Learning Specialist

EXPIRED

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate AD – Academic Success, is responsible for administering and implementing programs and services designed to meet the needs of student-athletes diagnosed with specific learning disabilities and/or considered to be at risk academically. Also develops and implements academic support services for student-athletes in assigned sports, to include advising and counseling student-athletes on academic, and athletic eligibility matters. Works to enhance and nurture the relationship between the Academic Success program and the student-athletes, coaches, and faculty.

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate AD – Academic Success, is responsible for administering and implementing programs and services designed to meet the needs of student-athletes diagnosed with specific learning disabilities and/or considered to be at risk academically. Also develops and implements academic support services for student-athletes in assigned sports, to include advising and counseling student-athletes on academic, and athletic eligibility matters. Works to enhance and nurture the relationship between the Academic Success program and the student-athletes, coaches, and faculty.

Essential Functions

• Develops individualized learning profiles and educational development. Plans, monitors, and tracks the academic progress for at-risk student-athletes.
• Works with individual and groups of student athletes to teach and develop successful academic skills in the areas of reading, writing, organization, time management, testing and learning strategies and other general study skill areas.
• Reviews background information and current academic performance of referred student-athletes and determines if specialized assistance is needed; conducts initial assessments and coordinates educational testing for learning disabilities of incoming student-athletes.
• Responsible for the day-to-day oversight and management of the athletics department's tutoring program including assessing the academic needs of the student-athlete population to maintain appropriate tutor availability and subject area coverage.
• Reviews and discusses recommendations with students and monitors the utilization of academic accommodations for eligible students.
• Coordinates the recruitment, training, continued education, and evaluation of learning support services program staff and tutoring support.
• Serves as liaison to Disabilities Services.
• Coordinates student-athlete progress toward receiving a degree; works with the student-athlete’s academic advisor, academic department, Registrar’s Office, FAR, and the student-athlete.
• Oversees academic eligibility for each student-athlete on teams as assigned. Regularly meets with and updates coaches on the academic progress of team members.
• Develops, implements and oversees programs and ensures compliance with all University, Atlantic 10, Hockey East, CAA and NCAA rules and regulations governing the intercollegiate athletics operations; regularly assesses, reviews, and updates applicable policies and procedures.
• In all settings and in all situations, serves as a positive ambassador for UMass Athletics and UMass in general. Effuses positivity and grows affinity for all things UMass.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate Athletic Director for Academic Success.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in counseling, education or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics academic support services.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in counseling, education or related field.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment activity.

Work Schedule

• Monday- Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
• Evenings and weekends may be required depending on the demands of the position.

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.