What are the responsibilities and job description for the Learning Services Specialist position at Iowa Valley Community College District?
Job Title: Learning Services Specialist
Department: Student Success Center
Reports To: Director of Student Success & District Instructional Content
Job Classification: Exempt
Department: Student Success Center
Reports To: Director of Student Success & District Instructional Content
Job Classification: Exempt
FTE: 0.75, Benefit Eligible
Location: Marshalltown, Iowa
Summary: The purpose of the Learning Services Specialist position is to support students academically and to enable an environment where students have equitable access to education. This individual is the primary contact for disability services and accommodations, with responsibilities for determining and coordinating services for students with disabilities through collaboration with students, faculty, and staff. This position requires a high degree of independent judgement, initiative, organization, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with others to provide comprehensive learning support services that promote persistence and achievement and remove barriers to accessing quality education.
Job Responsibilities:
Location: Marshalltown, Iowa
Summary: The purpose of the Learning Services Specialist position is to support students academically and to enable an environment where students have equitable access to education. This individual is the primary contact for disability services and accommodations, with responsibilities for determining and coordinating services for students with disabilities through collaboration with students, faculty, and staff. This position requires a high degree of independent judgement, initiative, organization, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with others to provide comprehensive learning support services that promote persistence and achievement and remove barriers to accessing quality education.
Job Responsibilities:
- Meets and responds to disability-related inquiries from prospective/current students (and support people), staff, and faculty to introduce, inform, and advise them regarding services and processes for accommodations. Collects information and documents, including maintenance of student case database, reports, documents, forms, and rosters of students with accommodations.
- Identifies accommodations through an interactive and individualized process. Evaluates, reviews, and interprets disability documentation for eligibility determination in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, relevant state disability regulations, the Fair Housing Act, relevant caselaw and legal guidance, and College policies and procedures.
- Coordinates accommodations and provides test accommodations and proctoring. Safeguards the proper facilitation of accommodations.
- Provides academic support to students in various subject areas and participates with the Student Success Center staff to foster student self advocacy and in the delivery of learning support to students (not limited to students with accommodations). Monitors student attendance, conduct, course grades, and program progression and completion to assist in student advising and retention (not limited to students with accommodations).
- Partners with campus offices to ensure that digital and print materials (e.g., student-facing forms and documents) meet current accessibility standards through regular review and remediation.
- Participates in professional development activities to keep abreast of current trends and practices. Provides advocacy, education, and guidance within the community about equal access, accommodations, and respect for students with disabilities. Identifies, requests, and coordinates needs for accessible physical environments and learning environments.
- Maintains student document files. Documents pertinent information about social, physical, mental, and academic aspects of students with disabilities. Monitors and reports the use of services and accommodations per semester.
- Models study strategies and organizational tools when working with students in a variety of academic areas. Promotes the Learning Services program (Student Success Center) and the college to community and prospective students.
- Assists in developing policies and procedures related to disability services and accommodations. Collaborates and consults effectively with multiple stakeholders, including colleagues across different campuses, TRIO Student Support Services, Residence Life, Title IX Coordinators, and Business Community Solutions staff.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s degree and 3 years of experience in disability services, (higher) education, rehabilitation counseling, educational psychology, special education, or a related field is preferred. Knowledge of mental, physical, and learning disabilities. Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 rules, regulations, laws, and procedures.
Abilities:
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Excellent written and oral communication skills including proficiency in business English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Knowledge of general office procedures and protocols. Knowledge of organization or department operations, services, and policies.
- Working knowledge of computer software programs which may include Word, Excel, institutional mainframe computer software, or similar programs.
- Knowledge of diagnostic and instructional methods and emerging technologies that help students with access and learning.
- Independent decision making, ability to exercise good judgment, and use of problem solving and critical thinking skills. Organizational skills, time management, relationship building and communication skills are essential.
- Skills with working in an environment with shifting priorities; frequent interruptions; hectic pace; and interaction with students, staff, and/or the public.
- Ability to work independently as well as be a collaborative team player in completing assigned tasks and meeting deadlines.
- Knowledge of the learning process.
- Ability to handle highly confidential matters and materials with discretion.
Base Wage: $39,967-$53,289 annually (salary will be pro-rated based on FTE) - actual salary will be based on experience and education.
Benefit Information: This position offers a 0.75 FTE benefit package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement plan, vacation, sick and staff development opportunities.
Iowa Valley Community College District does not discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, actual or potential family, parental or marital status, or other protected classes. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the District Equity Coordinator, 3702 S. Center Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158, 641-844-5523, Equity@iavalley.edu.
Salary : $39,967 - $53,289