TOPS Academic Specialist 1 - Nisonger Center
About The Position
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center’s Learning and Interpersonal Development Skills (LIDS) department seeks a student-centered, team-oriented candidate for the position of Academic Success & Enrichment Specialist. This in-person role is part of a vibrant team of student affairs, higher education, and social work professionals dedicated to supporting college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as other co-occurring conditions, as they transition from education to employment through the Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings (TOPS) program. TOPS promotes student growth and success through a comprehensive range of services. The Academic Success & Enrichment Specialist supports students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in the TOPS workforce development certificate program. This role supports a TOPS student’s academic coursework; in addition, recruits, selects, trains and oversees peer mentors. The Academic Success & Enrichment Specialist ensures students’ academic experiences align with their strengths, goals, and workforce outcomes. Key responsibilities include facilitate 1:1 structured advising and skill-building sessions; teach cohortbased workshops and independent study class; coordinate student accommodations and develop modifications for coursework; recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate peer mentors; support adherence to TOPS academic policies and procedures; document and collect data to assess support needs and academic goal progress, and facilitate effective communication among students, faculty, and mentors to promote student success and engagement. All TOPS staff contribute to program and departmental growth by participating in student and family recruitment and orientation activities. Additional responsibilities include attending community recruitment events for all LIDS programs, supporting local, regional, and national professional development efforts, and completing interviews, assessments and documentation with prospective TOPS students and their families. This role also includes coordinating, training, and supervising volunteers who support TOPS students related to social communication skills, connecting with campus and community service events, and student organizations. Due to the nature of this position, evening and/or weekend availability is required for activities such as campus events, community engagement, professional development events, departmental presentations, and responding to email and text communication. Staff are expected to adhere to HIPAA, FERPA, and OSU/OSUMC requirements while upholding the program’s values of interdependency, supported decision-making, and self-determination. Candidates may also have opportunities to engage in grant writing and funding initiatives, conference presentations, and research efforts, based on their interests. Education, lived experience, and/or experience in working with teens and/or young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other co-occurring conditions is desired. Bachelor’s degree in student affairs, social work, or other related social science field is preferred. It is preferred that the candidate also has experience in facilitating training for and overseeing groups of students. Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in student affairs, social work, or other related social science field is preferred
- Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills required
- Experience working with adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other co-occurring conditions desired
- Experience in facilitating training for and overseeing groups of students is preferred
- Evening and/or weekend availability is required for activities such as mentor group meetings, student and mentor orientation, community engagement, professional development events, departmental presentations, and responding to email and text communications
- Adhere to HIPAA, FERPA, and OSU/OSUMC requirements
- Uphold the program’s values of interdependency, supported decision-making, and self-determination
- Bachelors degree in Student Affairs, Social Work or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Nice To Haves
- Education, lived experience, and/or experience in working with teens and/or young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other co-occurring conditions is desired.
- Additional education is encouraged; continuing education is encouraged.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate 1:1 structured advising and skill-building sessions
- Teach cohort-based workshops and independent study class
- Coordinate student accommodations and develop modifications for coursework
- Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate peer mentors
- Support adherence to TOPS academic policies and procedures
- Document and collect data to assess support needs and academic goal progress
- Facilitate effective communication among students, faculty, and mentors
- Participate in student and family recruitment and orientation activities
- Attend community recruitment events for all LIDS programs
- Support local, regional, and national professional development efforts
- Complete interviews, assessments and documentation with prospective TOPS students and their families
- Coordinate, train, and supervise volunteers who support TOPS students
- Engage in grant writing and funding initiatives, conference presentations, and research efforts
- Provide in-person direct service, academic advising with individualized support and skill-building for college success
- Assist with course selection and academic planning to support employment outcomes and personal interests
- Monitor student progress and identify those needing additional support
- Provide individualized coaching and follow-up
- Connect students to academic resources
- Support student-course matching
- Collaborate with TOPS team on development of academic, organizational, self-advocacy, and college success skills
- Facilitate workshops, small groups, and skill-building activities
- Recruit, onboard, and train peer mentors
- Manage the mentors’ Independent Study curriculum
- Provide ongoing supervision and support to mentors
- Facilitate monthly group meetings with mentors
- Monitor mentor-student partnerships
- Provide coaching to mentors for tutoring, classroom supports, and academic modifications
- Review mentor documentation
- Assist with mentor evaluations and performance feedback
- Maintain student records and documentation
- Track academic outcomes and program metrics
- Prepare reports and summaries
- Participate in team meetings and planning activities
- Support recruitment, orientation, and special events
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
- Perform other programmatic and administrative duties as directed
- Collaborate with faculty and instructors to support student participation
- Facilitate communication among students, faculty, and mentors
- Promote inclusive academic practices
- Collect information from faculty regarding student progress
Benefits
- The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
