Strategy Instructor Responsibilities and Qualifications

Strategy Instructors are responsible for meeting on a weekly basis with an assigned caseload of students participating in the Beyond Access program. Student participants are largely students who identify as individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent. In meetings, Strategy Instructors evaluate a student’s strengths and concerns to create and individualize strategies to support their progress toward goals. Students typically work toward goals in the areas of time management and organization, social engagement and social skills, academic skills, and career development; however, Strategy Instructors are able to provide holistic support covering a wide range of topics.

As Strategy Instructors need to be skilled in empathetically and sensitively working with a diverse student population, successful candidates often have educational background or experience, and/or are pursuing degrees in areas such as School Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA), and Educational Leadership (EDLR), or related fields. All applications, however, are welcome.

Typically, our available positions are full assistantships (a 20-hour per week commitment). We occasionally have opportunities for 50% (10 hour) and 75% (15 hour) GAs. Assistantships are based at the Storrs, Hartford, and Stamford campuses.

Open Positions

CSD is seeking candidates for full (20-hour per week) graduate assistantships in our enhanced services program, Beyond Access, at the Storrs campus.

SUMMARY:
The Beyond Access (BA) Strategy Instructor manages a caseload of students enrolled in the BA program. The Beyond Access program offers individualized services that exceed standard accommodations at the college level. Our program is designed to help students bridge the gap between access and success. We recognize that students have a variety of strengths and difficulties, and we believe in meeting students wherever they are on their journey. We value all aspects of student life, and believe that academic, social, and career skills are all ingredients for a positive university experience. Our purpose is to support students in reaching self-selected goals in these and other areas over the course of a semester. Beyond Access provides semester-long support to students as they reach self-selected goals in many areas.

JOB DUTIES:
Manages a caseload of assigned students within the BA program providing one-on-one strategy instruction to meet students’ established goals.

1. Presents students with individualized learning strategies supporting executive function skills (e.g., time management, organization), academic skills (e.g., notetaking, test-taking, studying), social engagement, stress management, and other related areas.
2. Promotes student development and self-determination in social, emotional, academic, and daily living realms; encourages and promotes goal setting with
3. Guides students in connecting with campus resources (e.g., using approved accommodations, navigating UConn procedures, utilizing tutoring centers and academic resources).
4. Records detailed confidential case notes in CSD’s database.
5. May assist and support other BA Strategy Instructors, including meeting with their students as needed.
6. May plan, coordinate and manage BA study halls and social groups based on program participants’ needs. These events are typically on a small scale, and Strategy Instructors may be responsible for securing space, developing themes, and facilitating groups.
7. May assist with operational functions at the CSD as needed during peak times such as finals week. Tasks may include answering phones, greeting students and visitors to CSD, copying and filing, exam administration, proctoring exams, scribing or reading exams, hiring notetakers, and other related duties.
8. May assist with supporting special projects which may be ongoing and require planning, coordination, and

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be entering into or currently pursuing a master’s degree in special education, psychology, social work, or another related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with students in K-12 and/or higher education.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, particularly individuals with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and psychiatric conditions.
• Experience identifying and teaching strategies to support learning, social engagement skills, and executive function skills.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

For more information about Beyond Access, please visit our website: https://beyondaccess.csd.uconn.edu/

TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Tim Smagacz, Assistant Director for Operations: timothy.smagacz@uconn.edu.