Academic Pool Learning Specialist

Learning Specialist

Location:

Robey Center for Student Success

Department:
Student Success

Supervisor

Title:

Dean of Student Success and Disability Services Coordinator

Division:
Academic Affairs

FLSA Classification:
Exempt

Job Grade: TBD

Position Type/Level: Professional

JOB SUMMARY:

The Learning Specialist supports student success by providing comprehensive academic, personal, and developmental guidance throughout a student's college journey. This role combines academic mentoring, advising, life coaching, and advocacy to help students build effective learning strategies, strengthen executive function and study skills, and foster independence. The Learning Specialist serves as a consistent point of support for students, meeting regularly in one-on-one and group learning settings, to promote persistence, resilience, and growth.

This role also emphasizes guiding students through the transition to greater independence by scaffolding skills in self-management, decision-making, and goal setting. Accurate documentation, recordkeeping, and communication with relevant stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, and families, are integral to the position. Above all, the Learning Specialist models care, accountability, and collaboration, creating an environment where students are empowered to succeed academically, socially, and personally.

• Educational & Developmental Mentor
  • Monitor students' academic performance and assist them in developing compensatory strategies as well as positive habits to improve in the areas of attendance, class participation, homework completion, use of supports/resources, and communication;
  • Model, scaffold, and/or monitor the initiation and completion of academic assignments during one-on-one sessions and Open Learning time;
  • Reinforce skills development in the areas of executive function (time management, organization, planning, etc.), study (reading comprehension, note-taking, summarization, etc.), technology (digital and information literacy), critical thinking, and problem solving;
  • Identify and support students at risk of academic or social/campus difficulties early;
  • Plan and implement interventions to improve academic progress throughout the semester and after the mid-term grade analysis, ensuring all services, resources, and interventions are accessible to students;
  • Foster collaboration between different departments, utilizing the Triadic model to provide a seamless experience for students and address their academic, social, and campus needs comprehensively through coordinated efforts;
  • Utilize shared resources and information to avoid duplication of efforts and enhance efficiency; and
  • Individualize support and monitoring essential to the student's level (freshman/sophomore, junior/senior) as well as their needs and preferences.
• Academic Advisor
  • Clearly communicate advising policies and procedures to students;
  • Recommend resources (Student Portal, Catalog, etc.) to students to support their success;
  • Help students select a course of study appropriate to their interests and career goals, including assistance with the selection of developmental courses;
  • Assist students in developing a balanced academic plan;
  • Work with the Director of Advising to ensure that the degree/program sequence is followed; provide information to the Director of Advising as requested; and
  • Maintain effective internal communication (faculty, staff, students, and parents) ensuring timely responses to inquiries and feedback.
• Life Advisor
  • Help students resolve and manage conflicts, personal concerns, and life challenges;
  • Build students' ability to work effectively with others in a learning environment;
  • Help students develop skills for expressing ideas clearly and listening actively;
  • Regularly check in on students' well-being and provide resources for mental and physical health; and
  • Teach techniques for handling stress and anxiety related to learning.
• Transitioning to Independence
  • Employ scaffolding and fading techniques;
  • Engage students in planning for their future;
  • Assist students in defining clear and achievable academic and life goals;
  • Increase students' self-awareness and social and emotional intelligence;
  • Educate…