Assistant Professor- AZ- Occupational Therapy
Midwestern University

Job Info

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Teaching and Facilitation of Learning                    

It is the responsibility of the faculty to teach courses in the occupational therapy curriculum in accordance with the approved course descriptions, learning objectives, and evaluative processes of the College of Health Sciences programs.  Such teaching responsibility includes conducting class sessions and designing learning activities that will lead to student mastery and success in their professional and personal development.  While the faculty member’s primary responsibilities are to plan, develop, and teach courses within the curriculum in a manner that facilitates student learning, this role also encompasses the general areas of academic advising and student development.  Participation in activities and continuing education opportunities to ensure and maintain currency in one’s course content areas is required.  Participation in curricular activities such as colloquia, seminars, and curriculum development is also expected.  While teaching and student-related activities are primary, additional responsibilities include personal, scholarly, and professional development, and both institutional and community service.

Teaching -- Essential Job Functions:

1. Teach assigned courses in accordance with the course syllabus and College policy.
2. Develop and use a syllabus for each course consistent with the guidelines of the College and the Occupational Therapy Program.
3. Demonstrate skill and knowledge in teaching content pertinent to occupational therapy practice and science.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Review, evaluate, and recommend student learning materials, including current texts, teaching techniques, and technology relative to courses within occupational therapy.
8. Maintain professional relationships with students, colleagues, and the community.
9. Teach courses at a variety of times and locations in response to institutional and programmatic needs.
10. Provide access to students through regular office hours, electronic communication, and other appropriate methods.

Scholarship:

1. Pursue on an ongoing basis the continuance of scholarly growth in the academic profession. 
2. Engage in scholarly/creative activity and make results available for critical peer review. 
3. Examples may include but are not limited to development of experimental programs; delivering papers at professional association meetings at regional and national levels; regional and national awards, holding office in professional organizations; participating in panels at regional and national meetings of professional organizations; grants acquisitions; editorship of professional journals; participation in juried shows; program related projects; consulting; research project and publication record; additional graduate work; and contributing to the scholarly growth of one's peers. 

Mentoring of student research projects consistent with course administration and teaching is also considered to be part of both teaching and scholarship responsibilities. 

Each faculty’s scholarship will be considered on an individual basis and will be dependent upon his or her research agenda. 

Such research agenda will encompass a strategic, long-term plan with obtainable steps toward accomplishment of select research outcomes and dissemination of new knowledge and application relevant to the profession of occupational therapy.

Institutional and Community Service:

1. Participate in scheduled institutional service activities which include student orientation and commencement exercises.
2. Provide advice and/or assistance to students regarding instructional or program-specific issues.
3. Actively participate in Program, College, or University meetings and committee meetings.
4. Participate in College- and Program-related activities such as community education, health career fairs, recruitment of students, student activities, and special programs.
5. Actively participate in activities required to maintain Program accreditation standards.
6. 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.
7. Assist in the curriculum and program development.
8. Perform other duties as determined in consultation with the Program Director.

Personal and Professional Development:

1. Establish annual objectives, including personal and professional development plans in consultation and mutually determined with the Program Director.
2. Maintain professional standards of competence in the discipline and teaching methodology through professional development activities.
3. Maintain professional standards of ethical behavior consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Midwestern University faculty handbook.
4. Participate in the evaluation process for self, Program, and College.

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Full-time faculty must hold a master’s or doctoral degree awarded by an institution that is accredited by USDE–recognized regional accrediting body.
2. Experience working with OT students in a classroom/ fieldwork setting
3. A record of sustained professional leadership and professional service
4. Thorough knowledge of:
5. Occupational therapy content in areas of teaching responsibility.
6. Knowledge of learning theory – motivational, perceptual, and emotional forces present in the learning process and the conditions which affect individual and group learning and change.
7. Knowledge of theories of leadership – alternative techniques and styles for guiding, motivating, and directing individuals under various situational conditions to achieve effective performance.
8. Knowledge of current development in related fields of specialization with the ability to keep current with new developments in education and practice.

Maintain required continuing education credits required to maintain licensure and certification according to state and national guidelines.  Continuing education credits should include updates in area of clinical expertise as well as educational and research areas.

Skills and ability to use current technology.

Ability to contribute and present innovative ideas for new curricula and programs that combine traditional and nontraditional dimensions of “best practice”.

Demonstrate consideration and respect for others (i.e., students, peers, colleagues).

Ability to manage time effectively in professional and scholarly responsibilities.

Ability to clearly and effectively present ideas in written, oral, and discussion formats.

Ability to meet deadlines for reports and other required paperwork.

Ability to present a positive and professional image when representing the Program and the College.

Ability to safeguard confidential information from intentional or unintentional disclosure.

Residence in Arizona is required, and in person teaching is a requirement.

Perform additional duties as assigned

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, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). 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. 

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