Looking for Learning Specialist (Student Support Specialist III), Academic Affairs - College of Medicine Phoenix in Phoenix, AZ

Job title: Learning Specialist (Student Support Specialist III), Academic Affairs - College of Medicine Phoenix

Company: University of Arizona

Job description: Learning Specialist (Student Support Specialist III), Academic Affairs - College of Medicine Phoenix

Posting Number req17328

Department COM Phoenix Academic Affairs

Department Website Link

Location Greater Phoenix Area

Address Phoenix, AZ USA

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 life-long learners and professionals. The successful applicant will be providing advanced learning and study strategies, high-stakes exam preparation, has expert command of learning theory and practice, student advocacy, and holistic learner-centered coaching support and feedback.



As a Learning Specialist, you will meet with assigned students to provide personalized academic coaching and learning support. In addition, 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 progress of students and assisting students in maximizing usage of institutional resources.



An ideal candidate will have knowledge of educational theory, experience in higher education with a focus in cognitive, learning skills, 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 and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more



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

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:

• Assist Director in strategic planning, establishing goals for department, and ongoing success plans for all students.


• 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.


• Participate in planning, developing, and administering department budget as it relates to USMLE resources and programs.


• Develop, maintain, and implement department policies and procedures aligned with the College goals and mission.


• 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.


• Partner with Admissions for appropriate pre-matriculation and medical student matriculation decisions making.


• 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.).

Additional duties as assigned.



Knowledge, Skills, and 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.


• Demonstrated 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.


• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience is required.

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 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 in cognitive and learning skills and adult education.


• 3-5 years in higher education experience in a medical school or post-secondary professional students is highly desirable.


• Demonstrated commitment to staying current with educational theory, as well as, related practice and research.

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Student Services

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay $59,404 - $74,254 annually, Depending on experience

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 8

Career Stream and Level PC3

Job Family Student Support

Job Function Student Services

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date 10/17/2023

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates



College of Medicine-Phoenix, Office of Human Resources



[email protected]

Open Date 8/17/2023

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant



Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missed information may be considered an incomplete submission.



Letter of Interest: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).

Diversity Statement At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

Expected salary: $59404 - 74254 per year

Location: Phoenix, AZ

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