Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Assistant Professor – Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program (Online/Remote)

Job Description:

1.         GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION

Position Name: Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Assistant Professor – Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program (Online/Remote)

Classification:  Exempt, benefitted

FTE: Full-time

Work Hours: Variable due to online nature of program. Generally, Mon-Friday 9a-3p (PST), with remainder on evenings and weekends

Department/Division: Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

Supervisor: Director, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plan options. 403(b) retirement plan with up to 10% match after one year. Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced cost care in the campus health center for employees and their immediate family members. Paid vacation, sick, wellness time and holidays.

2.         POSITION SUMMARY

The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC), Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program (Hybrid) is responsible for teaching 12 semester credits per academic year within the occupational therapy program with primary responsibility for fieldwork related courses and courses within professional expertise area. Courses will be taught mainly online. The AFWC may need to travel to campus once per semester to assist with onsite faculty-led fieldwork experiences and labs. The administrative load includes oversight of ongoing curriculum design related to fieldwork, development of fieldwork sites, support for fieldwork educators, coordination of student placements in fieldwork sites, facilitating student fieldwork assessment, primary responsibility for compliance with fieldwork requirements in ACOTE Standards Section C.1.0, as well as supporting program accreditation goals, and committee participation. The candidate for this position must hold a doctoral degree awarded by an institution that is accredited by the USDE (OTD, PhD, EdD, etc.), be an occupational therapist licensed in Oregon (at time of hire) with at least 2 years of clinical experience and have either experience as a fieldwork educator or proof of fieldwork educator training.

3.         KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching (40%)

1.         Develop and teach fieldwork related courses and content related to area of expertise within the occupational therapy program at a minimum of 12 semester credits per academic year to support an understanding of overall program objectives and comply with accreditation standards.

2.         Prepare syllabi; update course materials; participate in course and program learning outcome assessments; continuously improve course materials; and develop curriculum.

3.         Deliver instruction in an online learning environment using available university learning management and document storage systems.

4.         Provide detailed feedback on student assignments in a timely and constructive manner while working to maintain engaging and respectful interactions with students.

5.         Provide advising to assigned OT students that include conduct and responsibilities to enter the profession, student progress and academic standing, fieldwork education planning and feedback, and doctoral capstone preparation.

6.         Demonstrate a commitment to building a learning community empowered through multicultural perspectives that lead to cultural competence with humility and emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice for students, staff, and faculty.

7.         Utilize feedback from students and faculty and occupational therapy practice updates to routinely update content within fieldwork courses.     

Fieldwork Coordination (ACOTE C.1.0 Standards, 2023) (55%)

1.         Establish and maintain written agreements between UWS and all partner organizations that are sufficient for students in each cohort and in effect prior to and for the duration of all fieldwork experiences

2.         Coordinate Level I and Level II Fieldwork experiences for students in each cohort.

3.         Oversee and ensure compliance with all accreditation standards related to Level I and Level II Fieldwork Experiences.

4.         Ensure that all aspects of the fieldwork experiences have a clear connection to the OTD Curriculum and accreditation standards, and that both process and outcomes are documented. 

5.         Ensure communication with fieldwork educators that complies with accreditation standards including site-specific objectives, fieldwork program design, appropriate supervision levels, formal student evaluation processes, effectiveness of supervision, ways to enhance supervision, and additional resources available.             

Scholarship, Service and Professional Identity (5%)

1.         Maintain memberships with professional associations related to professional area of expertise (e.g., AOTA, OTAO).

2.         Maintain current Oregon OT licensure in effect on start date. 

3.         Complete continuing education courses related to area of expertise and adult education strategies.

4.         Consistently engage in professional writing and publication efforts, including with students when possible.

5.         Participate in research with program peers and other university staff when possible.

6.         Support OTD program through serving on relevant program committees.

7.         Engage with students’ Capstone mentor and/or committee member when available and when subject matter is consistent with publication interests.

8.         Assist students to present at state, regional, or national association conferences and/or publish in periodicals or peer-reviewed journals.

9.         Participate in university service through committee work, collaborations, and ad hoc projects/initiatives.      

4. UWS CORE VALUES

Best Practices: We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines.

Curiosity: We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking.

Inclusiveness: We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing.

Professionalism: We are responsible, respectful, and accountable.

Student-Focus: We work for the common good of students’ academic and professional success.

Whole-Person Health: We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience.

5.         POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Education & Training: Doctoral degree awarded by an institution that is accredited by the USDE (OTD, PhD, EdD, etc.); Degree from a US accredited occupational therapy program.

Certifications & Licenses: Occupational Therapist, initially certified by the National Board Certification Commission for OT; Oregon OT License effective by start date; Current membership and participation in appropriate state, regional, and national professional organizations appropriate to professional identity.

Experience: At least 2 years of experience as an occupational therapist; Professional experience as a fieldwork educator or documentation of training in the roles and responsibilities of a fieldwork educator; Prior experience teaching in either a clinical or academic setting.

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Self-sufficiency in the management of personal schedule; Proficient in document/report preparation adhering to institutional editorial guidelines; Intermediate-to-advanced computer skills required (MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional); Proficiency with video conferencing systems; Working understanding and experience with Canvas (or equivalent) learning management system.

Other Qualifications: Professional interpersonal skills including effective verbal and written communication; Effective management of faculty and students in professional degree programs; Demonstrated commitment to collegiality and shared governance; Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize/ execute plans and resource management to achieve desired teaching outcomes; Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; Ability to exercise professional judgment and assume responsibility in clinical decision making; Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment and learn new systems and processes; Willingness and ability to follow direction from director, dean, administrators as consistent with university policy; Working knowledge of FERPA student privacy regulations.

Preferred

Education & Training: Post-Professional OTD, PhD, or EdD.

Certifications & Licenses: AOTA Fieldwork Educator Certificate.

Experience: Experience with course development and teaching related to fieldwork; Experience supervising Level I and Level II OT students; Evidence of publication, presentation, and continuing education related to occupational therapy; Experience with higher education accreditation standards and compliance analysis; Experience with self-study reports, accreditation evaluation team membership, and/or accreditation committee membership.

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Experience with data management system (Exxat or similar program); Advanced organizational skills; Online adult learning theory and best practices.

6.         APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS:

Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter; you may attach your materials as Word or PDF documents.

Official transcripts from prior institutions of higher learning must be received prior to offer being extended to the finalist.

University of Western States conducts background checks for the finalist or finalists of staff and faculty positions. The type of background check will vary by position type.

University of Western States offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/

University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.