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Student Support Specialist IV - Learning Specialist, Student Affairs & Pathways (Phoenix)

Job Details

Posting Number:

req3548

Department:

COM Phoenix Academic Affairs

Department Website Link:

College of Medicine-Phoenix

Location:

Greater Phoenix Area

Address:

435 N. 5th St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA

Position Highlights:

Note: Effective 01/05/2021 this requisition has been updated to reflect the remove of the furlough program.

This position provides a relationship-based model of learning support for medical and Pipeline Admissions Program students throughout all their years within the programs at the College, as well as supports these students’ overall development as life-long learners and professionals. This position will be expected to provide advanced learning and study strategies, high-stakes exam preparation, has expert command of learning theory and practice, student advocacy, and holistic learner-centered coaching support and feedback.

This position also designs and facilitates workshops focused on learning and study skills, transitioning to medical school, navigating high-stakes learning environments, and other activities that directly support students’ development as medical student learners. Other duties include, monitor progress of students and students groups, assist students in maximizing usage of institutional resources, co-direct the course for Leadership, Learning & Ethics course for Masters in Medical Studies (Pathway Scholars Program). This position works collaboratively with other members of the Student Development (SD) and Pathways Scholars Program (PSP) teams, faculty and course directors, career and professional advisors, leaders and others within and across departments to identify students in need, and also to serve all students to be successful. The position supports the oversight of peer learning programs and services and may supervise these peer tutors.

An ideal candidate will have knowledge of educational theory, experience in higher education with a focus in cognitive and learning skills and adult education.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenixanchors the 28-acre Phoenix Biomedical Campus in the heart of the Valley of theSun. The College inspires and trains individuals to become exemplaryphysicians, scientists and leaders who are life-long learners and inquisitivescholars. We embrace professionalism, innovation and collaboration to optimizehealth and health care for all. The Phoenix Biomedical Campus embodies theUniversity’s priorities of engagement, partnership, innovation, and synergy inits world-class academic and research initiatives, with clinical facilitiesthroughout Greater Phoenix. The campus also houses the UA Colleges of PublicHealth, Pharmacy, and Nursing, as well as Northern Arizona University’s Collegeof Health and Human Services, the Translational Genomics Research Institute(TGen) and the International Genomics Consortium.

Outstanding UAbenefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance anddisability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAUtuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; stateretirement plan; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities:

Educational Services & Student Support (50% of time)

  • Facilitates a safe place for students to come for a variety of issues related to their academic success including but not limited to development of learning and study skills, critical thinking, self and time management, test-taking strategies, integration of learning resources, strategies for Step 1 readiness (National Medical Exam Preparation), self-reflection, and maintaining an appropriate balance between life/school, to promote positive academic results.
  • Provides feedback and support to students based on educational theory, student-centered coaching, understanding of student needs, and current practices in learning/academic support.
  • Partners with students to develop an individualized academic plan for continual progression in programs.
  • Meets with students to provide academic coaching and learning support to assist students in the ongoing development of their learning system and academic plan for continued success.
  • Oversees extensive USMLE program/unit to increase student performance on USMLE Board exams.
  • Develops and maintains sophisticated student performance tracking system for Pipeline Admissions Programs and medical students (Academic Vitals).
  • Promotes and helps facilitate help-seeking behaviors and ongoing use of university resources.
  • Assists in the delivery of learning services. In addition, serves as a resource and support for both the Pipeline Admissions Program and Student Development Teams.

Resources, Support, & Strategic Planning (30% of time)

  • Assists Director(s) in strategic planning, establishing goals for department and ongoing success plans for all students.
  • Maintains student records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and keeps accurate documentation of consultations and communications as appropriate within the data management system utilized by the department.
  • Develops and delivers workshops and independent learning modules (ILMS) to enhance effective learning techniques based learning theory and evidence-based strategies. Assist the Directors and Student Development Team/Pathways Scholars Program Team in the design and delivery of faculty and staff trainings, workshops, and consultations.
  • Participates in planning, developing, and administering department budget as it relates to USMLE resources and Pipeline Admissions Program.
  • Creates curricular units/programs to improve medical students and/or PSP grades and contribute to future development and success as medical students.
  • Develops and delivers learning curriculum for the Leadership, Learning and Ethics course in the Masters of Medical Studies (PSP) program.
  • Design and implement learning tools to effectively communicate USMLE preparatory skills and requirements.
  • Manages growing cohort of students with a skilled sensitivity to students who may be at-risk academically or under-resourced for a rigorous medical school program.
  • Works with vendors as needed/directed for USMLE preparatory materials and programs to provide students with appropriate resources and scholarships.
  • Oversee ongoing programs to allow struggling medical students or PSP students to gain an alternative credit/degree.
  • Assists in interviewing, selection, hiring, training, and coaching of peer tutors-supervises peer tutors supporting the PSP.

Administrative Support for Department (20% of time)

  • Develops, maintains, and implements department policies and procedures aligned with the College goals and mission.
  • Represents the College/department/students and serves on various work groups and university committees advocating for best practices for learning and student success.
  • Acts as a liaison with the community, students, faculty, and staff in facilitating university programs.
  • Partners with admissions for appropriate pre-matriculation, PSP, and medical students matriculation decisions making.
  • Resolves problems and issues affecting students and the department, and recommends measures to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the department.
  • Oversee MCAT preparatory activities.
  • Supports and attends student functions as appropriate (i.e., peer lead tutoring sessions, orientation, graduation, match, and etc.).

Additional duties as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in adult education, education, higher education, psychology, basic sciences or closely related field, or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience is typically required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in adult education, education, higher education, psychology, basic sciences or closely related field.

•Demonstrates a commitment to staying current with educational theory, as well as, related practice and research.

•Ed.D./ Ph.D. degree with a focus on adult education, education, higher education, psychology, cognitive and learning skills, or a closely related field is strongly preferred.

•3 years’ of professional experience in higher education with a focus in cognitive and learning skills and adult education.

•3-5 years in higher education experience in a medical school or post-secondary professional students is highly desirable.

•Prior professional experience as an academic/learning support or learning specialist at an undergraduate or graduate school is highly desirable.

FLSA:

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time:

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week:

40

Job FTE:

1.0

Work Calendar:

Fiscal

Job Category:

Academic Administration

Benefits Eligible:

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay:

$47,048 - 65,344 Annually, Depending on Experience

Compensation Type:

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade:

8

Career Stream and Level:

PC4

Job Family:

Student Support

Job Function:

Student Services

Type of criminal background check required::

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies:

1

Target Hire Date:

2/28/2021

Expected End Date:

Contact Information for Candidates:

College of Medicine-Phoenix, Office of Human Resources

HR-PHX@arizona.edu

Open Date:

12/10/2020

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant:

Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missed information may be considered an incomplete submission.

Cover Letter or Letter of Interest: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).

Diversity Statement:

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As an Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

Organization

As Arizona’s First University, founded in 1885, the University of Arizona now serves nearly 46,000 students, from undergraduates to doctoral candidates. A public land grant university, we work together to expand human potential, explore new horizons, and enrich life for all.

We constantly strive to be a best-in-class place to learn, research, and work. We educate innovative, adaptive learners and problem solvers who are prepared to lead meaningful lives and improve society in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Economy. Our Strategic Plan details how we intend to drive social, cultural, and economic impact, in Arizona and across the world.

As a Research I university and member of the Association of American Universities, the University of Arizona hosts two medical schools as well as the only veterinary college in Arizona. More than 16,500 faculty, staff, and graduate students produce over $687 million in research annually, ranking us among the top 20 public research universities in the nation.

Transdisciplinary research excellence – the true seamless integration across disciplinary university-community boundaries – is an undergirding philosophy deeply rooted in our history. Notably, our BIO5 Institute brings together scientists from agriculture, medicine, pharmacy, basic science, and engineering to treat disease, feed humanity, and preserve livable environments.

We strive for excellence in all our 200-plus undergraduate majors and 150 graduate programs. Our faculty are renowned for ground-breaking research in astronomy and planetary sciences; climate, environment, and solar energy; cancer and biotechnology; optical sciences; electrical and computer engineering; and management information systems. Research us yourself on our interactive FactBook.

As Arizona public employees, we enjoy comprehensive benefits. Among these are a choice of retirement plans, high-quality medical insurance subsidized at 85% of cost; and dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance plans. An unusually generous qualified tuition reduction program is one of the benefits our employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and children value most.

Who We Are

Our core values proclaim who our Wildcat community is and what we stand for:

Integrity: Be honest, respectful, and just.

Compassion: Choose to care.

Exploration: Be insatiably curious.

Adaptation: Stay open-minded and eager for what’s next.

Inclusion: Harness the power of diversity.

Determination: Bear down! (Yes, there’s a story here.)

Where We Are

Our Main and Health Sciences campuses are located near downtown Tucson. In addition, we operate a College of Applied Science & Technology in southeastern Arizona, a Biomedical Campus in Phoenix, a Veterinary College north of Tucson, and extension offices in every Arizona county. Despite a metro population of 1 million people, Tucson retains the feel of a small town where everyone knows one another. Ringed by mountains, blessed with abundant sunshine, and recognized as a bicycle-friendly city, Tucson is ideal for outdoor exploration. The second largest city in Arizona also offers cultural, artistic, and social amenities to feed your insatiable curiosity. Emblematic of the desert Southwest, the Sonoran Desert is a region steeped in Native American and Latina/o culture.

Diversity Profile

Our Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

The University of Arizona sits on the homeland of the Tohono O’odham, the Desert People. In 1775, the Spanish Presidio San Agustín de Tucsón displaced the Native people from the floodplain of the Santa Cruz River. With Mexican Independence in 1821, Tucson became part of the Mexican state of Sonora, and might still be so but for the 1853 Gadsden Purchase.

The University of Arizona takes advantage of our unique location and history through initiatives from cross-border collaborative research in arid lands and water management to workshops for women entrepreneurs in Sonora.

The Native Peoples Technical Assistance Office serves as a liaison between Native nations and the research arm of the university, focused on building capacity and research support for tribal community development.

The university of Arizona is proud to be a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution and one of 9 US institutions to receive the inaugural Seal of Excelencia for demonstrating positive Latina/o student outcomes. We rank No. 1 for the number of doctoral degrees awarded to Native American students, and No. 9 for the number awarded to Latina/o students.

Student success, particularly educational equity for historically underserved groups, is an institutional priority. We have more than 10,000 First Cats (first-generation college students). The Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center is nationally recognized for its innovative and successful academic support programs for students with learning and attention challenges.

The University of Arizona has many student cultural clubs and organizations. View the list on the Equity, Inclusion, and Title IX website.

These are some of our cutting-edge centers and programs:

Arizona Hispanic Center of Excellence (AZ-HCOE) works to increase the number of Latina/o physicians, enhance health research serving Latinas/os, and improve the cultural competency of health care services in Latina/o communities.

Binational Migration Institute (BMI) is an association of US and Mexican scholars researching the consequences of immigration enforcement policies on Latina/o communities.

Institute for LGBT Studies develops curriculum, promotes research, and presents public programming addressing the histories, politics, and cultures of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture (ISRC) serves as a research and outreach center focused on the role of religion in international politics.

Native American Research and Training Center (NARTC) conducts health-related research and training projects to help improve quality of life for Native Americans.

Native Nations Institute (NNI) conducts policy analysis and research dedicated to building capable Native nations.

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