Job Description:
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Learning Assistance Specialist is responsible for providing ground and online, undergraduate and graduate level support programs in writing, language development, and learning that are designed to support Pacific Oaks students’ academic goals. This position includes instructional and administrative responsibilities as well as collaboration with both faculty and staff. Some evening and weekend hours are required.
This position is located in Pasadena and reports directly to the Director of the Center for Achievement, Resources and Enrichment (CARE).
SUPERVISION RECEIVED (The degree of supervision exercised over this position):
The incumbent performs a variety of routine work within established policies and procedures and receives detailed instructions on new projects and assignments.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Tutoring and Student Support
- Provide one-on-one and small group tutoring, both in person and via phone or video call, while monitoring student progress.
- Update and provide resource materials for students
- Assist in the direct retention of students
- Act as a knowledgeable and professional campus resource and student advocate for learning/writing assistance services
- Demonstrated experience with writing and learning assistance methods
Reporting
- Complete and submit regular reports as required by the Director of CARE
- Responsible for updating programs website
Program Development
- Develop and execute educational workshops and special programs
- Research, develop, and evaluate approaches to writing/academic support, including use of learning technologies
- In collaboration with the CARE Director, develop and implement writing assistance policies and procedures
Program Evaluation
- Conduct research and collect on-going data to continuously evaluate programs and methods
- Maintain records and report center usage and satisfaction statistics
Outreach and Marketing
- Develop marketing materials to advertise academic support services
- Responsible for outreach activities to educate community of services
- Participate in new student orientation and other student services programs
- Promote the CARE department’s mission
Team Collaboration & Meetings
- Collaborate with Director of CARE, College staff and faculty to develop or improve educational support programs to support student learning practices
- Work collaboratively with Student Affairs and Technology Staff to develop effective learning assistance and integrate methods with technology and website.
Flexibility & Availability
- Must be available to work evenings and weekends.
Additional Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Is regular attendance an essential function? ☒ Yes ☐ No
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive knowledge of writing technological programs and resource tools.
Skills:
- Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills in the English language.
- Strong computer proficiency.
- Demonstrated extensive analytical skills and project management skills.
Abilities:
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships through face-to-face communication, by phone, and in writing.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge:
- Familiarity with best practices for College Learning Centers, along with knowledge of key theoretical foundations of learning.
Skills:
- Strong interpersonal skills using tact, courtesy and patience
- A strong commitment to innovation and quality in education
- A commitment to learning and teaching, diversity and the cultivation of student talents
Abilities:
- Proficient in planning logistics and coordinating events
- Must be able to work with minimum supervision
- Must be available to travel to multiple sites as required
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Master’s Degree in Writing, Rhetoric, Education, English, TESL, Counseling, Educational Psychology, or a related field of study
- Experience:
- A minimum of 2 years tutoring/teaching and/or administrative experience working in a higher education learning/writing center is required
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with English language learners
Preferred Qualifications:
- Education: Humanities majors preferred
- Language: Bilingual in Spanish
- Program Skills: Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
- Office environment; typically, 70 degrees
- Noise level is usually quiet to moderately noisy while in the office
EQUIPMENT USED:
- Computer/Laptop
- Calculator/10-key
- Telephone
- Copier, scanner and fax machines
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL TASKS: (Check all that apply):
Physical Demands:
☒ Standing ☒ Lifting: 3 Lbs. ☐ Pushing/Pulling ☐ Driving
☐ Walking ☐ Carrying ☒ Hearing ☒ Speaking
☐ Reaching ☒ Writing ☐ Squatting/Kneeling ☒ Seeing
☐ Climbing ☐ Pushing ☒ Other: Typing
Physical Environment - Exposed to:
☐ Noise ☐ Heat/Cold ☐ Fumes/Gases ☐ Human Tissue/Fluids
☐ Chemicals ☐ Carcinogens ☐ Dirt ☐ Animal Tissue/Fluids
☐ Toxic Chemicals ☐ Radiation ☒Other: Dust
☐ Biohazardous Material
Mental Demands:
☒ Reading ☐ Frequent Interruptions ☒ Periods of Concentrated Attention
☒ Detailed Work ☐ Irregular Work Schedule ☒ Frequent Contact with People
☐ Frequent Deadlines ☐Other:
☒ Multiple Concurrent Tasks
TRAVEL: (% of total time): Up to 20% of total time
- Must be available to travel to multiple sites as required.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The noise level in the work environment is usually quite to moderately noisy while in the office. The office temperature is about 70 degrees.
DECISION MAKING:
The position is governed by the policies of Pacific Oaks, along with established procedures for the department. Independent judgment is required in the supervision of personnel as well as in the carrying out of the department's strategic goals and budget management.
CONTACT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Routine exchange or presentation of information.
Responsible for demonstrating professionalism and leadership in resolving conflicts with students and employees. Recommends alternative approaches to solve problems and conflicts.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
This position does not require the management of budgets, but it is required to follow Pacific Oaks policies for purchasing and budget approvals.
Compensation & Benefits
This opportunity is budgeted at $23.00-24.75 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.https://www.pacificoaks.edu/about/careers-pacific-oaks/
Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Pacific Oaks offers equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, housing status, source of income or military status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.
