"TRIO Learning Specialist (Full-Time, 10 Month Position) - Middlesex Community College"

Job Description

Title: TRIO Learning Specialist (Full-Time, 10 Month Position) (Federally Grant Funded)

Unit: MCCC Full-Time Professional Staff (Grade 05)

Department: Student Affairs, Student Support Services, TRIO Program for Student Achievement (PSA)

Reports to: Director of TRIO Program for Student Achievement

Date: September 8, 2025

General Summary: This is a full-time, 10-month TRIO Learning Specialist which serves as a member of both the TRIO Program for Student Achievement (PSA) and TRIO Student Success Program (SSP), dedicating 75% of the time to TRIO PSA and 25% for TRIO SSP. These programs offer academic, career, transfer, financial aid and personal advising in a non-therapeutic setting to income-eligible and first-generation college students and students with disabilities. In service of TRIO grant objectives of good academic standing, retention, progress to graduation, and transfer to four-year institutions, this position will:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Instruct in study and learning strategies to promote independent learning and encourage students to develop a systematic approach to studying that will serve them throughout their coursework.
• Provide academic and career advising and assist in the course selection and registration process.
• Support students in accessing and implementing accommodations.
• Conduct intake interviews, review application materials, and create a customized service plan for each student.
• Participate in program specific recruitment activities within the college.
• Outreach to students who may be experiencing academic difficulties as determined by academic deficiency grades, early alert system and class withdrawals and make appropriate referrals to college and community resources.
• Assist with financial aid and scholarship application process including assistance in applying for educational funds from sources at MCC, potential transfer institutes and other funding sources.
• Maintain ongoing communication with students and collaborate with TRIO staff, participate in program-specific recruitment efforts within the college.
• Maintain student advisor log and record student contacts using Student Access database, Navigate and other college platforms.
• Maintain awareness of current issues supporting students with disabilities in post-secondary settings.
• Attend training sessions and meetings including professional development opportunities.
• Assist in the development of and presentation of skill building workshops for program participants such as time management, project management, resume writing, financial literacy.
• Provide support for TRIO PSA program goals in the areas of financial literacy information and education.
• Write letters of recommendation for participants for awards, scholarship, fellowship, and employment opportunities, and as part of the transfer process.
• Assist students in writing requirements including but not limited to scholarship applications, financial aid appeals, college essays, resumes, and cover letters.
• Attend TRIO program staff meetings as well as in-services and education programs relevant to job performance.
• Conduct exit interviews with students who complete, transfer or discontinue enrollment.
• Develop, implement and evaluate retention strategies.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with multiple college offices and departments including Student Access and Support Services, Academic Centers for Enrichment, Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid/ Student Accounts, Veterans Resource Center, Wellness and Essential Needs and with external agencies as appropriate.

TRIO PSA Student direct service:

• Provide direct services as a case manager to program participants.
• Provide 1:1 support in metacognitive strategies to students with documented disabilities during one-on-one tutoring sessions.
• Provide 1:1 support to students in time management, organizational skills, study skills, test taking strategies, pre-registration advice and self-advocacy.
• Provide 1:1 support to students to assist with college readiness skills, address academic challenges, activities that promote college retention and support in academic areas.

General Direct Student Service:

• Provide direct services as a case manager to program participants.
• Build strong advising relationships, monitors students' progress toward individual and program goals, making referrals to appropriate college resources.
• Offer comprehensive transfer planning, including campus visits, college fairs, and applying for educational funds from sources at MCC, potential transfer institutes and other funding sources.

Staff collaboration:

• Collaborate with TRIO staff in both programs to provide a holistic approach to TRIO students.
• Meet regularly with the TRIO teams for planning and implementation of activities, transfer trips and cultural events.
• Attend weekly TRIO program staff meetings, as well as in-services and education programs as deemed appropriate by the TRIO directors.

General College Obligations

• Attend the annual Commencement ceremony
• Participate in campus committees/initiatives that support the program mission and goals
• Assume related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Master's degree required in Special Education, Education Psychology, Counseling or related field.
• At least 1 year of related disability services training/teaching/direct service experience in a secondary or postsecondary environment
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted for the required Master's Degree
• Demonstrated understanding and /or developing knowledge of ADAAA/Section 504 of Rehab Act, with knowledge of disability documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of outreach, recruitment, and intervention services and strategies that address the needs of individuals with disabilities including Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, and Psycho-Social disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply tutoring methods to engage individuals of diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Ability to work with students in-person and through online platforms.
• Ability to provide clear and concise explanations.
• Strong time management, organizational and communication skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Confidence and proficiency with computers and technology are necessary.
• Excellent skills in interpersonal relationships; ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with college students and colleagues.
• Bilingual skills a plus.

Additional Information:

This position is supported through federal grant funding. While the college is fully committed to the success of this program, continued employment in this role is contingent upon ongoing grant funding. Should federal funding change in the future, the position may be impacted.

Salary Range: $70,929 is the starting salary with a Master's Degree; actual salary commensurate with academic background and experience. Employees of Middlesex Community College are considered employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits, which include: High-quality and affordable health insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission (GIC), Competitive Dental and Vision Plans, Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs, Low-cost basic and optional life insurance, Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan or 403(b), 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time, Tuition Benefits for employees and dependents at state colleges and universities, Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options, Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities, Cell Phone Bill Discounts with Verizon and T-Mobile Cell Phone Carriers, Access to the Commonwealth's Mass4You, employee assistance program, Free employee parking on Bedford and Lowell campuses, Eligibility towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Location: Bedford campus with occasional travel to Lowell as needed

Hours: 37.5 per week, 10 months per year with schedule to be determined upon hire. This position will be eligible for a maximum of one day of telework in accordance with the College's telework policy.

Expected Start Date: October/ November 2025

Application Deadline: September 29, 2025