JOB TITLE:  Instructional Support Specialist

PRIORITY DEADLINE:  May 31,2024

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: Minimum Starting Salary $44,000

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

DEPARTMENT: Academics

REPORTS TO: Director of Arts and Sciences (ancillary reporting responsibilities to the Director of Applied Studies, Director of Early Entry and Instructional Logistics, and the Director of Workforce Development)

SUPERVISES: Not Applicable

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree
• At least one year work experience in an educational setting
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree or Associate Degree and at least two years relevant work experience
• Excellent customer service skills and a responsive attitude
• Knowledge of educational assessment and evaluation methods
• Proficient with instructional design and use of instructional technology
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects effectively
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts in lay terms
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Expert developer and user of Brightspace/Desire2Learn or proficient with other LMS platforms
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English
• Demonstrated ability to gain new technical skills quickly

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing instructional support for all instructors and assisting with evaluation, selection, and use of instructional technology tools, including instructional design support. The incumbent functions as part of the academics and workforce development teams and works collaboratively with the information and technology team to maintain high quality, current course shells (in the Desire2Learn Learning Management System) for academic and workforce development courses. Course shell development housing resources and training materials for students and NPRC faculty and staff use is also required. The incumbent will support innovation and continual improvement based on director guidance and program/department review recommendations. The incumbent maintains current working knowledge of distance learning technologies, routinely thinks outside the box to solve problems quickly, provides impeccable customer service, has excellent conflict resolution and communication skills, is organized and reliable, is self-directed, and consistently and accurately completes assigned tasks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain current working knowledge of educational assessment and evaluation methods
• Maintain and apply current working knowledge of instructional design principles and practices
• Maintain and apply current working knowledge of media and instructional technology tools
• Maintain and apply current working knowledge of third-party instructional support technology used in conjunction with the College’s learning management system
• Communicate complex technical concepts in lay terms
• Demonstrate excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail while maintaining confidentiality
• Expert developer and user of Brightspace/Desire2Learn
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively
• Organize and maintain records related to delivery of instruction
• Assist with evaluating, selecting, and implementing effective use of educational technology tools
• Work collaboratively with information and technology staff to ensure that course shells are prepared and available for each course prior to the start of each Academic and Workforce Development term or course
• Facilitate dissemination and collection of instructional materials
• Ensure assessment environment supports academic integrity
• Support the routine and daily operation, use, and configuration of the Desire2Learn LMS
• Manage community areas within the LMS, including form and function
• Act as an internal consultant by analyzing data and recommending solutions to utilize the LMS to deliver, track training, and measure performance to meet organizational objectives
• Identify and communicate opportunities for process and quality improvement of instructional support
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of current technology applicable to LMS software and systems and teaching technology software
• Maintain currency in the field of distance learning, including best practices and distance technology learning standards
• Assist in meeting training needs for faculty and staff
• Create and update resources to train and support learners on how to use technology tools for teaching and learning
• Serve as a point of escalation for instructor support issues, which may include interaction with LMS vendor and other vendor support services as related to instructors or instructional staff
• Collaborate with IT department to resolve academic and workforce development logistical and technical issues and produce term related documentation, including but not limited to, student course evaluations and student experience surveys.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to obtain the following clearances and training:

• PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History Record Check
• Federal Criminal History Background Check
• Training Certificate - Mandated and Permissive Reporting in Pennsylvania

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical and mental demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to communicate in written and spoken English
• Ability to read, comprehend, and recall instructions and guidelines
• Ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information

WORKING CONDITIONS/WORK SCHEDULE:

• Remote work assignment may be approved for this position with expectations for periodic in-person attendance at specified College events, such as Commencement, governance, and faculty training.
• Office Location: To be determined within NPRC’s multi-county service region. Office assignment and instructional location depend upon location availability and institutional needs.

• Work hours:
  • Employees are expected to work 37.5 hours weekly.
  • Courses begin as early as 8:30 am and end as late as 9:20 pm and typically run Monday-Thursday.
  • Work hours may be adjusted and may include evenings and occasional Saturdays if necessary to support instructional activities.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

This position may require occasional travel to, or throughout, NPRC’s multi-county service region to meet with students, colleagues, or others. See http://regionalcollegepa.org for information concerning instructional locations. The ability to travel to and from any location within the College’s service region is required.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Perform other duties as assigned

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPRC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or place of birth, sex, gender identity or expression, perceived gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, use of a service animal due to disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran status, age, or other classification protected by applicable law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.