Learning Skills Peer

UNIT & DEPARTMENT: Learning Skills Services, Student Success

SOCIAL MEDIA TEASER: Learning Skills Services – active learners, team players, student supporters.

ELIGIBILITY: Students must be work/study eligible  and must complete the online Student Financial Profile.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 5

RATE OF PAY: $17.00 per hour 

EMPLOYMENT TERM: Fall/Winter 2024-2025

HOURS OF WORK:  10 hours/week

LOCATION: The position is intended to work on-campus at the Keele campus during designated business hours (8:30am – 4:30pm). Opportunities for hybrid (some on-campus and some remote) work may become available, but it is not guaranteed, and will be discussed with the successful candidates.

BECOMING YU:
The Work Study Student program provides on-campus job opportunities for eligible York University undergraduate students. Work Study Student employees are provided opportunities to contribute to support roles while developing valuable, relevant skills and work experience for the workplace. These roles offer a learning and development opportunity for Work Study Student employees to receive experiential on-the-job training, guidance and mentorship. Under the guidance of permanent staff members, Work Study Student employees will provide support to their relevant department/faculty in clerical, administrative and technical capacities. As part of your Work-Study/LEAP experience, you will participate in Becoming YU, a program designed to support students in:

• creating meaningful goals and objectives;
• recognizing the value of their personal, academic and professional experiences;
• identifying their competencies and skills; and
• articulating their skills and experiences with confidence. Becoming YU includes regular meetings with your student employment supervisor/coach for reflecting on your progress and getting valuable feedback.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Learning Skills Services (LSS) works with students to develop university-level learning skills and strategies, enhance self-awareness about themselves as learners, and improve academic confidence and success. A mix of group, individual, in-person, and online services are available.

Learning Skills Services are for all YorkU students – all years of study (from newly admitted students to graduate level studies), and across all programs and disciplines. LSS contributes to successful transitions to university, retention, engagement, and student academic and personal success.

Under the Learning Skills Specialists’ supervision, the Learning Skills Peers deliver various Learning Skills Services across campus; including group and individual interactions. They provide support in promoting, executing, and evaluating Learning Skills Services. This position works in cooperation with the Learning Skills Peer Team, Learning Commons partners, and other departments and student groups on campus.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate group workshops (online and in-person) on Learning Skills topics (content provided) such as time management, academic reading, test taking, and more.  
• Provide peer-to-peer coaching on Learning Skills strategies and triage student needs to the appropriate referral.
• Represent Learning Skills Services at various outreach events across the University. 
• Various administrative duties as assigned, including record keeping, data entry, and responding to student inquiries.
• Engage in project and/or research learning skills-related work, as assigned.
• Meet regularly and communicate effectively with supervisors. 
• Escalate serious problems or matters to the appropriate full-time staff.
• Attend all training sessions and meetings, unless in direct conflict with a class.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience 

• Current undergraduate York student (we encourage applicants from diverse programs of study).
• Experience-based knowledge of effective study strategies and learning skills. 
• Previous experience providing peer to peer support (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, etc.) and knowledge of campus resources is an asset.
• Previous experience delivering presentations and/or facilitating in a group environment is an asset.
• In good academic standing – note that a grade report will be requested alongside references for successful candidates.  

Skills and Qualifications 

• Ability to work supportively with students using a coaching model in a confidential and professional manner.
• Demonstrated commitment to peer academic support and awareness of the academic support needs of students.
• Knowledge of campus and community resources, including academic, social, safety, health, cultural and others and able to refer students as appropriate.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to connect with others across differences of culture, experience, identity etc.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and good attention to detail. 
• Ability and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• Eagerness to learn and take initiative.
• Proficient with MS Office such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Professional, punctual, and reliable.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and keep accurate and detailed records.
• Students who are a good fit for this position are dynamic, approachable, knowledgeable, and open to learning about themselves and others. They will show high levels of emotional intelligence combined with excellent adaptability and organizational skills.

MANDATORY TRAINING DATES:

• August 19 – August 23, 2024: Mandatory Peer Training Week
• Ongoing PLT Professional Development training throughout the year

*Dates subject to change; additional training may be added.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS FOR APPLICATION:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter that answers the following questions:
   1. Another student asks you, “What is Learning Skills Services?” How would you reply?
   1. What do you understand about the Learning Skills Peer role and why did you apply for this specific position?
   1. What do you think are the key skills (1-3) required for the Learning Skills Peer position and why? Can you give us an example of when you have demonstrated each of these skills?

* We strongly encourage all applicants to take advantage of the free services offered through the YorkU Career Centre for resume, cover letter, and interview support.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: Friday, March 15^th, 12:00pm noon

PLEASE NOTE:

• Only those applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.
• All applicants must submit their application using a @my.yorku.ca or if unpermitted, a @yorku.ca e-mail domain.
• This role is pending work-study funding approval.

The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.

York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.