Learning Specialist

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, 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. 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. Work 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.
• 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 for football student-athletes.
• 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 and meet regularly 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.
• 1-3 years of experience in intercollegiate 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.

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.

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.