Learning Specialist

Utah State University•Blanding, UT

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The TRIO Student Support Services Learning Specialist will convey a passion for learning by providing specific learning strategies and fostering academic support programs to enrich USU Blanding first-generation, low-income students’ academic performances. Incumbents will teach skills in individual and group sessions with the goal of improving study skills, learning strategies, academic efficiency, time management, and confidence in the following general fields of knowledge: reading, English, math, science and statistics. Expert knowledge in all fields is not mandatory upon hiring, but training for competency will be required post-hire. The Learning Specialist position is full-time (40 hours per week) on a 10-month work schedule (August 1 through June 1) within a 12-month fiscal year that includes two months off during the summer contingent upon federal grant funding. Current grant funding is secured through August 31, 2031. For the past 45 years, each cycle of the TRIO SSS grant has been secured at USU Blanding and its prior campus designations without interruption due to the high need of its unique first-generation, low-income student population. The Learning Specialist reports to the TRIO Student Support Services Director and may train and guide student employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience or a Master’s degree is required.
Knowledge of current methods of enhancing skills required for excellent academic performance
Strong interpersonal skills
Skilled in maintaining tact and equanimity when dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
Oral and written communication skills.
Skilled with computers and associated software.
Ability to provide supplemental instruction in specific course areas as needed.
Ability to understand the needs of disadvantaged students.
Ability to instruct in areas of academic skill and strategy weakness.
Knowledge of education-impacting and evidence-based intervention strategies.
Knowledge of approved and appropriate academic accommodations.
Knowledge of university resources.
Classroom teaching ability.

Responsibilities

Teaches study strategies and learning skills with an emphasis on cognitive and behavioral psychology theories and models.
Conducts individual counseling and assistance to help improve learning skills, strategies and attitudes.
Provides general orientation and individual assessment of study strategies, time management, and organizational skills as well as disability related counseling.
Assists in recruiting, training and supervising students as tutors when necessary.
Evaluates activities, program effectiveness, and performance reports as requested.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with University departments, faculty and staff to provide information regarding the TRIO SSS program, services and retention.
Attends core courses and training in order to specialize in subject areas to meet the needs of current USU Blanding TRIO SSS participants.
Develops curriculum and instructional materials and teaches undergraduate course USU 1060: Reading for College Success.
Incorporates a variety of new technologies to reach all types of learners.
Develops assessments to measure how well students have learned material and adjusts instructional methods accordingly.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.