Learning Skills Peer – International Student Focus

POSITION TITLE: Learning Skills Peer – International Student Focus 

UNIT & DEPARTMENT: York International & Learning Skills Services

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

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

RATE OF PAY: $17/hour

EMPLOYMENT TERM: Fall/Winter 2024-2025 

HOURS OF WORK:  15 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.

BECOMING YU:
The Work Study Student program provides on-campus job opportunities for eligible York University undergraduate students. Work Study Student employees are provided opportunities to contribute to support roles while developing valuable, relevant skills and work experience for the workplace. These roles offer a learning and development opportunity for Work Study Student employees to receive experiential on-the-job training, guidance and mentorship. Under the guidance of permanent staff members, Work Study Student employees will provide support to their relevant department/faculty in clerical, administrative and technical capacities. As part of your Work-Study/LEAP experience, you will 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:

York International falls under the Division of Students portfolio and is a central source of international student support and global engagement at York University. Learning Skills Services (LSS) serves all York students by fostering the academic and organizational skills necessary for academic success across all disciplines. Through group and individual services, LSS promotes independent learning by working with students to develop university-level learning skills and strategies, enhanced self-awareness about themselves as learners, and improved academic confidence and success. York International and Learning Skills Services support the mandate of York University by contributing to successful transitions to university, retention, engagement, and student academic and personal success.

Under the direction of LSS and York International, the Learning Skills Peer - International Student Focus promotes and delivers various Learning Skills Services across campus, particularly focusing on York International and the international student population, and provides support in marketing, executing, and evaluating Learning Skills Services. This position reports directly to the Learning Skills Specialists and the International Student & Scholar Services team and works in cooperation with the Learning Skills Peer Team, York International, Scott Library and Learning Commons partners, and other departments and student groups on campus.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as a student lead in the planning and implementation of learning skills services, particularly focusing on the international student population.
• 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 and York International 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. 
• Communicate updates regularly to appropriate LSS and York International team members and appropriate campus partners.
• Escalate serious problems or matters to the appropriate full-time staff.
• Attend all training sessions and meetings, unless in direct conflict with a class.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience 

• Current undergraduate York student (we encourage applicants from diverse programs of study).
• High academic standing and experience-based knowledge of effective study strategies and learning skills. 
• Strong knowledge of cross-cultural experiences and the unique needs of being international students or internationally minded students.
• Experience working with people from different backgrounds/cultures.
• 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.

Skills and Qualifications 

Learning Skills

• Experience-based knowledge of effective study strategies and learning skills.
• Sensitivity to and awareness of the academic support needs of students, especially international students.
• Good attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to peer academic support and the value of post-secondary education.

Campus Knowledge

• Experience and familiarity with York campus life/knowledge of York University student services and activities.
• Knowledge of campus and community resources, including academic, social, safety, health, cultural and others and able to refer students as appropriate.
• Working knowledge of York International student programs and services specifically transition programs.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; professional demeanor, public speaking and presentation proficiency.
• Demonstrated skills in workshop/presentation facilitation, event planning and working with peers in a leadership capacity.
• Ability to connect with others across differences of culture, experience, identity etc.
• Ability to work supportively with students in a confidential and professional manner.
• Application of cultural awareness in written, verbal, and non-verbal communication.

Technical Skills

• Excellent computer skills (word processing, email, database management, spreadsheets).
• Familiarity with social media, Skype, telephone and email, and an interest in using it as a tool of student engagement, as well as experience using and configuring technical tools.
• Some graphic design/ artistic ability, marketing and/or communications background is an asset.

Work Environment

• Ability and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Students who are a good fit for this position are dynamic, approachable, knowledgeable, and open to learning about themselves and others. They take initiative and show high levels of Emotional Intelligence combined with excellent adaptability and organizational skills.

All candidates must be:

• Proficient with MS Office such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Professional, punctual, and reliable.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and keep accurate and detailed records.

MANDATORY TRAINING DATES:

• August 19 – August 23, 2024: Mandatory 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. What do you understand about the Learning Skills Peer role and why did you apply for this specific position?
   1. How can Learning Skills Services better support the needs of International students at York? (250 words maximum)

* 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: Applications for 2024-2025 not yet open – please check back.

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.