Learning Specialist, Center for Student Accessibility

Manhattanville University; Purchase (NY); On-site; USD 42,619 - 60,700; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition remission

Job summary

Manhattanville University is seeking a Learning Specialist to provide personalized support for students with disabilities through the Valiant Launch Program. This part-time role requires working 20 to 29 hours a week, focusing on enhancing students' executive functioning and self-advocacy skills.

The ideal candidate should have a Master’s degree in Special Education and experience working with university students. A competitive hourly rate of $37.50 is offered along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience supporting students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide three to four hours of individual, in-person, customized services per week per student.
• Identify barriers and develop learning strategies with each student.
• Collaborate with the student and Learning Specialists for appropriate services.
• Encourage students to self-advocate and communicate with professors.
• Attend meetings and workshops provided by the Coordinators.

Skills

Experience working with university students with disabilities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent organization skills and attention to detail

Demonstrated ability to teach executive functioning skills

Ability to coach students in self-advocacy

Comfort using technology to support learning

Strong problem-solving skills

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field

Job description

Job Title: Learning Specialist

Department: Center for Student Accessibility

Reports to: Valiant Launch Coordinator

Effective Date: August 27, 2026

# of Direct Reports: 0

# of People Supported: All students (approximately 45) enrolled in the fee‑based learning support program.

The Center for Student Accessibility at Manhattanville University is seeking Learning Specialists to work 20 to 29 hours a week. Learning Specialists, through the Valiant Launch Program within the Center for Student Accessibility, partner with students with varying disabilities to support them in their efforts to successfully access the college curriculum, develop greater independence, and achieve their academic and personal goals. Using an individualized approach, Learning Specialists meaningfully engage with each assigned student for three to four hours weekly. Learning sessions focus on strengthening executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, planning, prioritizing, and studying, while simultaneously fostering self‑awareness and self‑advocacy. Course content is used as a springboard to help students develop effective learning strategies tailored to their individual strengths and needs. Self‑determination is central to this program, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and informed choices about their academics. Learning Specialists strive to create an inclusive, respectful environment that appreciates individual learning differences.

Learning Specialists will keep detailed and confidential records of each session with the student, noting progress toward Semester Academic goals and areas of concern.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide three to four hours of individual, in‑person, customized services per week per student that align with student’s learning strengths and needs and build student’s own executive functioning skills.
• Together, with the student, identify barriers and develop learning strategies to enhance students’ college‑level academic skills so that student begins to build their own “toolbox” of strategies that can be applied across disciplines.
• Use student’s own class assignments to create clear and documented “chunked” assignments per session to support student’s ability to keep up with coursework.
• Collaborate with the student, Launch Program Coordinator, Center for Student Accessibility Director, and other Learning Specialists to ensure students are receiving appropriate services and support.
• Encourage students to self‑advocate and communicate with professors in a timely manner to ensure all course expectations are met.
• Work with additional students as a substitute on an as‑needed basis.
• Cover a weekly shift of learning support drop‑in hours open to all students enrolled in the program.
• Provide students with information regarding other useful resources available on campus that will further equip students with ability to achieve academic goals.
• Attend and participate in meetings and workshops provided by the Launch Coordinator, Director, and/or Assistant Director.
• Maintain confidentiality in regard to student work, disability, and identity.
• Flexibility to pivot to remote learning if the campus is closed.
• Complete weekly reflection forms and support students as they complete student weekly reflection forms.
• On time completion of all paperwork, including time sheets.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Experience working with university students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of a variety of disabilities and how those disabilities can impact learning and adjustment in a university learning environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and reinforce executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, planning, prioritization, task initiation, and study strategies.
• Ability to coach students in self‑advocacy and self‑reflection while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Comfort using technology to support learning (learning management system and assistive technology).
• Commitment to supporting students without editing, drafting, or completing assignments for them.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and flexibility in adapting strategies based on student needs, strengths, and progress.
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and accountability.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field.

Experience:

• At least two years of experience supporting students with disabilities.

Salary:

• This is a non‑exempt position with an hourly rate of $37.50.

Hours Expectation:

• Part‑time, 29 hours or less per week. Hours depend on student enrollment and caseload.

Housing:

• Housing is not provided.

Benefits:

• Manhattanville University also offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including tuition remission. For more information regarding benefits, please visit our benefits page: Manhattanville Benefits.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of their employment.

Manhattanville University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes.