Learning Specialist SR

Date Revised: 11/06/2019

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Learning Specialist SR

Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30425

Salary Grade: F

Summary

Incumbents in the Learning Specialist series provide learning assistance and academic support programs to help students enhance academic performance. Incumbents teach skills, in group or individual sessions, with the goal of improving study skills, learning strategies, academic self-efficacy, and confidence.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Learning Specialist Senior is distinguished from the Learning Specialist in that incumbents in the Senior level perform more complex duties such as monitoring budgets, analyzing reports, and using data to make programmatic decisions.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Learning Specialist SR typically reports to a Program Coordinator. This classification may train and guide student employees.

Typical Functions

1. Teaches study strategies and learning skills with an emphasis on cognitive and behavioral psychology theories and models.

2. Conducts individual counseling and assistance to help improve learning skills, strategies, and attitudes.

3. Provides general orientation and individual assessment of study strategies, time management, and organizational skills as well as disability related counseling.

4. Assists in recruiting, training, and supervising students as academic support staff when necessary.

5. Evaluates activities, program effectiveness, and performance reports as requested.6. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with university departments, faculty,

and staff to provide information regarding programs, services, and retention.7. Provides supplemental instruction in specific course areas as needed.

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Learning Specialist SR

Date Revised: 11/06/2019

JOB DESCRIPTION

8. Develops and coordinates academic programs including hiring, training, and supervising student employees; monitoring budgets; analyzing reports; and using data to make programmatic decisions.

9. Develops curriculum and instructional materials.10. Teaches undergraduate courses as assigned.11. Designs, conducts, and analyzes student satisfaction and outcome assessment surveys.12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of current methods of enhancing skills required for excellent academic performance.2. Strong interpersonal skills.3. Skilled in maintaining tact and equanimity when dealing with sensitive and confidential

information.4. Oral and written communication skills.5. Skilled with computers and associated software.6. Ability to provide supplemental instruction in specific course areas as needed.7. Ability to understand the needs of disadvantaged students.8. Ability to instruct in areas of academic skill and strategy weakness.9. Knowledge of education-impacting and evidence-based intervention strategies.10. Knowledge of approved and appropriate academic accommodations.11. Knowledge of university resources.12. Basic counseling skills.13. Skilled with data analysis and record keeping.14. Classroom teaching ability.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree plus four years of experience, or a Master’s degree plus two years of experience, or a PhD is required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Fundamental Abilities

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Learning Specialist SR

Date Revised: 11/06/2019

JOB DESCRIPTION

Within the scope and complexity of each position’s responsibilities, each incumbent is expected to possess and demonstrate the following abilities:

1. Communicating : Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing. 2. Problem solving : Analyzes information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve

problems. 3. Monitoring : Measures performance of self; makes improvements and takes appropriate

corrective action.4. Critical Thinking : Comes to well-reasoned conclusions, solutions, and approaches to problems.5. Team Building : Works to create a team-based environment. Consistently demonstrates

cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers.6. Active Listening : Gives full attention when others are speaking; listens to understand, asks

questions as appropriate, and does not interrupt.7. Service Orientation : Actively seeks opportunities to help others.8. Conflict Resolution : Acts professionally when encountering customers who, at times, may be

frustrated.

Core Characteristics

As representatives of Utah State University and primary contributors to its mission, all employees are expected to demonstrate the following characteristics:

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2. Take initiative.3. Maintain confidentiality.4. Be accountable.5. Behave ethically.6. Be honest and trustworthy.7. Demonstrate a strong work ethic.

8. Be inquisitive.9. Be detail oriented.10. Be self-motivated.11. Efficiently manage multiple tasks.12. Be a team player.13. Be committed to improving USU.

Disclaimer This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.

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