, and responding to email and text communications
· Adhere to HIPAA, FERPA, and OSU/OSUMC requirements
· Uphold the…