Learning Specialist

Stony Brook University•Stony Brook, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Learning Specialist, reporting to the Assistant Dean for Academic & Student Affairs, supports the academic success and professional growth of students within the School of Health Professions and collaborates with faculty to enhance teaching and learning across all programs. This role provides individualized and group academic support, develops targeted learning resources, and partners with faculty to implement evidence-based instructional strategies that strengthen student learning, retention, and progression. Through individualized coaching, comprehensive learning assessments, and evidence-based strategies, this role helps students strengthen study habits, refine test-taking skills, and deepen clinical reasoning. The Learning Specialist plays a key role in fostering an inclusive, student-centered learning environment that reflects the diverse needs of health professions education. The Learning Specialist will work closely with students, faculty, program directors, chairs and student support services across the School of Health Professions and university. The role requires flexibility, creativity, and the ability to support a diverse and rigorous academic community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Education, Learning Sciences, Higher Education, Counseling, Health Professions Education, Social Work or related field.
Three (3) years of full-time experience (may include related graduate student experience) providing academic support, tutoring, or learning services at the college or graduate level.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher).
One (1) or more years of full-time experience providing academic support to students in health professions programs (e.g., Nursing, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Clinical Lab Sciences, Respiratory Care, Speech-Language Pathology).
Knowledge of student services-related technology (e.g., PeopleSoft, Brightspace).
Knowledge of learning disabilities and provisions of reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Experience providing academic support for high-stakes testing environments (e.g., licensure exams).
Designing and implementing programs and events to support student success and retention.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one and small-group academic coaching with students to evaluate learning behaviors, and improve study strategies, time management, test-taking skills, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and professional communication.
Offer specialized support tailored to the demands of health professions curricula (e.g., medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, clinical documentation, practical skills assessment).
Develop and deliver academic workshops, tutorials, and success seminars for students at various stages of their programs, including preparing for high-stakes assessments.
Collaborate with department faculty, to identify students at risk academically, design and implement individualized academic success plans to support their progression.
Coordinate with Dean’s Office to facilitate onboarding of new faculty/staff at SH campus
Maintain detailed documentation of student interactions and progress, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with FERPA.
Provide structured guidance on analyzing test performance, interpreting item-type errors, and applying clinical reasoning frameworks.
Work with faculty to develop and implement instructional techniques that enhance student learning, including active learning strategies, formative assessment methods, and inclusive teaching practices.
Consult with faculty on curriculum design, exam structure, learning outcomes alignment, and approaches to support diverse learners.
Provide faculty development workshops on topics such as learning science, student engagement, and strategies for supporting students struggling with academic content.
Assist faculty in identifying early-alert indicators and intervention strategies to support student persistence and success.
Serve as an academic resource for faculty committees, task forces, and initiatives focused on student achievement and program improvement.
Develop and deliver workshops on effective learning, metacognition, test preparation, and cognitive resilience.
Create and maintain a library of academic resources, including online modules, study guides, skill-building materials, and digital learning tools tailored to health professions education.
In collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, partner with student success offices, advising teams, and program directors to support initiatives that enhance retention and academic performance.
In collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Affairs analyze student performance trends (exam performance, remediation rates) and collaborate on interventions that address barriers to achievement.
Participates in opportunities that promote learning, growth, and development (i.e. classes, training, committee, webinar, etc.).
Contributes to the School of Health Professions and Stony Brook University by attending and/or supporting events, activities, and programs sponsored by areas outside of individual unit (i.e. SHP events, campus wide events, etc.).
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.