Under the direction of the Director of Academic Support and Advising, the Learning Specialist in the Office of Student Affairs at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine is responsible for ensuring support in the area of academic skills and academic advising programs to all medical students. The Learning Specialist has a strong background as an academic advisor or other learning support role in a higher education setting. Their work includes training, advising, and support in the areas of adult learning, remediation, academic enhancement, time management, knowledge organization, and test-taking skills. The Learning Specialist supports student preparation for all USMLE licensing exams required during medical school. The Learning Specialist is expected to exercise independent judgment when coaching and advising students 1:1, solve problems and provide referrals to other offices, conduct educational workshops and trainings for students, and handle confidential information responsibly and in compliance with FERPA.

• Facilitate programs, services and resources that support student retention, academic success and individualized support throughout the curriculum.


• Develop individual collaborative study plans for students to address learning skills, time and study management, knowledge organization, testing skills/preparation, and other areas of academic concern.


• Assist students with learning and study strategies (enhance clinical reasoning, develop time management skills, implement self-testing methods, improve test-taking skills, etc.).


• Develop and deliver group presentations and workshops for students on relevant academic support issues, such as, insight and skill development sessions based on cognitive learning theory and appropriate student development theories, including current learning strategies and resources.


• Coach students individually and in small groups to assist them in achieving their academic goals within the curriculum.


• Provide referrals to other internal and external services, including Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Disability Access Office, mental health counseling within KPSOM or KP, career advising, and medical consultation as appropriate.


• Support the coordination and management of the near peer tutoring program. This support includes but is not limited to the training of tutors and scheduling tutoring sessions.

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in an academic role in a higher education setting.

• Bachelors degree in Psychology, education, or related field.

• N/A

• Must be familiar with standardized examinations that apply to medical students, (i.e., MCAT, USMLE, etc.)
• Proven problem-solving skills and demonstrated strong self-initiative.
• Computer proficiency with word processing and databases in a Windows and/or Mac environment.
• Ability to interpret and communicate to others complex policies and procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience working in large, highly structured environments.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of reliability, accuracy and productivity.
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively address complex and sensitive administrative issues.
• Demonstrated collaboration skills and commitment to teamwork.
• Proven track record in exercising discretion and independent judgment effectively in decision-making processes.
• Effective at dealing with sensitive issues and maintaining collegial relationships.

• Five (5) years of experience as an academic advisor or learning specialist in a higher education setting.
• Areas of study: Education, educational psychology, educational counseling, or related fields.
• Experience working with racial, cultural, and ethnic minority/underrepresented populations.
• Advising experience in the areas of study skills, test management, and test preparation for students from
• various backgrounds and educational levels.
• Experience conducting educational workshops, seminars, and groups, or classroom teaching.
• Awareness of recruitment and retention issues related to students from diverse cultural, educational and geographic backgrounds.
• Experience working with health science student populations.
• Masters degree in educational psychology, counseling, adult learning or related field.