Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Instructor

Summary The full-time Occupational Therapy Assistant Instructor serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) and teaches college courses in the School of Health Sciences for students in the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant program. This faculty position also includes teaching duties and standard departmental duties. This is a full-time, benefited 10-month faculty position. Responsibilities As the primary lead for all levels of fieldwork (Community Experience, Level I and Level II), the AFWC manages the entire cycle of fieldwork placements and serves as the central point of contact between the college, fieldwork educators (clinical supervisors), and students. The faculty member is a classroom leader committed to academic rigor and program growth and serves as the essential "bridge" for students as they transition from learners to practitioners. Faculty positions are expected to stay at the forefront of the field by reviewing current literature, networking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences. Ensure all fieldwork experiences align with the ACOTE C Standards Section C.1.0 set by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE); develop and maintain the Fieldwork Educator and Student Fieldwork Manual to ensure total compliance with ACOTE standards. Establish dates, identify and secure placements, maintain site lists, manage reservation requests, establish/monitor/update contracts/MOU’s, establish new clinical sites, and handle cancellations or last-minute changes to meet ACOTE standards and student needs. Work closely with fieldwork educators to ensure learning objectives in clinical settings align with the OTA program curriculum and remain relevant to student needs. Maintain frequent correspondence with students and educators during rotations via site visits, newsletters, databases, and resource sharing. Review student evaluations, compiling clinical data, and collaborate with faculty to review student progress throughout the fieldwork experience; ensure that OTA program learning activities align with and compliment the clinical expectations provided at fieldwork sites. Provide oversight for community placements and document student strengths or areas of concern during rotations; establish learning contracts during fieldwork rotations when needed and collaborate with student and fieldwork educators to support students for fieldwork success. Teach assigned OTA courses using diverse pedagogical methods, maintain scheduled classes, and develop comprehensive syllabi. Participate in, complete, and implement accreditation activities for the OTA program within all assigned classes. Prepare materials to evaluate student progress and submit accurate midterm and final grades. Actively participate in the OTA curriculum design, strategic planning, and the development of departmental learning outcomes to ensure clinical relevance and academic rigor. Maintaining and securing physical and/or electronic student records in a secure physical or electronic environment approved by the college. Compliance with established protocols for HIPAA, FERPA, and data privacy and record security is mandatory. Submit midterm and final grades. Contribute to the program’s long-term goals, assessment of outcomes, and strategic initiatives to enhance the student experience and program reputation. Serve as an academic advisor for students, providing guidance within the classroom and throughout their fieldwork experiences to ensure professional development and program completion. Establish and maintain regular office hours for student consultation. Other related duties as assigned, which include but are not necessarily limited to serving on faculty committees, participating in faculty meetings; providing recommendations for preparation of departmental or divisional budgets, co-advising OTA club, and adhering to all institutional policies. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree from an institution accredited by a USDE-recognized regional or national accrediting body Must be a Certified and licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) or Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) in the state of Wyoming. Able to obtain licensure in the state of Wyoming A minimum of 2 years documented clinical practice experience in the field of occupational therapy Experience as a fieldwork educator or documentation of specific training regarding the roles and responsibilities of a fieldwork educator Documented current expertise in areas as a fieldwork educator or documentation of training in the roles and responsibilities of a fieldwork educator Desired Qualifications Master’s Degree in a related field by a USDE-recognized regional or national accrediting body Knowledge or interest in acquiring knowledge about the instruction methodology for distance education Commitment to COTA education Work Environment Work is primarily performed in a classroom and/or clinical setting, and online. Work is usually performed during the normal work day, however, occasional early morning, late evening and weekend work may be required. Short periods of time will be spent outdoors travelling between campus buildings in various weather conditions. Due to clinical settings, this position may experience exposure to diseases and infections. Physical Demands Employees must be able to stand for long periods of time, speak, hear, use hands and fingers to handle materials and use computers, feel, and reach with their hands and arms. Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. Travel to clinical sites may be required. Work requires providing assistance or personal care to others, handling and moving objects and other general physical activities. To Apply Complete a Casper College online application. Upload a cover letter that addresses your qualifications, experience, approach to teaching, and interest in the position. Upload an academic resume/CV. Upload unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire). Provide contact information for three professional/academic references. Note to Candidates Employment is contingent upon a successful background and check. Official transcripts required upon hire. This is a full-time, benefited position. Get more on Casper College's benefits here. *Further compensation is commensurate with additional approved graduate-level education. Applications for faculty positions will be screened to ensure applicants meet the necessary credential requirements set forth by the Higher Learning Commission to teach college credit classes. #J-18808-Ljbffr