Learning Specialist Academic Writing & Language

Socket.dev; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham College is seeking a Learning Specialist in Academic Writing & Language to support students through one-to-one tutoring, small group sessions, and workshops focused on academic writing and language skills. The role works with SALS and campus partners, delivering services in person or online, developing materials, and applying evidence-based teaching strategies to boost student success.

Travel between Oshawa and Whitby campuses is expected; a four-year degree with TESL certification and

Qualifications

• Minimum four-year degree in English, Communications, or related field.
• TESL Certification is required.
• A minimum of three years' post-secondary academic support or teaching experience.
• Experience teaching adult learners and delivering presentations.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group academic support in writing and language.
• Deliver SALS workshops and Start Strong program sessions.
• Develop materials and resources using evidence-based teaching strategies.
• Coordinate with DC faculty and ASC to align supports and enhance student success.
• Travel between Oshawa and Whitby campuses for on-site support.

Skills

Academic writing

Teaching adults

Student coaching

Digital literacy

Education

Four-year degree English/Communications

TESL Certification

BEd or MEd (asset)

Tools

Zoom

MS Teams

D2L

OneDrive

MS Office Suite

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Learning Specialist Academic Writing & Language

COMPETITION NO. SS26-51

AboutDurham College:

Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution thatsupports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing jobmarket. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, throughfield placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DCgrads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to theever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers awide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, includingculinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction andtrades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and communityservices, media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer145 programs – including six bachelor’s degrees and 11apprenticeship programs – tomore than 11,000 full-time post-secondary and nearly3,000 apprenticeship students. In addition, we have more than 16,000 studentregistrations in professional and part-time learning. More than 120,000 alumnirepresent the college, both locally and around the world.

DC hasan estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Regionand is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve bycontributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well‑beingthrough partnerships, investments and collaboration.

Position Information:

Full-time SupportStaff Position Opportunity
Payband: Band J;Starting Rate: $44.48; Four Year Rate: $51.40
Department: Student Academic Learning Services (SALS)
Hours: 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Mon – Fri (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)
Reporting To: Associate Director, SALS and Test Centre
Campus Location: Oshawa and Whitby
Vacancy Status:Existing vacancy

Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbentsupports students by providing one-to-one academic support, small grouptutorials, and workshops to current students to reinforce, clarify and supportcourse content, and learning strategies. The incumbent will have a subjectspecialty focus in academic writing and language support. Services may bedelivered in-person and/or through an online platform. The incumbent will workwith the academic Faculties, faculty and Access and Support Centre (ASC), amongothers, to actively communicate and align available SALS supports, anticipate studentneeds, and determine the supports that will enhance student success and improveretention. The incumbent works independently within, and as part of, a team toproblem solve in an unpredictable and fast-paced environment. They have thetechnical skills to monitor the SALS computer lab, and take initiative todevelop subject support materials on the college Learning Management System(LMS). In addition, the incumbent will propose and lead new projects asdetermined by need and innovation, and may be requested to perform other dutiesthat support the team and the department. The incumbent may coach students tosupport academic success and program progression by developing learning successplans in collaboration with the student and other supports on campus. Theincumbent will have a working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, FIPPAand Institutional policies, and possess a collaborative support philosophy andthe ability to apply evidence-based teaching and learning strategies whenworking with students. In addition, they will:

• Assess individual student needs and provide academic support as required in subject specific areas to support course materials/learning (e.g. academic writing).
  
• Deliver small group tutorials and workshops on subject-specific topics and study/learning skills using techniques grounded in metacognition and the science of learning.
  
• Use collaborative coaching techniques and evidence-based strategies to advise students in planning academic or course goals, setting timelines and preparing an action plan for how they will achieve their own academic success.
  
• Deliver SALS workshops in the Start Strong program, during SALS Essentials, and as required throughout the year as requested by management/administration.
  
• Recruit and train volunteers, work study and placement students in SALS as required or requested by management.
  
• Market SALS services by developing and delivering academic Faculty and class orientations, and liaising with faculty, the Student Development Office and the ASC.
  
• Track and log appointment, tutorial and workshop statistics in Banner.
  
• Obtain student consent, as required and appropriate, for communication with ASC, faculty, Health Centre, and Student Advisors to collaborate on academic supports for student success plans.
  
• Develop, update, and maintain SALS webpage and SALS Online module(s) using principles of UDL, EDI, metacognition and the science of learning.
  
• Use teaching technology (e.g. iPads, digital writing tablets, laptops), apps and/or software/online platforms (e.g. Zoom, MS Teams, D2L, OneDrive) and creation software (e.g. MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud).
  
• Work with students to develop and review individual, outcomes-based learning plans grounded in evidence-based strategies.
  
• Research, create and update resources in a variety of formats (e.g. workshops, tip sheets, user guides, and other resources).
  
• Liaise with DC faculty, program coordinators, and student advisors to determine and develop plan(s) to address student learning strategies needs in the areas of academic writing and language support to reinforce course content/subject matter and/or effective discipline specific learning strategies.
  
• Propose, plan and lead new initiatives and/or projects to support student academic success.
  
• Participate in campus events (e.g. Open House) and on-campus committees as interested or requested.
  

• Support the SALS team assisting with or completing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a four-year degree in English, Communications, or a related field is required. A BEd. or MEd. would be considered an asset.
  
• TESL Certification is required.
  
• A minimum of three (3) years work experience providing academic support in a post-secondary environment or teaching is required.
  
• Demonstrated proficiency in academic writing.
  
• Must have experience teaching or working with adult learners and speaking to large and small groups.
  
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing presentations and digital learning resources; knowledge of evidence-based teaching and learning strategies, the science of learning, and metacognitive practices.
  
• Student-focused and able to guide and foster self-directed learning and study strategies.
  
• Knowledge of current coaching practices, learning strategy implementation and industry/field experience in the subject area would be considered assets.
  
• Travel between Oshawa and Whitby campuses is required.

Contact Us

T:905.721.2000 [e-mail]
C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON

Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.