Learning Specialist

Position Details

Marshall University is a public comprehensive university with a rich history as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. Founded in 1837 and named after Chief Justice John Marshall, definer of the Constitution, Marshall University advances the public good through innovative, accredited educational programs. We are located in downtown Huntington, West Virginia, with additional locations in South Charleston, Point Pleasant, Teays Valley and Beckley.

Job Description

The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (JCESOM) Learning Specialist will work with medical students and/or physicians in the JCESOM who would benefit from individual or group support to improve their study, test taking, and overall academic skills through focused curricula developed through the Marshall Medical HELP Program. Employee will assist in the development of strategies, coordination of services, instruction of individuals or groups, and implementation of recommendations via a virtual and or in-person format for JCESOM students. Specialist will collaborate with designated JCESOM staff to identify student needs, provide proper support, give feedback/updates on progress, and provide training as necessary. Goals for services provided by the learning specialist include, but are not limited to: improve student study and test-taking strategies; increase passing rates for 1st and 2nd year students in MD program; increase passing rates on board exams, shelf exams, or other types of examinations; improve overall performance/confidence in program; improve pace, efficiency, self-awareness, and memory strategies; and improve JCESOM student retention.

Essential Job Functions

• Communicate with JCESOM faculty/staff to identify medical students needing individual support.
• Communicate with JCESOM faculty/staff about students needing more in-depth support via group cohorts.
• Lead one-on-one in-person and/or virtual meetings for identified or self-referred JCESOM students. These sessions will facilitate improvement in the following areas: reading comprehension, reading speed, note-taking and test-taking strategies, organization of time, study skills, memory improvement, coping with expectations of school, improvement of self-esteem and mindfulness, and any other areas as deemed appropriate.
• Lead in-person and/or virtual classes for identified or self-referred JCESOM students. These classes will facilitate improvement in the following areas: reading comprehension, reading speed, note-taking and test-taking strategies, organization of time, study skills, memory improvement, coping with expectations of school, improvement of self-esteem and mindfulness, and any other areas as deemed appropriate.
• Maintain a schedule to include individual meetings, group cohorts, and administrative time.
• Maintain the relevance and ingenuity of Marshall Medical HELP curricula and strategies. Design and revise curricula based on research, student feedback, and other insights to improve the program.
• Provide agreed upon reports/feedback for students who have completed individual sessions and/or group cohorts, including concerns, successes, and recommendations to students and JCESOM faculty/staff.
• Collaborate with HELP Program Director to maintain best practices, review student progress, and assess individual, group and/or JCESOM faculty/staff needs.
• Provide yearly condensed Medical HELP curricula (focused on study and test taking skills) to JCESOM students post-first block.
• Provide yearly training to JCESOM advisors on best practices in assessing student needs and providing basic strategies for success.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of JCESOM expectations of all incoming and enrolled students.
• Represent JCESOM and/or The Marshall Medical HELP Program at university or professional functions, including national conferences and recruitment opportunities, as needed.
• Other duties as needed

Salary Range

$44,918-$58,393; Salary is commensurate with experience and internal equity

Education

• Completion of master’s degree in education or related field.

Experience

• Leadership abilities, as well as building and maintaining professional relationships with students, associates, supervisors, and faculty.
• Excellent verbal, written communication, and presentation skills (both in-person and virtual).
• Excellent organizational skills.
• One year experience teaching student learners (preferably from advanced programs).
• One year working with medical students and/or students in the allied health professions.
• One year of experience working with students with Specific Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD.