Learning Specialist

About Hofstra:

Hofstra University is a nationally ranked and recognized private university in Hempstead, N.Y. that is the only school to ever host three consecutive presidential debates (2008, 2012 and 2016). At Hofstra, students get the best of both worlds. Our campus is a leafy oasis just a quick train ride away from New York City and all its cultural, recreational and professional opportunities. We offer small classes and personal attention, with the resources, technology and facilities of a large university. Students can choose from more than 160 undergraduate program options and 165 graduate program options in the liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions and human services, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Hofstra University is a dynamic community of more than 11,000 students from around the world who are dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.

Description:

Student Access Services has an opening for a Learning Specialist. The Learning Specialist will assist students with disabilities to develop the social and academic skills and strategies they will need to succeed in the college environment. The learning specialist provides weekly one-on-one skill development sessions for a cohort of students in the Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS) and Academic Coaching programs and coordinates periodic individual and group sessions for other students with disabilities who require similar support. The learning specialist participates in university admissions and enrollment events, helps create office publications, and supports the office with exam proctoring and other duties as needed. The learning specialist will participate in the admissions process for PALS students, and acts as a contact for faculty, students, parents, administrators, staff and health-care providers to coordinate the delivery of services. 

Learning Specialist responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Provide individualized, weekly one-on-one skill development sessions for a cohort of students, primarily in the Academic Coaching program.
• Work as a liaison between PALS students, professors, administrators and parents
• Develop and implement individual action plans in collaboration with students enrolled in the Academic Coaching program.
• For non-PALS students whose documentation shows a need for skill development, conduct an individual evaluation or education session and make referrals as needed.
• Interview prospective candidates for the PALS and Academic Coaching programs and work collaboratively with admissions to select an annual cohort of PALS students
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions
• Conduct and maintain records of periodic follow-up with professors and parents regarding student performance and progress
• Collaborate with other offices in the Division of Student Affairs to develop programming to meet the needs of students with disabilities
• Provide advice, training and technical support to faculty and administrators related to the needs of students with disabilities 
• Promote the application of Universal Design in all campus programs and services
• Contribute to office publications and web site
• Work collaboratively with other members of the university, serving as an advocate for issues regarding students with disabilities 
• Develop workshops and other educational programs, as needed
• Keep current on new research and developments in disability services, including the legal aspects of this work
• Participate in work groups, prepare reports, and develop presentations, as needed
• Support the programming efforts of the university and of the Division of Student Affairs, including Family Weekend, Fall Open House, Orientation, Commencement, etc.
• Serve on divisional or university-wide committees, as needed

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in special education, disabilities services or another related field is required. Three to five years working with students with disabilities in an educational setting is required. Experience in interpreting disability-related diagnostic testing is preferred. Three to five years of direct service to students with mental health diagnoses or autism spectrum disorders is preferred.

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm, occasional evening and weekend events as required by the Division of Student Affairs.

Application Instructions:

Please send a resume, cover letter and three references (including 1 student) to Julie.A.Yindra@hofstra.edu

Hofstra University continues its commitment to extending equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status in the conduct and operation of its educational programs and activities, including admission and employment.

Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity in its faculty, administrative staff and student body, and encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse community.