"Learning Specialist (College of Medicine-Phoenix)"

Position Highlights

Do you possess expertise in educational theory and have a keen interest in offering student-centric support to medical students? The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix invites applicants to apply for an exciting and rewarding opportunity in the Student Affairs (SA) and Student Development (SD) teams. The Learning Specialist provides a relationship-based model of learning support for medical students throughout all their years within the programs at the College, as well as supports these students' overall development as lifelong learners and professionals. The successful applicant will be providing advanced learning and study strategies, high-stakes exam preparation, an expert command of learning theory and practice, student advocacy, and holistic learner-centered coaching support and feedback.

As a Learning Specialist, you will design and facilitate workshops focused on learning and study skills, transitioning to medical school, navigating high-stakes learning environments, and other activities that directly support students' development as medical student learners. Other duties include monitoring student progress and assisting them in maximizing the use of institutional resources. An ideal candidate will have knowledge of educational theory, experience in higher education with a focus on cognitive, learning skills, and adult education, and have obtained a Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.

A flexible schedule, including a hybrid work week, is available for this position.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state retirement plan; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for its innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Educational Services & Student Support:

• Facilitate a safe place for students to come for a variety of issues related to their academic success including, but not limited to, development of learning and study skills, critical thinking, self and time management, test-taking strategies, integration of learning resources, strategies for Step 1, Shelf, and Step 2 readiness (National Medical Exam Preparation), self-reflection, and maintaining an appropriate balance between life and school to promote positive academic results.
• Provide feedback and support to students based on educational theory, student-centered coaching, understanding of student needs, and current practices in learning/academic support.
• Partner with students to develop an individualized academic plan for continual progression in programs.
• Meet with students to provide academic coaching and learning support to assist students in the ongoing development of their learning system and academic plan for continued success.

Resources, Support, & Planning:

• Maintain student records in compliance with university and college policies, as well as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Keep accurate documentation of consultations and communications within the designated data management system.
• Develop and deliver workshops and independent learning modules (ILMS) to enhance effective learning techniques based on learning theory and evidence-based strategies. Assist the Director and Student Development Team in the design and delivery of faculty and staff trainings, workshops, and consultations.
• Design and implement learning tools and resources to effectively communicate USMLE preparatory skills and requirements. Support the delivery of extensive USMLE programming to increase student performance on USMLE Board exams.
• Manage growing cohort of students with sensitivity to students who may be at-risk academically or under-resourced for a rigorous medical school program.
• Promote and help facilitate help-seeking behaviors and ongoing use of university/college resources.

Support for Department:

• Assist in interviewing, selection, hiring, training, supervising, and coaching of peer tutors.
• Represent the College/department and serves on various work groups and university committees and act as a liaison with the community, students, faculty, and staff in facilitating university programs.
• Resolve problems and issues affecting students and the department and recommends measures to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the department.
• Support and attend student functions as appropriate (i.e., peer lead tutoring sessions, orientation, graduation, match, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to be proactive, empathetic, solution-oriented, and have a growth-mindset.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and high degree of openness to new approaches and new ideas.
• Ability and commitment to creating an environment sensitive to student diversity.
• Knowledge of FERPA and ethical principles in working with students.
• Knowledge of educational planning principles and techniques.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• EdD, PhD, or Master's degree with a focus on adult education, education, higher education, psychology, cognitive and learning skills, basic sciences, or a closely related field.
• Prior professional experience as an academic/learning support or learning specialist at an undergraduate or graduate school.
• 3 years of professional experience in higher education with a focus on cognitive and learning skills and adult education.
• 3-5 years of higher education experience in a medical school or as a post-secondary professional student is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated commitment to staying current with educational theory, as well as related practice and research.