The Writing Centre Support Specialist provides administrative support to a team of volunteers, PTIC contractors, and work study students in various tutoring roles in the TRU Writing Centre. The Specialist works closely with the Writing Centre Coordinator to ensure effective day-to-day operations of the Writing Centre and the Centre’s participation in the provincial WriteAway tutoring program.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sets up, organizes, and modifies appointments and tasks. Oversees procedures and daily Centre operations.

• Maintains, updates, and builds tutoring schedules in the online scheduling software WCOnline. Schedules Peer Academic Coaches in partnership with the Supplemental Learning program.

• Supports tutoring staff by answering questions and troubleshooting issues or problems that arise.

• Offers feedback on writing by questioning, clarifying, and guiding student learners. Answers questions about plagiarism, various writing formats, grammar, content, and citation styles both face-to-face and online.

• Responds to emails, phone inquiries, and texts and monitors various social media platforms.

• Acts as an institutional point of contact for the provincial WriteAway tutoring program. Selects tutors for the WriteAway schedule and provides ongoing training and support.

• Creates and maintains the Centre’s website and utilizes programs such as ACM and Notepad++.

• Promotes and advertises Writing Centre programs and services.

• Proofreads and edits blog posts, student handouts, posters and other promotional materials.

• Generates statistical data for regular reporting on the Centre’s activities and for the Peer Academic Coaching program.

• Coordinates special work assignments for tutoring staff.

• Addresses student complaints, referring to the Writing Centre Coordinator as needed.

• Manages a tutoring budget of approximately $30,000 per year and oversees payroll for 25+ tutors.

• Provides coaching for tutors who are late for shifts or not performing assigned tasks.

• Provides support for the Writing Centre Receptionist (e.g. training, assigning tasks, checking work, providing feedback, etc.)

REPORTS TO
Director, Student Access and Academic Supports

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• TESL certification or equivalent

EXPERIENCE:

• Three years recent related experience including:
  • Tutoring in a second/additional language setting
  • Providing administrative support and using scheduling systems/software

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB

• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with others

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

• A comprehensive understanding of academic standards, writing, and grammar

• Ability to plan multiple tasks in a timely fashion

• Ability to learn new systems quickly

• Advanced computer knowledge with a high level of understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SurveyMonkey, ACM web page management, and WCOnline

• Ability to perform electronic data entry at 45 wpm

• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to exercise sound judgment

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to be resourceful

• Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and effectively deal with unexpected situations

• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Working in close proximity to students
• General office conditions