Learning Specialist

Nazareth University is a leading institution in Rochester, NY, with a vibrant community of approximately 1,900 undergraduate and 500 graduate students. We seek dedicated staff members committed to supporting student success, community engagement, and championing equity and inclusion.

About the role

The Learning Specialist will focus on direct work with neurodiverse students and under-representative student populations, including students with documented learning differences and those needing additional academic support. This position will work with the Academic Success and Accessibility team to provide professional one-on-one academic success coaching and case management for high-need students, and will be instrumental in strategically increasing access and enrollment for neurodiverse and under-representative students.

Academic Success and Accessibility services serve approximately 500 students with physical, academic, and housing accommodation needs, along with providing academic coaching, social coaching, tutoring, and supporting students on academic recovery. The Learning Specialist will work collaboratively to ensure the success of transitional and support programs the office provides, with direct involvement and support for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other learning disabilities.

This professional will review and interpret medical documentation and/or neuropsychological evaluation reports to determine student eligibility and identify appropriate strategies and supports. Support is provided through individualized accommodations, disability-related academic counseling and advising, academic success coaching, and student advocacy.

This is a staff bargaining unit position and a grant-funded position funded through the REENU (Title III) grant, set to end September 2028, with the possibility of renewal pending continued grant availability.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one targeted intervention to under-representative university students, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other disabilities, which may include skills related to: time management and organization, study strategies, stress management, social interactions, health and wellness, role-playing and social scripts, self-advocacy, and daily living skills.
• Assist students in identifying and achieving personal, educational, and career goals.
• Communicate regularly with parents, faculty, and staff to monitor student progress, offer a consistent support system, and refer to other resources and accommodations, as needed.
• Oversee and implement the Academic Success Coaching program, including supervising three graduate assistants.
• Oversee and implement a Social Coaching program, including 3-4 student coaches, to aid students in building communication skills, boundaries, social cues, and finding belonging on campus.
• Assist in outreach and support efforts to students identified as academically at-risk based on mid-term grades, alerts, and students seeking additional support.
• Meet with prospective and current students (and parents/guardians) seeking disability support.
• Conduct disability accommodation review intakes to determine academic accommodation, accessible classroom furniture accommodation, study abroad disability accommodations, clinical/internship accommodations, and housing accommodations.
• Engage in the interactive process with new students, review documentation, develop appropriate accommodation plans, and offer advice.
• Collaborate and communicate regularly with faculty and staff among different campus departments to create and implement workshops to help provide access and education to the campus community.
• Support the Academic Success and Accessibility office in training the campus community on current trends and best practices in the field.
• Assist in coordinating and scheduling testing accommodations with students and faculty (including test acquisition, proctoring, return and security, management of student files, and correspondence).
• Respond to access issues and concerns of academic integrity as needed.
• Support additional office services such as exit interviews, accommodation intakes, coaching, promotional activities, campus collaboration, data analysis, and special projects.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in special education, psychology, school psychology, or a related field.
• 1-3 years’ experience with ADA applications and providing support services to neurodiverse students in K-12 or higher education, students with disabilities, preferably on the post-secondary level.
• Experience providing executive functioning or academic coaching, disability services, or related experience, preferably in a college or university setting.
• Competence in communicating, understanding, and working effectively with people from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Thorough knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other relevant legislation pertaining to higher education and disability.
• Demonstrates commitment to working in a diverse workplace and to building a pluralistic community by promoting an increased understanding of individual differences and perspectives that will enable workforce cohesiveness.
• High emphasis placed on professionalism, efficiency, and a positive attitude.
• Annual participation in professional development; focuses on acquiring, improving, and applying technological and other skills that are essential to achieving the goals of the University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep understanding of industry-wide best practices in higher education neurodiversity trends.
• Experience with disability inclusion in higher education or related experience with mental health disabilities, preferably in a college or university setting; knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to persons with disabilities.
• Basic-intermediate understanding of assistive and adaptive technology, and ability to assist students with training on Glean, ReadWrite, Kurzweil, Dragon Naturally Speaking, LiveScribe pens, FM systems, and remote captioning.
• 2-4 years of experience coaching academic skill development.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise 6-7 student workers or graduate assistants.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and extensive computer use.
• Occasional lifting or moving of light objects.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plan: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement savings plan, with a 5% match after two years of employment and a 7% match after five years of employment.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition Remission: Full tuition coverage for employees and their dependents.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career advancement.
• Wellness Programs: Access to fitness facilities, mental health resources, and wellness programs.
• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage: Employer-provided life insurance and short/long-term disability plans.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.