Learning Strategist

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Academic Access, the Learning Strategist works with students with disabilities in one-to-one or small-group sessions, providing coaching and mentoring to facilitate self-education and skill development tailored to each student's individual needs. The role manages a diverse caseload of UMass students who are eligible for Learning Specialist Program support as an approved accommodation, and works with students and Access Coordinators to address disability-related barriers in academics and student life. The Learning Strategist develops individualized learning strategies using a disability-informed, strengths-based approach. Strategies may address neuro-inclusive study, reading, and organizational skills; analysis of syllabi and assignments; active learning and metacognitive skills; information processing, note-taking, and writing; self-advocacy and communication; and executive functioning, organization, and workload management. The role uses relevant disability and social justice theories and models coaching and mentoring techniques related to academics, disability identity, student development, and student success. The position also evaluates case-management needs, makes referrals to campus and community resources, maintains detailed records, follows applicable confidentiality requirements, and supports Disability Services operations and campus-wide disability awareness, access, and inclusion. During summer months, the Learning Strategist partners with academic departments and Student Success to plan initiatives for the coming academic year, and supports eligible students taking summer courses as well as students working on persistence and retention following withdrawal, incompletes, or re-entry. The position is based in a standard indoor university office environment and involves minimal physical exertion. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional nights and weekends required. Job-related travel is required. The position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Three years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of the diverse social, cognitive, and educational needs and characteristics of individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of disability-related learning and access issues in higher education settings.
Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, the Fair Housing Act, and/or other relevant federal, state, and local laws as applied to higher education.
Understanding of the characteristics and accommodation requirements of people with a range of disabilities, with a focus on full engagement in campus life.
Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
Established skills with typical office suite software, including Microsoft Office Suite applications and Teams, and web-based data management systems.
Ability to travel for job-related purposes.
Occasional nights and weekends are required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in education, student affairs, human services, special education, disability studies, rehabilitation, social work, or counseling.

Responsibilities

Meet with students with disabilities individually or in small groups to establish student-directed goals, practice self-advocacy and communication, build habits and routines, foster critical self-reflection, and explore environmental factors affecting learning and development in higher education.
Prepare individualized learning strategies using a disability-informed, strengths-based approach.
Support neuro-inclusive study, reading, organizational, active learning, metacognitive, information-processing, note-taking, writing, communication, self-advocacy, executive-functioning, and workload-management skills.
Use appropriate disability- and social-justice-related theories to inform interactions with students.
Model coaching and mentoring approaches for students to apply to academics, disability identity, student development, and student success.
Manage a diverse caseload of UMass students with disabilities who are eligible for Learning Specialist Program support as an approved accommodation.
Work with students and Access Coordinators to address disability-related barriers in academics and student life.
During summer months, work with academic departments and Student Success to form partnerships and plan initiatives for the next academic year.
Support eligible students enrolled in summer courses and assist students with persistence and retention following withdrawal, incompletes, and re-entry.
Evaluate and prioritize case-management demands and make appropriate referrals to campus and community resources.
Maintain current standards of practice and keep abreast of emerging issues and practices in the field.
Keep careful, detailed records of contacts and sessions, including calls, faculty contacts, supervisory meetings, and correspondence.
Understand and comply with confidentiality standards under FERPA, the ADA, Disability Services, and the University.
Support Disability Services operations and promote disability awareness, access, and inclusivity.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships within the work environment and campus community.
Perform related duties as assigned or required and comply with applicable Title IX, Clery, conflict-of-interest, and other university requirements.
Contribute to student success and a positive, respectful workplace, and protect sensitive or nonpublic university information from unnecessary disclosure.