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The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly competitive Division I program committed to the academic and athletic experience of student-athletes. The Department of Athletics is seeking to fill the position of Learning Specialist to support a direct caseload of student-athletes and development of student support programming.
The Learning Services team is tasked with implementing quality tutoring and academic mentoring support services for all of UVA’s student-athletes. These services are highly individualized and responsive to student needs. Learning Specialists work directly with a small caseload of at-risk student-athletes to enhance academic strategy development and support student success.
Learning Specialists demonstrate expertise in evidence-based learning and study strategies and their application to diverse learner profiles. In collaboration with the Learning Services staff and Academic Coordinators, they provide comprehensive academic support and encourage the growth of students as learners by teaching skills to effectively engage with academic material and resources at the University. Their work is mainly independent, with some oversight and with a strong emphasis on communication, attention to detail, integrity, and collaboration.
The Primary Responsibilities of the Learning Specialist:
- Support a diverse, at-risk caseload of student-athletes with daily academic strategy instruction, skill development, and course-driven task completion.
- Oversee all communication with Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic for student-athlete testing.
- Manage all communication with Student Disability Access Center for all student-athletes.
- Collaborate with internal and external constituents (e.g., Academic Affairs staff, Learning Services team, CASS team members, etc.) to develop and implement educational supports and programming for student-athletes.
- Monitor student-athlete academic progress and varying support strategies, as needed.
- Contribute to the collective work of the Learning Services team, including performance analysis.
- Uphold NCAA, ACC, and University rules and regulations.
- Compile and maintain appropriate reports and records.
- Perform miscellaneous administrative related duties when necessary.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities – Learning Specialist
- Commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in both individual work and programmatic efforts.
- Experience applying and teaching a wide range of learning strategies and study skill development techniques.
- Familiarity with educational testing and assessments; demonstrated ability to teach both students and staff learning strategies relevant to individual learning needs.
- Attention to detail in reporting and communication.
- Knowledge of current evidence-based practices for at-risk populations.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Ability to develop educational programming, specifically for tutoring and Summer Bridge Programs, maintain quality, and analyze effectiveness over time.
- Ability to gather data, compile information, maintain records, and prepare reports.
- Knowledge of collegiate academic structures/processes.
- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
- Working knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility and recruiting rules and regulations.
- A strong commitment to the highest level of academic integrity.
Required Qualifications – Learning Specialist
- Education: A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
- Experience: Some related experience working in academic advising, teaching, counseling, student affairs, or a related field is required. Experience supporting students with the development of academic skills.
- Availability: 40 hours a week from Sunday through Thursday. A weekly schedule will include weekend and evening hours to meet the needs of students and the CAST program.
Preferred qualifications:
- Education: A Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Experience: Four years' related experience working in academic advising, teaching, counseling, student affairs, or a related field. Experience supporting student-athletes with the development of academic skills in a Collegiate environment.
- Availability: 40 hours a week from Sunday through Thursday. A weekly schedule will include weekend and evening hours to meet the needs of students and the CAST program.
Anticipated Hiring Range: Dependent upon qualifications. The selected candidate will pass a background check. This is a full-time position with UVa benefits. Employees benefits package highlights include:
- Moving and relocation reimbursement assistance
- 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off
- Parental and Community Service Leave
- Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs available immediately
- Retirement benefits
- Tuition and professional development benefits after the first six months of employment
- Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.
