Learning Skills Peer Team Lead

POSITION TITLE: Learning Skills Peer Team Lead

UNIT & DEPARTMENT: Learning Skills Services, Student Success

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

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 2

EMPLOYMENT TERM:  SU Term 2024 (May to August) & FW 2024-2025 (September to April)

HOURS OF WORK:  Summer: 30 hours/week, Fall/Winter: 12 hours/week

RATE OF PAY: $19.00 per hour

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 is not guaranteed and will be discussed with the successful candidate.

BECOMING YU:
The Work Study Student program provides on-campus job opportunities for eligible York University undergraduate students. These roles offer a learning and development opportunity for Work Study Student employees to receive experiential on-the-job training, guidance and mentorship. Work-Study Student employees 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 Peer Team Leads provide leadership and support to their teammates. The Team Leads are LSS ambassadors, peer coaches, and role models. Collaboratively, they provide support in promoting, executing, and evaluating Learning Skills Services, program planning, and peer training and development. 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:

* Please note that the duties listed below will be distributed between the two Team Leads to provide holistic support for the Learning Skills Peer Team and Learning Skills Services operations. We plan for one position to focus internally within our peer team and the second role to focus externally on outreach and collaborations. *

Planning & Development

• Assist in the training and development of other Learning Skills Peers through peer training week, team meetings, and check-ins. The Learning Skills Peer Team Leads support the Learning Skills Specialists in developing and delivering training for the peer team.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of policies and procedures for Learning Skills Services.

Leadership, Delegation & Collaboration

• Create and maintain an accessible, safe, inclusive, and fun environment for the Learning Skills Peer team and students accessing our services.
• Represent Learning Skills Services at various outreach events across the University.
• Chair regular Learning Skills Peer Team meetings; create a meeting plan for the year, develop meeting agendas, and facilitate meetings.
• Provide the Learning Skills Peers with ongoing coaching and support based on feedback from supervisor.
• Attend all training sessions and meetings, unless in direct conflict with a class.
• Assist with peer team scheduling, program evaluation, and data management.
• Provide recommendations to supervisor on service areas, programming and recommend adjustments in service delivery model through informal and formal assessment.
• Meet regularly and communicate effectively with supervisors.

Service Delivery

• 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.
• Various administrative duties as assigned, including record keeping, data entry, and responding to student inquiries.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience 

• Current undergraduate York student (we encourage applicants from diverse programs of study).
• Previous relevant experience in a peer leader role; preferably at York University. Previous experience as a Learning Skills Peer is an asset but not required.
• Previous experience delivering presentations and/or facilitating in a group environment.
• Previous experience planning and chairing meetings is an asset.
• Experience-based knowledge of effective study strategies and learning skills. 
• In good academic standing – note that a grade report will be requested alongside references for successful candidates. 

Skills and Qualifications 

• Demonstrated commitment to peer academic support and awareness of the academic support needs of students.
• Demonstrated ability to work supportively with students using a peer coaching model in a confidential and professional manner.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to connect with others across differences of culture, experience, identity etc.
• 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.
• Knowledge of campus and community resources, including academic, social, safety, health, cultural and others and able to refer students as appropriate.
• Professional, punctual, and reliable.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and keep accurate and detailed records.
• Proficient with MS Office such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• 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:

• May 3, 2024: Peer Leadership Training 
• August 19 – August 23, 2024: Mandatory LSS 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. Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position?
   1. Why did you apply for this position amongst all available peer roles on campus?
   1. Which of the two focus areas (internal and outreach) are you most interested in and why?
   1. How would you describe your leadership style?

* 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.