Learning Specialist, Academic Enhancement INST MD, Student Affairs

Boston University•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Learning Specialist works in the Academic Enhancement Office within Student Affairs and provides academic support and programming for medical students. The role calls for strong interpersonal and group communication skills, initiative, problem-solving, adaptability, and a collaborative approach, with a commitment to understanding and supporting the needs of medical students. The specialist provides individual and group academic advising, develops strategies for students who are at risk or seeking to enhance their academic experience, identifies barriers to academic success, and analyzes student data to inform advising. In collaboration with the Director of Academic Enhancement, deans, faculty, and staff, the specialist develops learning programs and services, designs and delivers workshops, and evaluates their effectiveness. The position oversees the Peer Tutor program, including tutor coordinator supervision, the online tutor database and system, tutor orientation, program coordination, and associated payroll. The specialist also coordinates with the Office of Disability Services to facilitate approved accommodations, liaises with faculty about testing accommodations, and refers students for evaluations or counseling when appropriate. Additional duties include contributing to wellness activities; overseeing day-to-day operations for Student Affairs programs such as White Coat Ceremony, Match Day, Careers in Medicine, USMLE Programs, and Commencement; and developing materials and leading sessions for BUSMI-IV orientation and class meetings. Participation in evening and weekend school events is required as needed.

Requirements

Master's degree in educational/counseling psychology, higher education, educational coaching, or a related field.
Three to five years of post-degree experience providing diagnostic/prescriptive learning skills assistance to adults, educational counseling, and academic advising.
Experience working in a post-secondary education setting.
Commitment to working effectively with diverse populations.
Ability to work collaboratively and think creatively.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Energetic, proactive approach to student engagement, enhancement, and learning.
Excellent understanding of educational assessment, technology, statistical software, and data analysis.
Strong mentoring and coaching skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with medical students.

Responsibilities

Provide individual and group academic advising to medical students.
Develop academic interventions and strategies for at-risk students and students seeking to enhance their academic experience.
Identify barriers to academic success and recommend effective strategies.
Manage and analyze student data to identify and advise at-risk and non-traditional students.
Collaborate with the Director of Academic Enhancement, deans, faculty, and staff to develop content-specific learning programs and services.
Design and implement academic enhancement workshops, track participation, and evaluate workshop effectiveness on an ongoing basis.
Oversee the Peer Tutor program, including supervising tutor coordinators and managing the online tutor database and tutoring system with its developer.
Provide orientation for tutors and tutor coordinators.
Coordinate with course and clerkship directors, tutor coordinators, and tutors to ensure effective tutoring program operations.
Manage payroll associated with the Tutor Program.
Work with the Office of Disability Services to communicate and facilitate approved accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Liaise between students and faculty to arrange approved testing accommodations.
Refer students in a timely manner for learning disability and psychological evaluations and/or personal counseling.
Contribute to the Wellness team by creating and facilitating wellness activities.
Oversee day-to-day operations for Student Affairs programs, including White Coat Ceremony, Match Day, Careers in Medicine, USMLE Programs, and Commencement.
Develop materials and lead sessions for BUSMI-IV orientation and class meetings.
Participate in evening and weekend school events as required.