Title: Learning Strategist

Executive Area: Student Affairs & Campus Life

College/School/MBU: Advocacy, Inclusion & Sup Prog

Department: Disability Services

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Academic Access, the Learning Strategist works with students with disabilities in 1-1, or small group sessions providing coaching and mentoring techniques to facilitate self-education, and skill development that is specifically designed to meet the student’s individual needs.

Essential Functions

Learning Strategist meets with students with disabilities in a 1:1 or small group session to:

• Establish student-directed goals.
• Practice student advocacy and communication skill development.
• Build habits and routines.
• Foster critical self-reflection.
• Explore environmental factors that affect learning and development in the higher education setting.
  

Prepares individualized learning strategies using disability informed, strengths-based approach which may include but is not limited to:

• Neuro-inclusive study skills, reading, and organizational techniques.
• Individualized approaches to assist with critically examining syllabi and assignments.
• Teaching active learning strategies to assist with developing metacognitive skills.
• Implementing diverse approaches to information processing such as active reading, note-taking, and the writing process.
• Building essential communication strategies necessary for self-advocacy with faculty, staff, parents, etc.  
• Encouraging the adoption of methods and skill development in the areas of executive functioning, such as organizational techniques and work-load management.
• Utilizing appropriate disability and social justice related theories to inform interactions with students.
• Modeling coaching and mentoring approaches for students to apply to academics, disability identity, student development, and student success.
• Manages a diverse caseload of UMASS students with a range of disabilities and accommodation requirements, eligible for Learning Specialist Program support as an approved accommodation.   
• Works closely with students and Access Coordinators to address disability-related barriers in academics and student life.
  

During summer months when fewer students are enrolled:  

• Works with academic departments and Student Success to form partnerships and plan initiatives for the next academic year.
• Works with eligible students enrolled in summer courses and assists students with persistence and retention following withdrawal, incompletes and re-entry.
• Evaluates and prioritizes case management demands and makes appropriate referrals to campus/community resources. 
• Maintains current standards of practice and keeps abreast of new and emerging issues and practices in the field.
• Keeps careful, detailed records of all contacts and sessions including phone calls, faculty contacts, supervisory meetings, correspondence, etc.
• Understands and abides by confidentiality standards of FERPA, ADA, the Disability Services office and the University.
• Supports the general operation of Disability Services and the promotion of broad disability awareness, access, and inclusivity.  
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships within the work environment and with the campus community. 

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.  
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.  
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy.  
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
  
• Three (3) years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the diverse social, cognitive, and educational needs and characteristics of individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledgeable in various 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 the higher education context. 
• Understanding characteristics and accommodation requirements of people with a range of disabilities, with a focus on full engagement in campus life. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills.
• Established skills in typical office suite software such as Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Teams, and web-based data management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Additional Details

Ability to travel for job-related purposes. 

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.

Occasional nights and weekends required.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges 

Special Instructions for Applicants

Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.