Learning Specialist

STDT ACAD SPEC 3 SV (005145)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_940818

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

1/12/2026 9:11:10 AM

Date Last Edited:

1/12/2026 9:11:04 AM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

6000O

Organization:

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Division Code:

5501D

Division:

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Department:

374500 - INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_940818

Position Description ID

250475

UC Payroll Title:

STDT ACAD SPEC 3 SV (005145)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

SV: STDT SVS & ADV PROF (SSAP)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

TBD

Reports to Payroll Title:

STDT ACAD SPEC 4 SV

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40713754

Department Head Payroll Title:

ATH MGR 4 BYA

SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referral to the supervisor’s guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Office of Academic Excellence (OAE) supports the unique needs of UCLA's 600+ student-athletes across 25 teams by providing strategic services and programming in the areas of academic support, academic advising, and eligibility monitoring. OAE's student-centered approach empowers student-athletes to maximize their educational experience as they pursue their academic and personal goals. It is OAE's mission to graduate self-sufficient learners who are able to successfully embark on life after college.

Learning Specialists work individually with student-athletes to strengthen study habits, time management, learning strategies, and reading and writing skills, while connecting them to campus resources for a successful transition to the university while balancing athletic commitments. Learning Specialists utilize student-athletes' educational history, placement results, educational interviews, and coaching input to collaboratively develop, implement and monitor student-athletes' individualized academic support plans, which may include weekly learning specialist meetings, academic mentor and/or peer learning (tutoring) support. They also play a critical role in the monitoring of and reporting on the academic progress of assigned teams.

Learning Specialist also have several administrative and program planning duties, including progress checks and grade reports, academic check-in meetings with coaching staffs, team meetings, Bruin Bridge (summer orientation program), orientation sessions, as well as events like the Scholar-Athlete Banquet, and Student-Athlete Graduation Celebration.

Academic Support

 • Identify the level of academic support needed for assigned incoming student-athletes using academic history, placement exams, constituent input, and/or educational interviews.

 • Collaborate with staff from the Office of Academic Excellence to develop quarterly individualized academic support plans for assigned student-athletes and teams, which may include learning specialist, academic mentor and/or peer learning support.

 • Utilize a variety of strategies to promote student engagement and progress; assess student- athletes’ academic progress and implement necessary changes to academic support plans.

50%

Academic Support

 • Schedule weekly individual learning specialist sessions with assigned student-athletes to promote metacognition and self-regulated learning in the areas of motivation, methods of learning, use of time, physical and social environment management, and academic performance management. Sessions will provide instruction in academic strategies such as time management, critical thinking, reading, the revision process, note taking and test taking strategies.

 • Support assigned student-athletes in program planning (course selection) process by reviewing academic and personal interests, goals, strengths and areas for growth; consult with College Academic Advisors and/or Eligibility Coordinators to provide appropriate guidance.

 • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

0%

Administration

 • Collect, synthesize and distribute academic mentor and learning specialist session reports to assigned coaches and administrators.

 • Review and report on grades and academic progress

 • Manage confidential records, build confidentiality safeguards, educate student-athletes on privacy protocols, and monitor the dissemination of academic and personal information

 • Participate in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes

 • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

25%

Advocacy

 • Practice and promote equity and inclusion in interactions with students, staff, and faculty and community members.

 • Provide student-athletes with an orientation to academic support services and campus resources via student orientation sessions, Bruin Bridge, athletic team meetings, and Learning Specialist sessions on an as-needed basis.

 • Provide referral services to the Center for Accessible Education, Counseling & Psychological Services and other relevant academic and wellness campus support.

 • Partner with Sports Medicine, the Director of Student-Mental Health Programs and other University support staff to refer students to support services.

 • Guide student-athletes in identifying academic strengths, opportunities for growth and effective learning strategies.

10%

Advocacy

 • Educate and refer student-athletes to educational assessment and psychological-educational testing as needed.

 • Monitor utilization of approved accommodations and services for assigned caseload.

 • Within the limits of confidentiality, communicate regularly with staff from the Office of Academic Excellence regarding student progress as well as program development.

 • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

0%

Professional Development, Academic Support Staff Training and Staff Support

 • Engage in ongoing professional development in active and engaging learning strategies, inclusion and equity-minded practice, and health and wellness resources and support.

 • Provide training sessions to Office of Academic Excellence staff, academic mentors and/or peer learning facilitators (tutors)

 • Serve as a resource for Office of Academic Excellence staff, coaches and administrators in the areas of learning strategies, accessible education and advocacy.

 • Support the academic mentor program, by assisting with the recruitment, hiring and assignment of academic mentors (interns); develop and deliver training curriculum and contribute to the planning of the professional development series for academic mentors, as needed.

 • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

10%

Rules Compliance

• Comply with all Federal, State, University and Department requirements established pursuant to Title IX, including the mandatory reporting requirements for a “Responsible Employee.”

 • The DIA is governed by the NCAA, BIG10 and University of California.  The incumbent is required to comply with the applicable rules, regulations and policies of those organizations.

    ◦ Review and retain all rules compliance disseminated by the DIA Compliance office.

    ◦ Report all NCAA/BIG10 violations.

    ◦ Sign the annual NCAA Certification of Compliance form.

    ◦ Complete the Athletically Related Income form annually.

    ◦ Comply with California State Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) Law and adhere to mandatory reporting guidelines.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred

Master’s Degree in education, counseling, higher education or relevant field.

Preferred

Experience supporting at-risk students and students with learning disabilities

Required

Knowledge of effective learning strategies and academic development

Required

Knowledge of regulations and laws associated with ADA and accommodations for students with diagnosed learning disabilities

Required

Demonstrate ability to exercise sound judgment and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and according to FERPA guidelines

Required

Skill in working independently and following through on duties with minimal direction

Required

Ability to effectively counsel and refer students to campus resources for assistance with professional, academic, and/or personal matters

Required

Ability to interact diplomatically with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds

Required

Outstanding communication skills both oral and written, including skill in writing memos/reports and using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation; Outstanding listening, analytical, and problem-solving skills in work with academic staff and student-athletes

Required

Ability to establish and interact collaboratively and effectively with other staff, student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and the UCLA community

Required

Working knowledge of collegiate athletics and student-athlete demands

Required

Ability to work collaboratively in situations that may be time sensitive or otherwise highly pressured, with a variety of individuals including students, coaches, academic personnel, faculty and staff

Required

Working knowledge of NCAA rules, and regulations and the ability to adhere to and comply with those rules and regulations

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

Ability to travel occasionally to support student-athletes at away competitions.

Ability to work odd hours, including: nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Wasserman Football Facility. Los Angeles, CA 90095

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.