Learning Specialist

About The Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Summary

The Learning Disabilities Program (LDP) is a comprehensive, academic support program for undergraduate students with learning disabilities (LD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). The central responsibilities for the Specialists’ who support this program are to identify students’ areas of need, provide twice-weekly targeted support sessions, teach students the skills required for self-regulated learning, develop and maintain professional working relationships with students, communicate with faculty and University staff to support students’ self-advocacy, and to assess students’ progress in their coursework and academic programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Professional training in the remediation of learning and other disabilities. Training in administering and interpreting psycho-educational and neuropsychological assessments for students with LD/ADHD as well as the specialized knowledge to interpret diagnostic assessments and determine appropriate academic interventions, Individuals must have demonstrated ability to develop productive working relationships with students. Current and deep knowledge of research and evidence-based approaches concerning adolescents and young adults with LD and/or ADHD including executive functioning, self-regulated learning, self-determination metacognition, and common co-morbidities. Working knowledge of ADAAA and other laws relating to disability in higher education as well as the ability to explain them and the implications for students with LD and/or ADHD. Excellent problem-solving, group process skills, interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills. Knowledge and skills required for this position are typically acquired through the completion of a Master’s degree in education, special education, or applied educational psychology. One to three years’ experience teaching academic skills to adolescent and young adult students with LD and/or ADHD; experience in higher education is desired.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Direct student service: For a caseload of 12-14 students,
• meet for regularly scheduled hour-long sessions twice each week.
• develop short- and long-term academic goals based on student’s profile and academic program.
• instruct students in academic skills and learning strategies to address areas of need.
• regularly monitor and assess student progress towards goals and adapt support as needed.
• Programming:
  
  
  

Participate with the program staff and contribute to topical study and program-wide projects that include acting as a resource to Learning Strategies and Student Success as well as to the larger university community. These studies help to identify best-practices for supporting the learning and achievement of students with LD and/or ADHD.

• Advocacy:
• Communicate with faculty and University staff to support students’ self-advocacy and to assess student’s progress in their coursework and academic programs.
• Serve as a resource for instructors and staff working with students with LD and/or ADHD.
• Collaboration:
• Make and facilitate referrals to other campus resources to address student needs.
• Support a student’s use of accommodations.
• Provide LD/ADHD-specific advising regarding coursework and load to complement University advising.
• Reporting:
• Prepare written reports that explore the goals, progress, and difficulties of each individual student on your caseload and communicate time sensitive student issues as needed.
• Collect and provide data required for student assessment.
• Participate in program assessment as required by the Program Director.
  
  
  

Position Type

Student Services

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.