Learning Skills Specialist

Summary of Responsibilities:

Participate in portfolio-wide program planning processes with reference to emerging student needs, curricular changes and OCAD University’s Academic and Strategic Plan
Develop and deliver learning support programs (e.g. one-on-one, small group, peer-based, co-curricular, classroom-based) to facilitate student learning skills development with an emphasis on supporting the success of disabled students; consult with SAS staff and other stakeholders to identify ongoing and emerging student needs and to inform program development and delivery priorities
Provide individual learning skills consultations for students drawing from learning strategy best practice
Develop and provide student support, resources and learning opportunities in the use of learning technologies and applications for navigating and reducing barriers to learning and enhancing academic success
Develop and deliver learning skills training and resources for program staff as part of annual pre-service and in-service tutor education to build capacity for learning skills support across program and service areas
In consultation with the Lead, Co-Curricular and Peer Learning Programs, develop and deliver student learning skills-building workshops as part of student transition, orientation and retention programming with an emphasis on supporting the success of disabled students; collaborate with SAS to develop and deliver academic orientation and transition programming for students with disabilities
Collaborate with the Lead, Co-curricular and Peer Learning Programs to develop and deliver academic skills workshops for students on probation
Work closely with SAS to deliver student programming and faculty supports, as required, that strengthens access and accommodations processes for disabled students, including students registered with SAS
Support the delivery of undergraduate academic integrity consultations and other resources as required; complete related reporting requirements
Develop and maintain student learning resources to support their success in in person, blended and online learning environments and across all course types (e.g. studio, seminar, lecture)
In consultation with the Lead, Co-Curricular and Peer Learning Programs, contribute to the development and implementation of student learning support program policies and procedures
Facilitate timely and effective student referrals within the Centre and between the Centre, SAS and other areas of the university
Develop web content as required and contribute to promotional and outreach initiatives related to learning skills programs and services
Undertake research to identify promising practices and provide expertise and guidance across the staff team and the University to support the integration of evidence-based practice; contribute to faculty and staff professional learning opportunities to promote best practices in student learning skills development and accessible pedagogy, informed by equity-based and Disability Studies approaches to education, as required
Contribute to the development and implementation of program monitoring and evaluation tools and participate in critically reflective practice and evidence-informed program development and decision-making
Actively contribute to Learning Skills professional communities and conversations as well as best practice investigations and advancements in learning skills development and accessible pedagogy for art and design education; share research findings through a variety of knowledge dissemination activities
Participate in reflective practice and professional learning activities, individually and in teams, to integrate equity and sustainability principles across relevant programs, processes and practices
Fulfill Centre and Ministry reporting requirements
Participate in departmental planning in support of the university’s strategic and academic plans and Centre goals and objectives; participate on relevant permanent or ad-hoc University committees, as required
Assist the Manager and Director in other related tasks that contribute to the successful operation of the Centre and support the Centre’s strategic directions
Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Education, Social Sciences or equivalent; Supplemental Instruction, Learning Disability Specialist or Learning Strategist training certificate an asset
A minimum of five (5) years of experience providing learning and academic skills building programs to diverse learners and students with disabilities in a post-secondary environment; progressive experience working in a university academic success centre or equivalent
In-depth understanding of the learning and academic support needs of diverse learners and students with disabilities
Post-secondary studies in Art or Design an asset; past or present art or design practice an asset
Strong knowledge of best practices in student learning theory and practice; demonstrated experience developing and implementing co-curricular peer learning programming
Informed understanding of the opportunities, limitations and risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) for student learning and academic success; active engagement with evolving research, pedagogical practices and sector developments related to AI use in learning skills education and support.
Demonstrated understanding of critical pedagogy, equity studies, accessible pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning (UDL); understanding of Disability Studies theory and practices with experience translating Disability Studies approaches into student program development and program delivery practices
Excellent program development skills with experience conducting needs assessments and stakeholder engagement to inform multi-year program planning
Demonstrated experience designing, delivering and evaluating skills-building workshops for students; excellent group facilitation and instructional skills
Demonstrated capacity for and experience in providing assistance to students in app and learning technology use for learning and academic success; experience giving students support in the use of assistive technology, an asset
Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, and a demonstrated ability to exercise tact, sound judgment and commitment to confidentiality
Excellent academic and professional writing skills with the ability to write effectively for different audiences
Demonstrated experience producing educational resources and handouts including experience developing learning resources to support online learning environments
Knowledge of best practices in multilingual pedagogy and an understanding of the barriers and support needs of post-secondary students studying in a second language
Track record of working consultatively with faculty to build relationships and support student program development and delivery; experience developing and delivering faculty and TA professional learning programming an asset
Demonstrated experience developing and integrating decolonizing, anti-racist, accessible and translingual approaches and pedagogies in previous work or study
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, anti-racism, decolonization and accessibility; and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty
Demonstrated ability to take initiative, excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications; knowledge of Canvas learning management system and Adobe Creative Cloud applications an asset
Flexibility to adjust hours and location of work as needed to support programs and events outside of regular office hours and location