TRIO Learning Specialist

Category:: Full-time StaffSubscribe:: Department:: Student Affairs - Student Support ServicesLocations:: Bedford, MAPosted:: Sep 8, 2025Closes:: Jan 5, 2026 - 11:59 PM ESTType:: Full-timePosition ID:: 192600About Middlesex Community College:Middlesex Community College (MCC), established in 1970, provides access to affordable education to prepare individuals for success and lifelong learning. We promote academic excellence, provide workforce development opportunities, and empower all learners to become productive and socially responsible members of our local and global communities.The College provides a broad range of services that are essential to attract, reward, and retain talented faculty and staff. The MCC community promotes a culture of inclusion in which our employees feel supported and empowered to best serve our diverse student population. We are proud to offer our classes on both the Bedford and Lowell campuses, as well as a robust online course offering. MCC is committed to transforming lives as we educate, challenge, and support all students as evident in our strategic plan.Job Description:Title: TRIO Learning Specialist (Full-Time, 10 Month Position) (Federally Grant Funded) Unit: MCCC Full-Time Professional Staff (Grade 05)Department: Student Affairs, Student Support Services, TRIO Program for Student Achievement (PSA) Reports to: Director of TRIO Program for Student AchievementDate: September 8, 2025 (Reopened October 23, 2025)General Summary: This is a full-time, 10-month TRIO Learning Specialist which serves as a member of both the TRIO Program for Student Achievement (PSA) and TRIO Student Success Program (SSP), dedicating 75% of the time to TRIO PSA and 25% for TRIO SSP. These programs offer academic, career, transfer, financial aid and personal advising in a non-therapeutic setting to income-eligible and first-generation college students and students with disabilities. In service of TRIO grant objectives of good academic standing, retention, progress to graduation, and transfer to four-year institutions, this position will:Duties and Responsibilities:Instruct in study and learning strategies to promote independent learning and encourage students to develop a systematic approach to studying that will serve them throughout their coursework.Provide academic and career advising and assist in the course selection and registration process.Support students in accessing and implementing accommodations.Conduct intake interviews, review application materials, and create a customized service plan for each student.Participate in program specific recruitment activities within the college.Outreach to students who may be experiencing academic difficulties as determined by academic deficiency grades, early alert system and class withdrawals and make appropriate referrals to college and community resources.Assist with financial aid and scholarship application process including assistance in applying for educational funds from sources at MCC, potential transfer institutes and other funding sources.Maintain ongoing communication with students and collaborate with TRIO staff, participate in program-specific recruitment efforts within the college.Maintain student advisor log and record student contacts using Student Access database, Navigate and other college platforms.Maintain awareness of current issues supporting students with disabilities in post-secondary settings.Attend training sessions and meetings including professional development opportunities.Assist in the development of and presentation of skill building workshops for program participants such as time management, project management, resume writing, financial literacy.Provide support for TRIO PSA program goals in the areas of financial literacy information and education.Write letters of recommendation for participants for awards, scholarship, fellowship, and employment opportunities, and as part of the transfer process.Assist students in writing requirements including but not limited to scholarship applications, financial aid appeals, college essays, resumes, and cover letters.Attend TRIO program staff meetings as well as in-services and education programs relevant to job performance.Conduct exit interviews with students who complete, transfer or discontinue enrollment.Develop, implement and evaluate retention strategies.Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with multiple college offices and departments including Student Access and Support Services, Academic Centers for Enrichment, Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid/ Student Accounts, Veterans Resource Center, Wellness and Essential Needs and with external agencies as appropriate.TRIO PSA Student direct service:Provide direct services as a case manager to program participants.Provide 1:1 support in metacognitive strategies to students with documented disabilities during one-on-one tutoring sessions.Provide 1:1 support to students in time management, organizational skills, study skills, test taking strategies, pre-registration advice and self-advocacy.Provide 1:1 support to students to assist with college readiness skills, address academic challenges, activities that promote college retention and support in academic areas.General Direct Student Service:Provide direct services as a case manager to program participants.Build strong advising relationships, monitors students' progress toward individual and program goals, making referrals to appropriate college resources.Offer comprehensive transfer planning, including campus visits, college fairs, and applying for educational funds from sources at MCC, potential transfer institutes and other funding sources.Staff collaboration:Collaborate with TRIO staff in both programs to provide a holistic approach to TRIO students.Meet regularly with the TRIO teams for planning and implementation of activities, transfer trips and cultural events.Attend weekly TRIO program staff meetings, as well as in-services and education programs as deemed appropriate by the TRIO directors.General College ObligationsAttend the annual Commencement ceremonyParticipate in campus committees/initiatives that support the program mission and goalsAssume related duties and responsibilities as assignedRequirements:Master's degree required in Special Education, Education Psychology, Counseling or related field.At least 1 year of related disability services training/teaching/direct service experience in a secondary or postsecondary environmentAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted for the required Master's Degree Demonstrated understanding and /or developing knowledge of ADAAA/Section 504 of Rehab Act, with knowledge of disability documentation.Preferred Qualifications:Demonstrated knowledge of outreach, recruitment, and intervention services and strategies that address the needs of individuals with disabilities including Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, and Psycho-Social disabilities.Demonstrated ability to develop and apply tutoring methods to engage individuals of diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds.Ability to work with students in-person and through online platforms.Ability to provide clear and concise explanations.Strong time management, organizational and communication skills.Strong written and oral communication skills.Confidence and proficiency with computers and technology are necessary.Excellent skills in interpersonal relationships; ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with college students and colleagues.Bilingual skills a plus.Additional Information:This position is supported through federal grant funding. While the college is fully committed to the success of this program, continued employment in this role is contingent upon ongoing grant funding. Should federal funding change in the future, the position may be impacted. Salary Range: $58,871 is the prorated annual salary for a 10 month position, starting at a Master's Degree; actual salary commensurate with academic background and experience. Employees of Middlesex Community College are considered employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits, which include:High-quality and affordable health insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission (GIC)Competitive Dental and Vision PlansFlexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programsLow-cost basic and optional life insuranceRetirement Savings: State Employees' Pension or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan or 403(b).12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal TimeTuition Benefits for employees and dependents at state colleges and universitiesShort-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation optionsProfessional Development and Continuing Education opportunitiesCell Phone Bill Discounts with Verizon and T-Mobile Cell Phone CarriersAccess to the Commonwealth's Mass4You, employee assistance programFree employee parking on Bedford and Lowell campusesEligibility towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)Location: Bedford campus with occasional travel to Lowell as neededHours: 37.5 per week, 10 months per year with schedule to be determined upon hire. This position will be eligible for a maximum of one day of telework in accordance with the College's telework policy.Expected Start Date: December 2025 Application Deadline: January 5, 2026Application Instructions:All applicants must apply online by submitting:Cover LetterResumeNames and contact information for three (3) professional referencesPre-Employment Requirements:The College will not sponsor applicants for work visas.All offers of employment at Middlesex Community College are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates, as deemed necessary.Middlesex Community College only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you do not have access to a computer, please contact Human Resources at careers@middlesex.mass.edu.Middlesex Community College strives to make the application and interview process accessible for all applicants but understands that applicants may still encounter barriers due to ability, language, or technology. If we can make the process any more accessible for you, contact Human Resources at 781-280-3546 or careers@middlesex.mass.edu.