Learning specialists serve as an academic and life advisor, an educational/developmental mentor, and a student advocate — with one singular goal: to help students succeed academically.

Position Reports to: Dean of the Center for Student Success

Specific Responsibilities:
The Learning Specialist shall be responsible for performing the following functions and activities:

Educational/Developmental Mentor:

• Monitor students ‘academic performance and assist them in developing compensatory strategies as well as positive habits to improve in the areas of attendance, class participation, homework completion, use of supports/resources, and communication;
• Model, scaffold, and/or monitor the initiation and completion of academic assignments during one-on-one sessions and Open Learning time;
• Reinforce skills development in the areas of executive function (time management, organization, planning, etc.), study (reading comprehension, note-taking, summarization, etc.), technology (digital and information literacy), critical thinking, and problem solving;
• Identify and support students at risk of academic or social/campus difficulties early;
• Plan and implement interventions to improve academic progress throughout the semester and after the mid-term grade analysis; ensure all services, resources, and interventions are accessible to students;
• Foster collaboration between different departments (esp. under the Triadic model) to provide a seamless experience for students and address their academic, social, and campus needs comprehensively through coordinated efforts; utilize shared resources and information to avoid duplication of efforts and enhance efficiency; and
• Individualize support and monitoring essential to the student’s level (freshman/sophomore, junior/senior) as well as their needs and preferences.

Academic Advisor:

• Clearly communicate advising policies and procedures to the students; recommend resources (Student Portal, Catalog, etc.);
• Help students select a course of study appropriate to their interests, ability, and career goals, including assistance with the selection of developmental courses;
• Assist students in developing a balanced academic plan;
• Work with the Director of Advising to ensure that the degree/program sequence is followed; provide information to the Director of Advising as requested; and
• Maintain effective internal communication (faculty, staff, and students) ensuring timely responses to inquiries and feedback.

Life Advisor:

• Help students resolve and manage conflicts, personal concerns, and life challenges;
• Build students’ ability to work effectively with others in a learning environment;
• Help students develop skills for expressing ideas clearly and listening actively;
• Regularly check in on students’ well-being and provide resources for mental and physical health; and
• Teach techniques for handling stress and anxiety related to learning.

Student Advocate:

• Develop students’ self-awareness regarding their learning difference; and
• Guide students through the accommodations process, if needed.

Transitioning to Independence:

• Employ scaffolding and fading techniques;
• Engage students in planning for their future; help them define clear and achievable academic and life goals;
• Increase students’ self-awareness and social and emotional intelligence;
• Educate students about life skills and refer as appropriate;
• Acknowledge and develop personal choice and social responsibility; and
• Increase competence and confidence in students.

Record Keeping:

• Review Canvas records posted by faculty members in regard to students’ academic performance on a weekly basis; summarize level and trend in Maxient (after each session);
• Document in Maxient the methods and interventions used to improve students’ academic performance (after each session);
• Update Maxient with other pertinent session information (after each session);
• Update Student of Concern document weekly (report bi-weekly during one-on-ones with the Dean);
• Keep advising notes;
• Record number of student visits and report figures to the Dean at the end of each month;
• Update (and develop, if unavailable) students’ face-sheets after each AY; and
• Prepare scheduled (one to three per semester) as well as contingent communications to parents.

Other:

• Meet with students for weekly one-on-one sessions and Open Learning;
• During sessions, listen carefully to student concerns and suggestions; in-between sessions, maintain written communication with students as needed;
• Show genuine care and concern for students’ well-being and success;
• Provide opportunities for students to engage with peers, faculty, and staff through clubs, events, and activities;
• Familiarize and comply with all College policies and procedures;
• Participate in all required College-wide and Divisional meetings, trainings, and events as made known by institutional policy, the Board of Trustees, the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, or the Dean;
• Seek and engage in professional training (with approvals as required by College policies) to develop/enhance knowledge and skills that will benefit individual and communal performance in all institutional areas under the purview of the Dean of the Center for Student Success; share best practices and successful strategies with colleagues; and
• Assume other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Minimum Requirements:
The minimum qualifications for the position of Learning Specialist are as follows:

• The minimum of a master’s degree in an educational or counseling discipline related to the work of the Center (additional advanced graduate study is a plus);
• Knowledge of and direct experience with an undergraduate population representative of students enrolled at Beacon College;
• Familiarity with the mission of and undergraduate support model employed by Beacon College; knowledge of current developments in the field of learning disabilities;
• Proven capacity to work effectively with colleagues in creating an environment of success and inclusion for the multidimensional diversity found among Beacon College’s undergraduate population; and
• Willingness to remain with responsibilities that may extend beyond the traditional workday or workweek.

Become part of our community of dedicated professionals helping students with learning differences live life abundantly. We’re seeking qualified and diverse candidates with multicultural experience, including members of protected class groups. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Leesburg, FL 34748 (Required)

Work Location: In person