Assistant Professor- AZ- Occupational Therapy

The College of Health Sciences at Midwestern University invites applications for a full-time faculty position of Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program, serving as the OTD Capstone Coordinator on the Glendale, AZ campus. This position includes designated responsibilities as the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, consistent with expectations of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. In addition to coordinating and overseeing the OTD capstone experience, the successful applicant will teach selected didactic and experiential courses related to community-based practice, health promotion, and service initiatives, and will participate in scholarship and service consistent with faculty expectations.

Candidates must hold a terminal doctorate in occupational therapy or a closely related field, demonstrate a minimum of four years of clinical practice experience, and have documented experience mentoring students. Experience in developing community or health programs and prior teaching experience is preferred. Salary and benefits are competitive for this faculty position, and specific responsibilities will vary based on the candidate’s background and expertise. Academic rank (Assistant or Associate Professor) will be commensurate with qualifications, including depth of teaching experience, record of scholarship, and evidence of academic and/or programmatic leadership.

Teaching -- Essential Job Functions:

• Teach assigned courses in accordance with the course syllabus and College policy.
• Develop and use a syllabus for each course consistent with the guidelines of the College and the Occupational Therapy Program.
• Demonstrate skill and knowledge in teaching content pertinent to occupational therapy practice and science.
• Make continuous efforts to improve the quality of instruction by reviewing and utilizing innovative methodologies, techniques, and delivery methods in order to maintain currency and relevance.
• Plan, develop, and use a variety of teaching methods and materials that assist students in meeting course objectives and which are appropriate for students with differing educational and experiential backgrounds and learning styles.
• Evaluate students using a variety of valid and reliable means to measure their progress toward achievement of course objectives, and inform them in a timely manner of their progress in the course.
• Review, evaluate, and recommend student learning materials, including current texts, teaching techniques, and technology relative to courses within occupational therapy.
• Facilitate doctoral-level experiential learning, including individualized and mentored learning experiences consistent with capstone education.
• Mentor students in development and completion of scholarly and/or practice-based doctoral capstone projects.
• Mentor student research projects that are consistent with course administration and teaching.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Doctoral Capstone Coordination Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of the OTD capstone experience and project in compliance with Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education standards
• Develop and maintain capstone site partnerships and mentor relationships
• Coordinate and monitor student capstone placements, progression, and outcomes
• Ensure alignment of individualized learning objectives with program and accreditation expectations
• Establish and manage systems for tracking, documentation, and assessment of capstone experiences
• Provide mentorship to students and guidance to capstone mentors
• Contribute to program evaluation, accreditation preparation, and continuous quality improvement related to capstone

Institutional and Community Service

• Participate in scheduled institutional service activities which include student orientation and commencement exercises.
• Actively participate in Program, College, or University meetings and committee meetings.
• Participate in College- and Program-related activities such as community education, health career fairs, recruitment of students, student activities, and special programs.
• Actively participate in activities required to maintain Program accreditation standards.
• Review and evaluate Program curricula and practices to assure compliance with professional standards and requirements of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
• Perform other duties as determined in consultation with the Program Director.
• Provide leadership in accreditation-related activities, including documentation and compliance with Higher Learning Commission and Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education standards.

Personal and Professional Development

• Establish annual objectives, including personal and professional development plans in consultation and mutually determined with the Program Director.
• Maintain professional standards of ethical behavior consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Midwestern University faculty handbook.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctoral degree (e.g., OTD, PhD, EdD, or related field)
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as an occupational therapist in the state of Arizona
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an occupational therapist
• At least 1 year of experience in an academic/teaching role
• Demonstrated experience with mentorship, program development, or advanced practice
• Demonstrated record of scholarship consistent with ACOTE standards
• Evidence of dissemination (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, presentations, or equivalent scholarly products)
• Ongoing scholarly agenda aligned with the program’s mission and capstone areas (e.g., clinical innovation, education, leadership, program development, or research)

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. If you would like to learn more about this position, please submit your application through Midwestern University’s online job board at https://www.midwestern.edu/employment-mwu.  Your online application should include a letter of intent and a curriculum vitae with the names and contact information (including email addresses) of at least three professional references. 

Applicants may send inquires to Dr. Christopher Trujillo, Program Director, Occupational Therapy Program at ctruji@midwestern.edu.   

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.