About the Department:

The Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI), and Executive Functioning Program (EFP) are fee-based programs offered through Disability Services, providing additional support and resources beyond disability-related accommodations. MASI provides individualized, comprehensive social and academic support to degree-seeking Mason students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). EFP provides academic support for students diagnosed with disabilities related to executive functioning skills.

About the Position and Responsibilities:

The Learning Strategist (MASI) and the Learning Coach (EFP) meet and correspond with students regularly and consistently on a weekly basis to provide support with many aspects of university life, depending on their individual needs. Possible areas of support include:

• Implementation of strategies and development of skills in self-advocacy, time management, organization, planning/prioritizing, studying, goal-setting, problem-solving, self-monitoring, and decision-making;
• Assistance with and modeling of effective communication with faculty, classmates, and peers;
• Collaboratively identifying and addressing social needs and navigating challenging situations;
• Assistance with accessing and utilizing campus resources;
• Assistance with coordination and collaboration with university faculty and staff, departments, and community organizations as needed; and
• Preparation for transition into the world of work.

The Learning Strategist spends 2 hours a week per student and the Learning Coach spends up to 3 hours a week per student working together during individual meetings (hybrid). The positions will require approximately 10-29 hours each week depending upon applicants' availability.

Additional responsibilities for both roles include:

• Administrative work (i.e., weekly logs, time sheets);
• Supervision;
• Staff meetings/professional development;
• Meetings with students and professors/campus resources (per student request); and
• Check-ins via email, text, and/or phone with students.

Required Qualifications:

Successful candidates will have an understanding of disabilities, particularly related to ASD and Executive Functioning, as well as:

• Current enrollment in a graduate program in Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Educational Psychology, or a related field or have relevant education and experience;
• Experience and proficiency working with individuals with disabilities, preferably with young adults;
• Ability to organize and coordinate with on- and off-campus resources;
• Qualities of being reliable, responsible, self-motivated, confident, sincere, flexible, patient, dedicated, observant, and considerate;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Creative, critical and broad-level thinking skills;
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate regularly with other team members in order to monitor students’ progress and meet their individualized needs;
• Receptive to receive and provide constructive feedback; and
• Openness to new ideas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with individuals with ASD and/or Executive Functioning related disabilities;
• Familiarity with the field of higher education (ideally some experience working at a college or university);
• Demonstrated understanding of common needs of individuals with ASD and/or Executive Functioning related disabilities, particularly young adults;
• Experience working with college students; and
• Knowledge of issues regarding transition from high school to postsecondary education for students with disabilities.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Learning Strategist/Learning Coach at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  April 3, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  July 1, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes