Job Description

The Learning Specialist (working title) in Undergraduate Studies/Academic Services – Athletics will provide comprehensive academic support to an assigned group of student-athletes, with a focus on those with learning disabilities, neurodivergence, or significant academic challenges. Responsibilities include developing individualized learning plans, fostering academic skill development, and promoting independence, self-advocacy, and long-term success.

The ability to interact with a wide range of constituents, including student-athletes, athletics staff, faculty, and campus partners, is essential while ensuring compliance with USF, AAC, and NCAA policies.

The incumbent will have a willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed. 

Responsibilities

• Caseload Support: Provide individualized academic support through one-on-one and small group sessions. Develop, implement, and monitor academic plans and assess academic progress, and maintain detailed and accurate session reports. 
• Learning Support Programming: Design and implement individualized and group-based learning strategies and techniques. Develop and assist with workshops and programming focused on the BullsLearn skills (reading, writing, note-taking, study/test-taking, time management/organization).
• Testing & Evaluation: Support the facilitation of the intake and academic screening process for incoming student-athletes. Interpret learning assessments and disability documentation and coordinate referrals where applicable.
• Collaboration & Training: Assists in the development and implementation of the Summer Bridge program. Provides training and guidance to tutors and/or academic mentors on learning strategies. Collaborates with academic staff, faculty, and coaches to support student-athletes. Works in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Learning Services.
• Other Responsibilities: Ensure compliance with NCAA, AAC, and University of South Florida policies and procedures. May teach courses related to student-athlete transition. May be responsible for training, assisting, or assigning tasks to others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• This position requires a Master’s degree in education or a field of study related to the academic program, or a Bachelor’s degree in those same fields with a minimum of two years of experience. 

Degree Equivalency Clause:

• Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an  alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ Years Experience as a Learning Specialist, Teacher/Instructor, or related position
• Experience working with student-athletes in a collegiate setting
• Expertise in working closely with learning challenges and/or learning deficiencies, developing relevant programming related to the appropriate use of relevant learning strategies and techniques
• Experience selecting and utilizing testing instruments to assess population
• Experience working with student-athletes, support staff and administration in an intercollegiate athletics department at the Division I level
• Experience with public speaking and motivational techniques
• Experience reading educational assessments and psych-educational testing results and implementing effective strategies and support.
• Experience utilizing Teamworks. 
• Knowledge of NCAA eligibility requirements governing continuing eligibility

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.