Learning Specialist

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. 

Annual Salary: $50,000 - $53,000

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 Teamwork. 

• Knowledge of NCAA eligibility requirements governing continuing eligibility

• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency is preferred