General Statement of Duties

As part of the TRIO SSS Programs team, the Learning Specialist will work towards the grants goals. They will contribute to program recruitment goals, create and maintain strong, ongoing supportive connections with program participants. The learning specialist will provide general academic advising, including course selection and registration counseling to students. They will provide individualized and small group instruction, and act as a resource for students and help them to become effective learners. The Learning Specialist will monitor student progress and provide targeted interventions to help success and contribute towards program data recording and reporting while advocating for the success of SSS students. This position will require some evening/weekend hours and activities at all MWCC campus locations and some off campus locations.

Responsibilities

• Participate in smartstart and other college onboarding to recruit program participants as per grant guidelines;
• Contribute to written/electronic materials to facilitate recruitment;
• Participate in tabling, presentations and other program activities for accepted students and families;
• Maintain a welcoming, positive and supportive office atmosphere;
• Work with program staff to track student participation in program and general activities;
• Practice pro-active/intrusive advising to support student success;
• Communicate regularly with program participants through a variety of communication channels;
• Collaboratively plan and participate in cultural, recreational, and social activities for SSS students;
• Maintain up to date advising skills through trainings, catalog review and coordination with advising center staff;
• Offer general career and transfer advising to students;
• Initiate and maintain an ongoing effective working relationship with other campus counselors, academic deans, faculty, and staff to advocate for SSS students;
• Refer to transfer counselor to plan for plan for smooth transfer to four-year schools;
• Assist or refer students with general questions about financial aid awards and completing FAFSA and scholarship applications;
• Work with students on an individual and small group basis to develop writing skills across subject areas;
• Serve as supplemental instruction tutor as needed;
• Provide instruction and review on foundational topics, especially as part of summer programming;
• Provide coaching on executive skills as needed;
• Provide guidance around study skills, note taking, time management, test taking etc. to help students succeed academically;
• Work with tutors, and other program staff to provide needed services;
• Maintain a network of referral sources and professional contacts (e.g. personal counseling resources) to facilitate the academic success of SSS students;
• Develop and deliver seminars around academic and personal development topics;
• Assist students with documented disabilities with connecting with the disabilities office and coordinating accommodations;
• Record and review student contact records in the program electronic database;
• Contribute towards data gathering needs for program evaluations and performance report submissions;
• Work with faculty and staff to raise awareness of the challenges faced by SSS eligible students;
• Serve other college committees and task-forces as assigned;
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in required discipline, or closely related field;
• One (1) year experience and/or training that includes teaching, instructional technology or program development; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Equivalency Statement
Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.

Salary: $30.03 per hour
Employee Status: Part Time Grant Funded. Grant ends 8/31/25
Benefits: No
Hours per Week: 18
Number of Weeks:52

Mount Wachusett Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual violence shall be referred to the College's Affirmative Action and/or Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.