(MCCC) Learning Specialist - STRIVE Program  « Position Deleted on 7/08/2011 »

Company Description:

Holyoke Community College: the opportunities you want; the future you're looking for.

For over 63 years, Holyoke Community College has been a gateway to quality education and career advancement. Seeking to realize their dreams and aspirations, more than 100,000 students have come through the open doors of the College. HCC offers over 100 different academic options.

The Commonwealth's oldest community college, Holyoke Community College serves more than 12,500 students annually in credit and noncredit programs and courses. The college has the highest transfer rate of any community college statewide, holding articulation agreements with more than 27 colleges and universities. Recognized for its Honors Program, distance learning curriculum, learning communities, and service to students, HCC also offers business development opportunities through the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development.

Job Description:

STRIVE is a long-established Federally-funded (TRIO) educational opportunity program, which has assisted many eligible students to reach their goals at Holyoke Community College. The STRIVE Program has been in place at HCC for over 15 years and serves students who are "first-generation" college students, or those with modest incomes and/or documented disabilities. The students in the Program reflect the rich cultural/ethnic diversity of the College's service area.

The Learning Specialist is responsible for identifying and facilitating academic support services for STRIVE students.

DUTIES:

1. Provides academic, retention and transfer advising to STRIVE students.
2. Develops an Individual Student Plan for STRIVE students and monitor students' progress toward that plan.
3. Works collaboratively with the Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services (OSD/DS) to review appropriate documentation and develop accommodations plans for STRIVE students with disabilities.
4. Assists STRIVE students in identifying support services through STRIVE, the Assistive Technology Center, OSD/DS, the CAPS Center, Career Services and other college programs and departments.
5. Maintains contacts with Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or other agencies regarding student progress and accommodation needs, as appropriate.
6. Facilitates workshops for STRIVE students on topics such as study strategies and personal skills.
7. Provides consultation and support to STRIVE Learning Coaches, STRIVE Tutors and college faculty regarding accommodation plans and best practices for working with students with disabilities.
8. Coordinates STRIVE Club.
9. Plans and facilitates group activities for STRIVE students, including STRIVE Orientations and dedicated STRIVE courses.
10. Establishes and maintains confidential records and contribute to program record keeping system.
11. Participates in all other operational aspects of the project, including program planning and development.
12. Assists in developing written materials about STRIVE, including the STRIVE newsletter, STRIVE website, STRIVE Facebook, and other relevant college material.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Social Services, or closely related field; Five years experience that includes learning disability services and/or disability assessment or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience; Experience reading and evaluating disability documentation and creating accommodation plans for students; Experience with assistive technology in education; Knowledge of universal design for learning; Experience with academic planning and advising; Experience working with "First Generation to College" low-income, and disabled students; Experience working with a diverse population; Strong interpersonal, writing and computer software skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in Education, Counseling, Social Services, or closely related field; Experience in higher education; Prior TRiO experience; 1-3 years experience using BANNER software; Bilingual (English/Spanish).

COMPENSATION: Grade 5; Range $42,659.40 - $52,258.08; (10 month position); Full State Benefits

HOURS: 37.5 hours per week; Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with occasional evenings and/or weekends.

STARTING DATE: September, 2011

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position.

Additional Information:

Holyoke Community College is committed to excellence and opportunity through diversity in education and employment. Holyoke Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, maternity leave, and national origin, in its education programs or employment.

Application Instructions:

Applicants interested in applying MUST submit the following documents via online:

• Resume/CV
• Letter of Interest (Cover Letter) - When preparing your cover letter, please refer to the minimum and preferred qualifications as pertaining to this position and, if applicable, include an equivalency statement.
• List of references with names, addresses, & telephone numbers of three professional references

DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed beginning July 1, 2011- Additional applications may be considered until position is filled.

Returning applicants - https://hcc.interviewexchange.com/login.jsp to check completed application.