Primary Learning Specialist

About the role

The Primary Learning Specialist (PLS) is responsible for the direct support, academic coordination, and executive functioning development of assigned students participating in Bucknell’s Comprehensive EF Coaching Program Pilot. The PLS serves as the students' central academic support figure, coordinating closely with other Learning Specialists, faculty, OAR staff, academic advisors, the Counseling Center, and other university offices. This position emphasizes proactive academic planning, skill development, consistent engagement with academic content, and cultivating strong faculty‑student relationships. The PLS provides regular individualized support while maintaining comprehensive progress documentation and accountability measures throughout the academic term.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the Director, Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR).
• Conduct an initial intake interview to understand each student's academic background, strengths, challenges, and interests.
• Help students create realistic study schedules and patterns.
• Lead one weekly facilitated session and oversee the drop‑in Facilitated Study Space.
• Monitor and support students in completing academic tasks (readings, assignments, note‑taking); ensure students can explain course material during sessions to boost retention and comprehension.
• Track student engagement and performance in formal (exams, quizzes) and informal (participation, discussions) assessments; monitor class participation and communicate with faculty regarding involvement and performance.
• Facilitate and track bi‑weekly student‑faculty meetings; coach students to prepare meaningful questions for office hours and class.
• Review syllabi and major assignments with students; create an assignment calendar highlighting key academic periods; coordinate with OAR for additional accommodations.
• Guide students in creating detailed assignment work plans with dates, tasks, and time estimates; monitor weekly progress and validate completion.
• Track all submitted work, grades, and participation; monitor learning management systems for feedback and grade trends; set/revise performance benchmarks in consultation with students and faculty.
• Establish clear expectations with students; coordinate a monthly review team comprising the student's Dean, Academic Advisor, OAR Director, a Counseling Center staff member, and another Learning Specialist; recommend and support ongoing therapeutic relationships for student well‑being.
• Generate and share weekly progress reports (including session summaries, work plan updates, grade tracking, faculty engagement, and general observations) with students, OAR, and other stakeholders (advisor, parent, Dean), starting after the first week of classes; gather and maintain data.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a related field; four years of experience in executive functioning challenges, learning disabilities, or ADHD in an academic environment; must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship (this role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship).

Skills

Advanced understanding of executive function coaching models; familiarity with ADA accommodations and postsecondary student support structures.

Qualifications

Preferred, but not required: credentialed coaching certifications (e.g., ICF, ADHD‑CCSP); experience supporting students with learning differences or executive functioning challenges.

Benefits

Eligible full‑ and part‑time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to): flexible scheduling options determined by role; medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long‑term disability insurance options; an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non‑exempt positions); generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!); full‑time and part‑time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves; additionally, full‑time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible