Job Details

This position reports to the LEAD Director. The Learning Skills Specialist will counsel students in learning and study skills, time management and test taking, academic and professional writing, and effectively advise students in the development of appropriate academic skills for professional school, according to the LEAD counseling model. In addition, the candidate will integrate stress management, mindfulness, concentration and well-being strategies and skills into each academic counseling session. The Learning Skills Specialist will serve as the administrator of the Tutorial Assistance Program (TAP) and will assist in the management the LEADs Summer Preparedness and Readiness Course (SPaRC). The candidate will assist the Director in day-to-day operations of the LEAD office. The incumbent in this position possesses a minimum of 3 years of experience as an academic counselor, instructor, or a similar position in an academic setting.

Individuals must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

1. Experienced in working in an academic environment with students under performance pressure. This includes a proven background of addressing and handling student-related crisis and/or stress management, including the knowledge of available techniques or resources to assist students in developing mindfulness, well-being, and coping strategies.

2. Ability to work autonomously and productively. This includes the effective management of time and competing tasks/projects and diverse floating deadlines, in a high paced environment without direct supervision.

3. Demonstrate strong presentation and facilitation skills. This includes a solid background in public speaking, group and/or workshop facilitation and audience engagement/interaction. It is expected that the candidate can take a topic and execute it from concept into implementation in the form of a creative, engaging, and interactive presentation, workshop, seminar, or lecture.

4. Ability to do the actual presentation of the material, creation of PowerPoint or handouts, logistical organization of the event and marketing of the event across campus.

5. Ability to be comfortable with working as a team player and exhibit a strong, collaborative spirit, and flexibility to adjust into the LEAD team culture easily and effectively within a short period of time.

6. Excellent computer skills and the ability to proficiently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher. The candidate must have a clear mastery of the utilizing the Internet in relation to their role.

7. Ability to be self-directed and have the ability to effectively and efficiently learn the WesternU culture, as well as gain knowledge about all academic programs. Expected to learn the nuances of the University and the individual colleges, including the curriculum, and translate that knowledge in a meaningful manner during counseling session with students.

8. Knowledge of learning disabilities and of pertinent Federal and State Statutes and regulations (Section 504 and ADA).

Education: A Masters degree in the field of education required. Knowledge of adult learning theory and evidence based health and well-being models. Familiarity with organizing and electronically managing large amounts of data. Demonstrated expertise in providing academic support services to students and demonstrated effectiveness in working with diverse cohorts expected.

Experience: At least 3 years of teaching experience at an undergraduate or higher education institution with extensive workshop facilitation required.

It is preferred that the candidate demonstrate aspects of being a lifelong learner, highly energetic, ability to make a positive connection with students and has a passion for higher education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, the ideal candidate would exhibit: a willingness to learn, adaptability and flexibility to work according to the workload, including some evenings and some weekends.