Learning Specialist

Reporting to the Managing Director of the Student-Athlete Resource Center (SARC), the Learning Specialist provides comprehensive academic support to student athletes with demonstrated academic need, including those with education-impacting disabilities, learning differences, or who are academically at risk.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and small group academic support focused on executive functioning, study strategies, time management, and self-advocacy.
• Design and implement customized learning plans based on academic history, learning assessments, and eligibility requirements.
• Monitor academic progress, attendance, performance indicators, and progress toward NCAA initial and continuing eligibility standards.
• Maintain accurate academic documentation and session records using PeopleSoft or comparable student success systems.
• Communicate academic progress and concerns to appropriate athletics staff while maintaining FERPA compliance and confidentiality.
• Collaborate with compliance staff and campus partners to coordinate academic interventions, referrals, and student support plans.
• Prepare and contribute to academic reports related to eligibility certification, retention, and academic performance trends.
• Educate student athletes on NCAA academic expectations and institutional degree requirements, including support during academic transitions.
• Facilitate workshops on study skills, learning strategies, academic technology platforms, and self-management skills.
• Serve as an academic resource to student athletes, coaches, support staff, academic units, and external partners to promote student athlete success.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related.
• Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
• A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in related field.
• Two years of experience in higher education, athletic academic setting.
• Experience with applicable University policies and procedures.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Experience with PeopleSoft.

Skills

• Knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility requirements, conference rules, institutional policies, and FERPA requirements.
• Ability to design and implement effective individualized and group teaching and learning strategies.
• Ability to advise and support students using principles of individual and group behavior and counseling techniques.
• Ability to analyze academic information, evaluate complex situations, exercise professional judgment, and determine effective courses of action.
• Ability to collect, compile, evaluate, and present data related to academic progress and student success.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Strong professional written and verbal communication skills for working with student-athletes, families, campus colleagues, and educational partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive student information and communications.
• Knowledge of student services programs and technology platforms used in university and online learning environments, with awareness of responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies, including AI.
• Ability to develop services and programs responsive to students from a wide range of communities.

Pay

Anticipated hiring salary: $5,667/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,540/month - $7,893/month

Benefits

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.