Academic Counselor/Learning Specialist - Student Athlete Academic Services

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Athlete Academic Services department within Athletics at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an Academic Counselor/Learning Specialist. This role involves developing a supportive, individualized approach for assisting students academically. This includes working with students on remediation of fundamental skills, providing academic support services such as study skills, note-taking, time management, test-taking strategies, and literacy skill development. The position also offers assistance and additional instruction for academic coursework, including help with organizing, planning, editing, and revising assignments, preparing for exams, and developing strategies for independent completion of coursework.

Requirements

Master’s degree, preferably in education, special education, learning disabilities, educational therapy, counseling or similar filed
A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the following: Teaching, tutoring, or otherwise instructing students in a secondary or higher education environment.
Knowledge and expertise in effective learning strategies, assessment tools, motivational techniques and study skill development.
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Maintain high standard of ethics and integrity related to intercollegiate athletics
Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics
Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA and conference guidelines, policies, rules, regulations and guidelines and ability to apply and enforce those rules
Exhibit strong creative, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to communicate in English complex information or instructions
Demonstrated knowledge of correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure
Demonstrated ability to function professionally under high stress and confrontational circumstances
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks for extended period of time
Demonstrated ability to independently plan and organize work
Proactive attitude towards work and assignments
Demonstrated ability to maintain and develop personal contacts with groups, i.e. student-athletes, coaches, faculty, community leaders, parents, University community
Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
Demonstrated knowledge of record keeping and adherence to a schedule
Ability to stay abreast of information impacting the affected area
Demonstrated ability to organize and motivate groups and individuals
Ability to maintain proper unit punctuality standards, work extended hours including nights and weekends (often with extensive walking and standing)
Demonstrated ability to drive and travel via motor vehicle in town
Maintain a valid driver’s license
Knowledge of higher education system and of counseling and advising techniques
Demonstrated ability to work independently and with students individually and in groups
Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines and regulations

Responsibilities

Coordinate and facilitate initial screening and diagnostic testing if needed of new student-athletes.
Coordinate and facilitate testing of current student-athletes in consultation with a licensed professional.
Collaborate with necessary campus units.
Meet with prospective student-athletes during official and unofficial visits (weeknights and/or weekends may be required).
Develop a supportive, individualized approach for assisting a student academically. This includes but is not limited to: working with the student on remediation of fundamental skills needed for academic success; providing academic support services with study skills, note taking, time management skills, test-taking strategies and literacy skill development; providing assistance/additional instruction for academic course work – includes help with organizing, planning, editing and revising assignments, preparation for exams, developing strategies to help the student complete assigned coursework independently.
Evaluate documentation to determine best practices to provide academic support to impacted student-athletes.
Assist student-athletes in social and emotional areas that impact learning by assessing his or her needs and making appropriate referrals when necessary.
Assist student-athletes in accessing available resources to improve his or her academic situation – i.e. learning disability assessment, disability accommodations, instructional assistance. Interpret and make recommendations for student-athletes based on testing results.
Evaluate student-athlete academic records to determine progress towards a degree and maintenance of eligibility. Requires knowledge of institutional and NCAA eligibility requirements. Inform coaches regarding institutional and NCAA requirements related to student-athlete’s academic progress and eligibility.
Monitor the Academic Progress Rate (APR) of assigned sports programs. Communicate regularly with the coach and respective sport administrator surrounding the APR of each program.
Create class schedules for incoming student-athletes for summer, fall, and spring semesters.
Serve as the primary liaison to the Office of Accessibility Services and help coordinate intake interviews, learning disability testing, and follow-through with accommodations and services.
Collaborate with other professionals and staff involved in the academic and personal development for student-athletes, i.e. educational counselors, coaches, faculty, tutors.
Communicate with University advisors and Registrar’s office to maintain up-to-date records of academic major requirements and changes to degree programs.
Collaborate with learning specialists on academic tiering system, summer bridge, and academic testing.
Assist with placement testing and orientation for incoming student-athletes.
Draft statistical and narrative reports as requested.
Attend department meetings (unit or otherwise) as assigned.
Assist with the implementation and coordination of the Summer Bridge program.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned by Associate Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services
Maintain communications with athletic compliance office regarding legislation and interpretation of rules and regulations related to academic progress, summer school provisions, recruiting materials, NCAA Eligibility Center and other matters. Work with athletic compliance staff to provide information required to prepare eligibility waivers.
Maintain knowledge of and comply with all rules, regulations, policies and guidelines of West Virginia University, the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA; must adhere to NCAA Bylaw 11.1 Conduct of Athletic Personnel. Failure to adhere to these policies will result in appropriate disciplinary action including possible suspension and termination.
Participate in the shared responsibility in maintaining the academic integrity essential for the University to accomplish its mission; adhere to the University’s policies and guidelines regarding academic integrity and dishonesty.
Exhibit a level of expertise in his/her professional fields; must also treat the academic requirements necessary for progress toward a degree as a matter of the highest priority for the student-athletes in their charge and must actively encourage student-athletes to succeed academically and graduate.
Represent the University on the highest professional level with dignity, integrity, and strength of character and will exhibit ethical behavior; must respect the rights and dignity of individuals with sensitivity to problems that may arise from racial, ethnical and sexual orientation differences.
Demonstrate a cooperative attitude towards all sports within the intercollegiate athletic program.
Possess the ability to adapt to any situation, make decisions and work independently; position must have the ability to build and maintain relationships with student-athletes, coaches, staff members and contractors; required to use creative abilities to develop new techniques and approaches in dealing with many issues controlled by this position; responsibilities of the position are ever-changing and require constant research and education; requires the ability to adapt to any situation and make decisions.
Manage sensitive and confidential information related to student-athletes, coaches and staff utilizing discretion and correct decisions. Failure to use proper discretion at required level could result in major and significant embarrassment to the University and/or have a significant impact on image, revenues and eligibility of student-athletes.
Manage professional and personal time to handle time sensitive-issues, tight deadlines, extended hours beyond the normal workday, weekend work, and on-call availability.
Faithfully and diligently execute related duties of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as requested or assigned by Associate Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services.