Title: Learning Support Officer Department: CoMPPAS, Student Academic & Regulatory Affairs (SARA) Tenure: Full time - Maternity cover - 12-month contract Location: 123 St Stephens Green Reporting to: Head of Student Development and Wellbeing About RCSI RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health.
Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported.
We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission "To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health".
We seek candidates whose experience to date has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to the "Race Equality Action Plan " at RCSI.
Our students come from all walks of life and so do we.
We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
This makes our university stronger and ensures we hire the best talent.
For each of the last six years, RCSI has been positioned in the Top 300 of universities worldwide in the Times Higher World university Rankings.
We are proud that RCSI ranks fifth in the world for "Good Health and Well-being" in the Times Higher Education #SDG #SDG Impact Rankings 2024.
This reflects our commitment to supporting people of all ages to live healthy lives and our work to promote the concepts of well-being and positive health.
Our values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship, and Innovation continue to unite and direct our purpose.
About the post The post holder is responsible to deliver a student focussed, cost effective learning development service that supports the strategic mission of RCSI to deliver excellence in education and to nurture and challenge students, so that they can be independent learners and future healthcare leaders.
The role holder will contribute to the successful running and further enhancement of a wide range of student support and development services in RCSI.
This includes advising and facilitating students to attain successful learning skills and the promotion of independent learning, particularly to those students with additional learning needs.
The candidate will adhere to RCSI's commitment to provide an accessible environment for all students.
This includes promotion of Universal Design across the campus, as well as the provision of reasonable accommodations to students with a registered disability.
The candidate will undertake significant 1-on-1 individual consultations and needs assessment (by individual appointment and walk in advisory sessions).
In addition, the candidate will coordinate individual, and group supports on a range of topics with the support of internal and external services.
This includes but is not limited to third level study skills, academic writing and self-management.
Building on the success of existing academic initiatives in RCSI, the role holder will bring energy, drive and innovation to ensure students are equipped to take responsibility for and to maximise opportunities for their learning and development.
The person will be part of a service that provides approachable, professional and excellent customer service, within a demanding and fast paced environment, which strives to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and support between staff and students to support and enable student learning.
Duties include: The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not restricted to the following activities: Ability to conduct a learning needs assessment to support student's needs and devise and implement individual, timely, effective interventions, including the development of individual support plans, and advice to students with suspected but undiagnosed specific learning difficulties on how to manage their studies.
Co-ordinate supports across all disciplines on key academic support issues i.e., transition to university, study and research skills, note-taking, learning technologies, academic writing, exam and revision techniques, etc.
This includes working with academic and other professional staff to identify and provide targeted supports, including during orientation and other periods of transition for students.
Facilitate specialised learning support for students with Disabilities, Access Students, Mature Students and other students with additional learning needs.
Maintain accurate student records and review support provision.
Review, develop and monitor processes, procedures, and associated documentation - drawing in specialist knowledge, maintaining legal and professional compliance, implementing or making recommendations for change and continuous improvement.
Contribute to the development, review and implementation of the College's disability policies and procedures.
Research, interpret and manipulate data using a variety of systems, analysing and reporting on findings to identify key trends to enhance teaching and revision programmes at RCSI.
Follow the appropriate financial and regulatory policies ensuring necessary regulations and standards are adhered to.
Co-ordinate and contribute to a diverse range of meetings, visits, conferences, and committees.
Additional Requirements Manage own priorities and associated cross functional projects to balance the day to day demands of students with the strategic needs of the College.
Work flexible hours (occasionally evening/term time) to meet the needs of student demand and availability.
Hybrid working environment.
Maintain awareness of, and participate in, professional training and development opportunities, to remain responsive to the changing needs of the College.
Ability and commitment to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team Person specification: Qualifications/Knowledge Essential A relevant third level degree or professional qualification Experience of providing needs assessments to students with additional needs requesting reasonable accommodations, including interpretation of medical documentation/educational reports to determine supports.
Relevant experience preferably within an academic environment, with a proven track record of achievement and knowledge of student learning and development within an education environment.
Relevant experience of working with students/adults with additional learning needs Experience coordinating and collaborating with internal and external support stakeholders.
Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint and databases.
Desirable: Previous experience in the development of learning materials and resources and delivering specialist workshops for institutions of Higher Education Knowledge of healthcare professional programmes and professional placements Skills and competencies: Excellent interpersonal skills, including communication skills when delivering supports to students, including students facing complex issues.
Evidence of specialist expertise within a learning or educational environment.
Ability to relate and work with students from a diverse range of academic and cultural backgrounds.
Whilst this vacancy is mainly based in Stephen's Green, there is a requirement to work across the following RCSI teaching sites when required: Beaumont Hospital- Education Centre, Connolly Hospital - Graduate Entry Medicine Building.
Application Process: Please note we will not accept emailed applications.
Please submit your application online with your CV and Covering Letter.
We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you.
Employee Benefits RCSI make sure you have the resources you need to thrive by offering a wide range of benefits in areas including time away, finance, community, health, and well-being and insuring your financial future.
Below are some additional benefits available to you as an RCSI employee: Minimum of 20 days annual leave, plus an additional 6.5 Privilege days Flexible/hybrid working options for colleagues across many roles Additional leave options incl.
paid maternity leave, paternity/parental leave, study leave 7% Employer pension contribution Onsite gym €10 per/mth incl.
classes and PT sessions Childcare support 20% discount at Giraffe Free eye test and annual flu vaccination TaxSaver commuter tickets and Bike to Work schemes A site sustainability team focusing on the environmental initiatives; Green Campus Initiative ' Competitively priced café and restaurant Equality, Diversity & Inclusion forums, and network groups Employee assistance programme with Spectrum Life Learning and Development training programmes incl.
LinkedIn Learning for career progression Discounted services incl.
GP visits, 10% off dental, staff parking, mobile tariffs, Group Scheme discount on numerous brands Sports and social club incl.
yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, Zumba, running club, social evenings, Summer BBQ Ticket Draws for events including; Rugby, Taste of Dublin, Dublin Horse Show, theatre, music & comedy events