Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program Faculty/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator

About the role

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program Faculty/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will serve as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator/Core Faculty member for the developing Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Responsibilities during this phase will include finalizing curriculum and course development, expanding and securing fieldwork partnerships, supporting accreditation documentation and compliance activities, and collaborating closely with the program director throughout the candidacy and accreditation process.

Responsibilities

• Finalize curriculum and course development for the OTA Program
• Expand and secure fieldwork partnerships
• Support accreditation documentation and compliance activities
• Collaborate with the program director on candidacy and accreditation processes
• Coordinate academic fieldwork
• Facilitate student learning and student advising
• Service to Virginia Western Community College
• Professional development
• Adherence to accreditation expectations and standards
• Mentor and advise students during their fieldwork experience
• Instruct in both a lecture and laboratory format

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited occupational therapy assistant or deemed equivalent program
• Earned a minimum of a baccalaureate degree awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency or its equivalent
• Nationally certified and licensed OT or OTA or eligible for licensure in the state of Virginia
• Minimum of 2 years documented experience in the field of occupational therapy which must include clinical practice experience as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant, professional experience as a fieldwork educator or documented training in the roles and responsibilities of a fieldwork educator
• Strong communication, organization, interpersonal, problem-solving, and counseling skills
• Current knowledge and skill in the use of information and computer technology (e.g., word processing, e-mail, database)
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to establish, maintain, and foster effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Able to work with students with special needs based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, legal and practice issues affecting clinical education, students, and the profession of occupational therapy assistants
• Able to meet the faculty requirements as stated in the Accreditation Standards for an Associate-Degree-Level Educational Program for the Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Able to initiate, administer, assess, and document fieldwork education programs
• Able to work independently and coordinate work with colleagues and peers
• Able to travel, as needed
• Able to maintain presence on campus as needed

Qualifications

• Prior teaching experience in an occupational therapy assistant/occupational therapy academic program or equivalent coursework
• Earned master’s degree or enrolled in or desire to pursue graduate studies
• Member of the American Occupational Therapy Association
• Knowledge of education, management, and adult learning theories and principles
• Active in fieldwork practice, especially as applicable to fieldwork education
• Active in professional activities at local, state, and/or national levels
• Documented expertise in area(s) of teaching responsibility and knowledge of the content delivery methods including web-supported classes