Learning Specialist

Position Summary: Provides individualized student support and programming around learning strategies and academic skills. Develops and implements initiatives that promote equitable learning environments for student-athletes. Manages a high-impact educational assistant program. Develops partnerships and facilitates referrals to campus resources. Stays informed on recent research and best practices regarding strategies around student success, learning resources, and assistive technology.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Function: Learning Assistance/Strategies Support - Meet with an assigned caseload of student-athletes to provide proactive, sustained, and individualized support with learning strategies to enhance student success and develop independent learners; assist in coordinating psychoeducational screening along with educational testing and services for student-athletes in an effort to identify to those needing accommodations and additional academic support; observe students displaying academic difficulties to assess their learning strengths and challenges; review psychological and cognitive testing and provide students with an understanding of assessments; serve as a key resource to help student-athletes understand their learning styles and assist athletic academic support staff in working with individuals with different learning needs; assist with the process of registering for academic accommodations with the Goldman Center for Accessibility and help student-athletes understand how to utilize such accommodations; maintain confidential student records and accurate documentation as appropriate in regard to legal, ethical and professional standards; participate in developing and monitoring educational strategies/guidelines/standards for efficacy in the enhancement of student achievement; and provide students with instruction on developing self-advocacy skills. (50%)

2. Function: Manage Educational Assistant (EA) Program - Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive educational assistant program that meets the dynamic needs of student-athletes while maintaining a system of checks and balances to ensure integrity and compliance with NCAA, Conference, and University rules and regulations; recruit, hire, train, schedule, evaluate, and process payroll for all educational assistant staff within the department; create and maintain database of educational assistants enabling quantification of semester and academic year statistical analysis of EA program to budget accordingly, identify current needs, and project areas of greatest need; promote and integrate campus resources (Supplemental Instruction, ALTC tutoring, etc.) into educational assistant programming and training; develop and facilitate regular ongoing training opportunities for educational assistants; and develop and maintain a toolkit of educational resources/strategies for educational assistants, staff, and students to utilize. (30%)

3. Function: Academic Programming - Provide instruction on study skills, time management, note-taking, test-taking strategies, and overall academic success; in collaboration with Tutor Coordinator, participate in orientation and ongoing training for tutors to provide relevant training in areas of study skills, learning strategies, and universal design for learning; serve as a resource for ASC staff and coaches in the areas of learning development, disability information, and referral. Provide training as needed; and develop and maintain an academic resource library for all student-athletes focusing specifically on study skills, test-taking strategies, and assistive technology tools. (10%)

4. Function: Committees & Work Standards - The Learning Specialist will perform other duties as assigned by the Director of ASC and may include evening and weekend responsibilities; understand that rules compliance is a critical element of this position and adhere to NCAA, Conference, University rules, regulations, and policies; attend appropriate rules compliance programs offered by the NCAA, Conference, Tulane University and Athletics Compliance Office as requested; attend all staff meetings as requested or assigned by Director of ASC and collaborate with other offices on campus as necessary; assist ASC staff members with other assignments, events, and special projects to include recognition ceremonies, orientation, recruitment of prospective student-athletes, book distribution, etc.; adhere to professional work expectations by showing up to work by 8:30 am or assigned time, completing assignments on time or early, being present at meetings at least five minutes before the start of the meeting, completing paperwork and correspondence daily, actively participating in discussions, providing solutions to problems, taking a proactive and creative approach to work, ensuring a positive and productive work environment; assist in staff selection and training; and work with academic advising colleagues in a cooperative and productive manner to achieve goals and objectives. (5%)

5. Function: Other Duties - Performs other duties as requested or required, whether or not specifically mentioned in this job description. (5%)

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Counseling, Education, Psychology, Social Work, or closely related field

• Considerable experience providing intensive academic support and academic skill instruction

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies:

• Demonstrate ability to teach learning strategies to high school or college students

• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of effective learning strategies, motivational techniques, and study skill development

• Demonstrate ability to effectively interact with individuals from various cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds

• Knowledge of a wide range of learning strategies and study skills development techniques

• Demonstrate the ability to train others in understanding and application of learning strategies and study skill development techniques

• Demonstrate a culture of high academic integrity

• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work nights and weekends

• Thorough knowledge of NCAA and American conference rules and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree in Counseling, Education, Psychology, Social Work, or closely related field

• Prior work experience in a collegiate athletic setting

• Background in working with students with diagnosed learning needs at the post-secondary level

• Demonstrate ability to identify and assess individual learning needs to develop and implement individualized working plans

• Experience managing student workers or other personnel

NCAA Related:

Ensures that all Department of Athletics and University related activities operate in full compliance with university, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations. Attends and participates in scheduled compliance seminars and complies with all the Athletic Department’s efforts to monitor compliance with NCAA regulations. Seeks interpretations from the compliance staff before acting when necessary. Reports potential rules violations immediately.  Completes required compliance paperwork in a timely and efficient manner. Monitors all of their areas and/or programs activities closely to maintain compliance with applicable rules and regulations. 

In order to be considered for this position, applicants are required to apply for IRC33073 via the Tulane University employment website (https://jobs.tulane.edu/position/IRC33073).  The position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

Please Note: Tulane University has officially adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which includes the requirement of a booster when eligible. All employees and visiting faculty must be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccination or obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption prior to beginning employment.

Tulane University is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.