Full-Time Tenure Track Faculty - Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) & Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC)

FULL-TIME TENURE TRACK FACULTY – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (OTA) & ACADEMIC FIELDWORK COORDINATOR (AFWC)
WILBUR WRIGHT COLLEGE

Wilbur Wright College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, seeks an innovative, collaborative, tenure-track instructor to teach and develop Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) courses and serve as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator effective Fall 2024. 

The mission of the Wright College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program is to prepare competent and effective occupational therapy practitioners who value occupation as both a means and as an end to quality living for self and others through a sound educational experience that includes preparation in a variety of areas. 

The College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam for Occupational Therapy Assistants administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

The Department seeks candidates who will help expand and grow enrollment for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program and be responsible for program compliance with fieldwork requirements as defined by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).  Applicants must be Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) having earned a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, possess no less than two years work experience in the field, and have demonstrated experience in and strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. Successful candidates will readily contribute to departmental, institutional, and organizational activities. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teaches a variety of Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) courses that includes preparation in: occupational therapy process, impact of culture, use of self as agent of change, ethical professional practice, teaching and learning processes, collaborating as a healthcare professional, working in a variety of practice environments, oral and written communication skills.
• Plans and develops clinical education experiences for the Level 1 and Level 2 clinical phases of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
• Evaluates student performance during phases of clinical education experience.
• Leads coordination and maintains links with clinical preceptors, healthcare institutions, and other agencies involved in the clinical phase of the program.
• Provides clinical instruction as well as academic and professional counsel to students. Serves as an accessible mentor and faculty advisor to students.
• Recruits new and additional clinical sites for the program.
• Contributes to departmental efforts to recruit prospective students to the program.
• Participates in departmental meetings, equity projects, assessment work, and program accreditation reaffirmation reports and efforts.
• Contributes to departmental, institutional, and district-wide committees.
• Creates an effective learning environment that fosters students’ intellectual curiosity and helps students to problem solve using discipline-specific thinking strategies.
• Helps students reach their academic, personal, and career goals and cultivates a safe environment that respects the diversity of individuals and ideas by modeling respect for all students and conveying confidence in each student’s ability to learn.
• Assures compliance with fieldwork requirements as defined by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). 
• Adheres to City Colleges of Chicago board rules, policies, procedures, and code of ethics. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Possess certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and hold a current Illinois license.
• Demonstrated experience – at least two years – of clinical practice providing occupational therapy services as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).
• Additional experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in a clinical setting, including experience in an academic/teaching setting, preferred.
• Experience with diverse, multi-lingual student population and demonstrated commitment to the mission of the community college.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with diverse students and staff.
• Ability to communicate complex information to varied audiences.
• Ability to work with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Proficient with various software programs including word processing, spreadsheet applications, and database management.
• Must be self-directed and able to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Team player with demonstrated growth mindset.
• Willing and able to work varied hours, including evenings and/or weekends. 

FOR CONSIDERATION

All interested candidates, including current CCC employees, must submit the following documents together for review:

• Letter of interest
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy inclusive of commitment to equity in the classroom
• Legible copy of college transcripts (unofficial transcripts initially accepted; official transcripts required at time of interview)
• List of three (3) professional references (including e-mail and telephone number)

A teaching demonstration will be required of selected candidates at a future date.

Applications to be reviewed beginning June 26, 2024.

This position is represented by Local 1600 Union.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within six (6) months of hire.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Thank you for your interest in City Colleges of Chicago!