LEARNING SPECIALIST - Washington Staffing : Job Details

Washington Athletics has an outstanding opportunity for two Learning Specialists to join their team. Washington Athletics aims to inspire champions in competition and in the classroom. We exist to enrich the lives of students to positively impact our community and world for generations to come. Operating with the four core values of growth mindset, committed service, humility and grit, the Huskies choose to lead by example. All Husky Athletics staff make an IMPACT by committing to creating a purpose driven culture that impacts students and our greater community. We engage in GROWTH through dynamic conversations, embracing creativity, and recognizing that every challenge represents an opportunity to learn. We are a COMMUNITY who strive to create experiences for our stakeholders every single day. At our core is the belief that INCLUSION means creating spaces and places that reflect equity, advocacy and belonging for all.

Within the Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) unit, the Learning Specialist will specialize in working with students from a variety of sports, including Football or Men's Basketball, neurodivergent students, and students from underserved communities. This position reports to the Director of Learning Resources in Student-Athlete Academic Services. The employee will work independently and prioritize and complete ongoing tasks following established departmental, the University of Washington, Big 10 Conference, and NCAA guidelines and university policies.

Counseling of Students:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement individualized academic support plans for identified Football or Men's Basketball student-athletes, as well as certain Olympic student-athletes, including the assessment and evaluation of individual students to determine learning needs and additional support.
• Conduct one-on-one academic meetings with a caseload of students, teach learning strategies, and address academic needs.
• Serve as liaison to the office of Disability Resources for Students and help coordinate intake interviews, learning disability testing, and follow-through with accommodations and services.
• Work with academic advisors to review student athletes' class scheduling, degree plans, tutorial services, the University of Washington, and NCAA academic standing and progress toward degree.
• Assist with the quarterly scheduling of tutoring for student-athletes using a computerized data management system.
• Coordinate study hall for assigned students and teams.
• Provide consistent and frequent communication, verbally and in writing, with academic staff and coaches about the progress of assigned student-athletes, including weekly academic coaches' meetings.

Learning Resources:

• Assist in hiring and training instructors and tutors for the summer bridge program.
• Assist in the planning, implementation, teaching, and evaluation of any courses offered by Learning Resources.
• Create and facilitate workshops for small groups of students on a variety of study skills topics.
• Act as a resource for staff and coaches in the areas of learning development, learning strategies, and identification of learning disabilities.
• Work with the Learning Resources team to recruit, hire, train, and evaluate tutors.
• Assist with orientation, summer programs, recruiting, and other programs or duties as assigned by the Director of Learning Resources and/or the Associate Athletic Director of Academic Excellence.

A Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Education, Educational Psychology, or a related field. Three years of experience in an educational environment working with students who need active academic support and/or have neurodivergencies. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum requirements.

Additional Requirements:

• Outstanding communication skills both oral and written, including skills in writing memos/reports.
• Knowledge and expertise in effective learning strategies, assessment tools, motivational techniques, and study skill development.
• Demonstrate ability to exercise sound judgment and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and according to FERPA guidelines.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on duties with minimal direction, counsel and advise students with professional, academic, and/or personal questions and concerns, interact with individuals of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds, and establish and interact collaboratively and effectively with other staff, student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and the University of Washington community.
• Knowledge of regulations and laws associated with the ADA and accommodations for individuals with educationally-impacting diagnoses.
• Outstanding listening, analytical, and problem-solving skills in working with academic staff and student-athletes.
• Work collaboratively in situations that may be time sensitive or otherwise highly pressured, with a variety of individuals, including students, coaches, academic personnel, faculty, and staff.
• Some travel, as well as evening and weekend hours, are required.

Master's degree in Special Education, Education, Educational Psychology, or a related field. Teaching certificate or experience. Three to five years of experience. Experience working with Division I football or basketball programs. Experience working with student-athletes in an NCAA Division 1 environment. A working knowledge of University of Washington Intercollegiate Athletics, the University of Washington, the Big 10 Conference, and NCAA policies, rules, and regulations.

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select Apply to this position . Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your My Jobs page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your My Jobs page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.