Title: Learning Strategist
Executive Area: Student Affairs & Campus Life
College/School/MBU: Advocacy, Inclusion & Sup Prog
Department: Disability Services
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule:Full Time
Work Arrangement:Onsite
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Academic Access, the Learning Strategist works with students with disabilities in 1-1, or small group sessions providing coaching and mentoring techniques to facilitate self-education, and skill development that is specifically designed to meet the student's individual needs.
Essential Functions
Learning Strategist meets with students with disabilities in a 1:1 or small group session to:
- Establish student-directed goals.
- Practice student advocacy and communication skill development.
- Build habits and routines.
- Foster critical self-reflection.
- Explore environmental factors that affect learning and development in the higher education setting.
Prepares individualized learning strategies using disability informed, strengths-based approach which may include but is not limited to:
- Neuro-inclusive study skills, reading, and organizational techniques.
- Individualized approaches to assist with critically examining syllabi and assignments.
- Teaching active learning strategies to assist with developing metacognitive skills.
- Implementing diverse approaches to information processing such as active reading, note-taking, and the writing process.
- Building essential communication strategies necessary for self-advocacy with faculty, staff, parents, etc.
- Encouraging the adoption of methods and skill development in the areas of executive functioning, such as organizational techniques and work-load management.
- Utilizing appropriate disability and social justice related theories to inform interactions with students.
- Modeling coaching and mentoring approaches for students to apply to academics, disability identity, student development, and student success.
- Manages a diverse caseload of UMASS students with a range of disabilities and accommodation requirements, eligible for Learning Specialist Program support as an approved accommodation.
- Works closely with students and Access Coordinators to address disability-related barriers in academics and student life.
During summer months when fewer students are enrolled:
- Works with academic departments and Student Success to form partnerships and plan initiatives for the next academic year.
- Works with eligible students enrolled in summer courses and assists students with persistence and retention following withdrawal, incompletes and re-entry.
- Evaluates and prioritizes case management demands and makes appropriate referrals to campus/community resources.
- Maintains current standards of practice and keeps abreast of new and emerging issues and practices in the field.
- Keeps careful, detailed records of all contacts and sessions including phone calls, faculty contacts, supervisory meetings, correspondence, etc.
- Understands and abides by confidentiality standards of FERPA, ADA, the Disability Services office and the University.
- Supports the general operation of Disability Services and the promotion of broad disability awareness, access, and inclusivity.
- Develops and maintains effective working relationships within the work environment and with the campus community.
Other Functions
- Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
- Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
- Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy.
- Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Three (3) years' experience working with individuals with disabilities.
- Knowledge of the diverse social, cognitive, and educational needs and characteristics of individuals with disabilities.
- Knowledgeable in various disability-related learning and access issues in higher education settings.
- Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, the Fair Housing Act, and/or other relevant federal, state, and local laws as applied to the higher education context.
- Understanding characteristics and accommodation requirements of people with a range of disabilities, with a focus on full engagement in campus life.
- Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills.
- Established skills in typical office suite software such as Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Teams, and web-based data management systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in education, student affairs, human services, special education, disability studies, rehabilitation, social work, or counseling.
Additional Details
- Ability to travel for job-related purposes.
- Occasional nights and weekends required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
- Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.
- Occasional nights and weekends required.
Salary Information
Pay Grade:PSSAP Grade 26
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