TOPS Academic Specialist 1 - Nisonger Center

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Job Title:

TOPS Academic Specialist 1 - Nisonger Center

Department:

Health Sciences | Nisonger Center

The Ohio State University Nisonger Center’s Learning and Interpersonal Development Skills (LIDS) department seeks a student-centered, team-oriented candidate for the position of Academic Success & Enrichment Specialist. This in-person role is part of a vibrant team of student affairs, higher education, and social work professionals dedicated to supporting college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as other co-occurring conditions, as they transition from education to employment through the Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings (TOPS) program. TOPS promotes student growth and success through a comprehensive range of services. The Academic Success & Enrichment Specialist supports students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in the TOPS workforce development certificate program.

This role supports a TOPS student’s academic coursework; in addition, recruits, selects, trains and oversees peer mentors. The Academic Success & Enrichment Specialist ensures students’ academic experiences align with their strengths, goals, and workforce outcomes. Key responsibilities include facilitate 1:1 structured advising and skill-building sessions; teach cohortbased workshops and independent study class; coordinate student accommodations and develop modifications for coursework; recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate peer mentors; support adherence to TOPS academic policies and procedures; document and collect data to assess support needs and academic goal progress, and facilitate effective communication among students, faculty, and mentors to promote student success and engagement.

All TOPS staff contribute to program and departmental growth by participating in student and family recruitment and orientation activities. Additional responsibilities include attending community recruitment events for all LIDS programs, supporting local, regional, and national professional development efforts, and completing interviews, assessments and documentation with prospective TOPS students and their families. This role also includes coordinating, training, and supervising volunteers who support TOPS students related to social communication skills, connecting with campus and community service events, and student organizations. Due to the nature of this position, evening and/or weekend availability is required for activities such as campus events, community engagement, professional development events, departmental presentations, and responding to email and text communication. Staff are expected to adhere to HIPAA, FERPA, and OSU/OSUMC requirements while upholding the program’s values of interdependency, supported decision-making, and self-determination.

Candidates may also have opportunities to engage in grant writing and funding initiatives, conference presentations, and research efforts, based on their interests. Education, lived experience, and/or experience in working with teens and/or young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other co-occurring conditions is desired. Bachelor’s degree in student affairs, social work, or other related social science field is preferred. It is preferred that the candidate also has experience in facilitating training for and overseeing groups of students. Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills required.

Organizational Expectations · Participate in student and family recruitment and orientation activities · Attend community recruitment events for all LIDS programs · Support local, regional, and national professional development efforts · Complete interviews, assessments and documentation with prospective TOPS students and their families · Coordinate, train, and supervise volunteers who support TOPS students. · Evening and/or weekend availability is required for activities such as housing and residential life activities, community engagement, professional development events, departmental presentations, and responding to email and text communications · Adhere to HIPAA, FERPA, and OSU/OSUMC requirements · Uphold the program’s values of interdependency, supported decision-making, and self-determination · Other opportunities include engage in grant writing and funding initiatives, participate in conference presentations, and/or research efforts. Patient Population Served Late adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; participants will have additional cooccurring conditions including physical limitations and behavioral health conditions.

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelors degree in Student Affairs, Social Work or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Education Desired (optional): Additional education is encouraged; continuing education is encouraged.

Experience, Training and other Qualifications Required or Desired: Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills required. Experience working with adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other co-occurring conditions desired. It is preferred that the candidate has experience in facilitating training for and overseeing groups of students. Evening and/or weekend availability is required for activities such as mentor group meetings, student and mentor orientation, community engagement, professional development events, departmental presentations, and responding to email and text communications.

Additional Information (Working Environment, Physical Activity, etc. - OPTIONAL)

Roles within the TOPS programs are in-person, focused on working with young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities individually or in groups. Classes, meetings, and activities can take place in a variety of locations on campus and in the surrounding communities.

Function: Academic Administration

Sub-function: Academic Success and Enrichment

Career Level: S1

Additional Information:

50% -

Students:

• Primary in-person direct service, academic advising with individualized support and skill-building for college success.

Academic accommodation, modification and course selection is customized and student-specific.

• Conduct in-person, 1:1 meetings regularly with students to support academic success, engagement, and goal attainment.
• Assist with course selection and academic planning to support employment outcomes and personal interests
• Coordinate accommodations, modifications, and academic supports.
• Monitor student progress and identify those needing additional support. Provide individualized coaching and follow-up.
• Connect students to academic resources.
• Support student-course matching.
• Collaborate with TOPS team on development of academic, organizational, self-advocacy, and college success skills.
• Facilitate workshops, small groups, and skill-building activities.
• Other tasks and responsibilities as requested to support student and/or program needs

20% -

Mentors Mentors are key supports for TOPS students in classes, tutoring lab, and social engagement on campus

• Recruit, onboard, and train peer mentors.
• Manage the mentors’ Independent Study curriculum
• Provide ongoing supervision and support
• Facilitate monthly group meetings
• Monitor mentor-student partnerships
• Provide coaching to mentors for tutoring, classroom supports, and academic modifications
• Review mentor documentation
• Assist with mentor evaluations and performance feedback.

20% -

Administrative / Operations

Administrative work is essential for program accountability and student tracking.

• Maintain student records and documentation.
• Track academic outcomes and program metrics.
• Prepare reports and summaries
• Participate in team meetings and planning activities.
• Support recruitment, orientation, and special events.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other programmatic and administrative duties as directed

10% -

Faculty Building bridges across campus to support academic engagement and success

• Collaborate with faculty and instructors to support student participation.
• Facilitate communication among students, faculty, and mentors.
• Promote inclusive academic practices.
• Collect information from faculty regarding student progress.

Location:

McCampbell Hall (0303)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

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