POSTION DESCRIPTION:

The Academic Support Specialist plays a vital role in supporting student success at The Valley COM by fostering academic excellence, self-awareness, and adaptive learning strategies. This position is mission-driven and student-centered, designed to enhance the educational experience of future osteopathic physicians through personalized academic support, strategic interventions, and collaborative curriculum development. The Support Specialist will work closely with students, faculty, and administrative teams to ensure that learners are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive in a rigorous, hands-on, case-based curriculum.

SPECIFIC/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mission Driven

• Promote The Valley COM’s mission to train osteopathic physicians with the courage to lead, the passion to serve, and a devotion to learning.

• Foster inclusive academic support that empowers all students to reach their full potential, regardless of background or learning style.

Leadership and Advisory

• Serve as a member of the Curriculum Committee, offering insights into student learning needs and academic support strategies.
• Advise faculty and staff on best practices for integrating learning skills into instruction and student engagement.

Curriculum Development & Instruction

• Co-create support materials and resources that support diverse learning styles and academic skill-building.

Evaluation/Assessment

• Collaborate with the Office of Academic Affairs and Assessment to identify areas where students may need additional support.
• Analyze academic performance data to inform interventions and support strategies.

Professional Development

• Stay current with research and best practices in learning science, academic coaching, and medical education.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and contribute to institutional learning initiatives.

Student Support Services & Mentorship

• Provide one-on-one academic coaching to help students understand and apply their learning styles effectively.
• Assist students in strengthening weaker learning modalities and adapting to the curriculum.
• Develop a detailed plan for identifying and supporting at-risk students.
• Support students in preparing for licensure exams, including COMLEX Level I and COMLEX Level II, through individualized coaching, study planning, and resource alignment.
• Actively assist at-risk students in developing strategies and confidence for successful exam performance.

Collaboration

• Work closely with faculty and staff to coordinate support efforts.
• Actively participate in student orientation and transition programs.

Research & Innovation

• Explore innovative approaches to academic support and learning strategy development.
• Contribute to scholarly work related to student success and medical education.

Accreditation, Quality and Compliance

• Ensure academic support services align with accreditation standards and institutional goals.
• Document and report student support activities for compliance and continuous improvement.

Strategic Planning and Development

• Contribute to strategic initiatives aimed at improving student retention, performance, and satisfaction.
• Design scalable support systems that adapt to evolving student needs.

Finance & Administration

• Manage resources and materials related to academic support services.
• Assist in budget planning for workshops, tools, and student success initiatives.

General

• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to individual student needs.
• Make quick pivots in support strategies based on student feedback and performance trends.
• Uphold the values of compassion, leadership, and excellence in all interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Education, Psychology, Learning Sciences, or related field (Doctorate preferred).
• Experience in academic support, coaching, or student services in higher education (medical education preferred).
• Strong understanding of learning styles, adult learning theory, and academic interventions.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and adapt to a dynamic educational environment.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

It is the firm policy of THE VALLEY COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE not to discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, age or disabilities. It is a violation of The Valley COM policy to discriminate in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students; the provision of employment opportunities, benefits or privileges; to create discriminatory work conditions; or to use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, age or disabilities. Further, it is a violation of The Valley COM Policy to discriminate in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, genetic information or marital status in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students. Discrimination of this kind may also be strictly prohibited by a variety of federal, state and local laws.