POSITION TITLE: Learning Skills Peer
UNIT & DEPARTMENT: Learning Skills Services, Student Success
ELIGIBILITY: This is a work/study position. Applicants must meet the work/study eligibility criteria.
| EMPLOYMENT TERM: Summer 2025(May – August) NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 2 RATE OF PAY: $17.50 per hour HOURS OF WORK: 10-12 hours/week | EMPLOYMENT TERM: Fall/Winter 2025-2026(September – April, with August training) NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 6 RATE OF PAY: $17.50 per hour HOURS OF WORK: 10-12 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.
LEARNING SKILLS SERVICES:
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.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
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.
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.
- As part of your Work-Study experience, you will participate in Becoming YU, a program designed to support students in creating meaningful goals and objectives 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.
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.
- Please note that for the summer term only, priority will be given to applicants who have previously held the position. Students joining the team for F/W will receive extensive training.
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 to adapt to different settings and changing circumstances.
- 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.
- Open to learning about themselves and others.
MANDATORY TRAINING DATES for F/W positions:
- Between August 18 – August 29, 2025: Mandatory Peer Training (must be available in-person)
- Ongoing professional development throughout the year
*Dates subject to change; additional training may be added.
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE:
PLEASE NOTE:
- Only those applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.
- This role is pending work-study funding approval.
- 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.
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.