Occupational Therapy - Academic Fieldwork Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator identifies clinical fieldwork sites, initiates agreements and places students on Level I and II Fieldwork placements that develop professional competencies in a safe care environment. This role is responsible for coordinating and overseeing fieldwork for all students enrolled across both the Tampa primary campus and the Orlando instructional site. As a faculty member in a hybrid curriculum, the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator facilitates meaningful learning of the course competencies in the curriculum and proactively supports all facets of the learning environment. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator provides education through learning-centered instruction that will enable graduates to fulfill the evolving needs of the Occupational Therapy Assistant marketplace. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator encourages a culture of learning that values mutual responsibility and respect, life-long learning, and ethics as well as personal and professional development. In recognition of obligations related to fieldwork coordination, the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will receive a 50% reduction in classroom instruction to ensure adequate time allocation for the completion of administrative duties and other responsibilities associated with the position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Identifies clinical fieldwork sites, initiates affiliation agreements and works with relevant stakeholders at the clinical sites and within the university to execute the agreement; communicates with Fieldwork Educators in a timely way to reserve clinical fieldwork slots and maintains current records on all sites; maintains and updates all clinical fieldwork files and materials, including the Fieldwork Manual.
2. Places students in all Level I and Level II Fieldwork across both the Tampa primary campus and the Orlando instructional site. Establishes, coordinates, and places all clinical rotations of students at fieldwork sites and serves as liaison between the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and the clinical fieldwork sites, visiting clinical sites and students, as appropriate; disseminates clinical fieldwork materials to sites and students in a timely way.

1. Assists (as appropriate) in advising/collaborating with fieldwork educators to serve as a bridge between fieldwork educators, the academic program and OTA students (e.g., review academic course syllabi, respond to questions about course content in relation to practice settings.
2. Assumes responsibility for working with clinical fieldwork sites to ensure that the fieldwork experience is integral to the design of the academic curriculum and in compliance with accreditation standards.
3. Enhances the professional development of Fieldwork Educators who supervise students during clinical fieldwork experiences.
4. Performs instructional duties as assigned and/or as outlined in the Academic Faculty Job description and in accordance with the provisions of Faculty Supplement to the South University Employee Handbook.
   1. Provides competency-based education which aligns with the South University model of curricula as well as supports the style of system delivery.
   2. Designs class instruction by developing student learning outcomes and instructional plans to meet course competencies and accreditation standards, creating activities which support learning outcomes and promote critical thinking in both on-campus and online learning environments.
   3. Delivers learning-centered instruction in a hybrid curriculum by establishing engaging learning environments across both in-person and online formats, encouraging student involvement and effectively planning and preparing for classes to promote student success.
   4. Promotes student success by showing flexibility in style as well as exhibiting a passion for teaching and facilitating student interaction while engaging students in the learning process.
   5. Evaluates the degree to which students meet performance criteria established in the course syllabi and grading rubrics.
   6. Provides advising to students in both the Pre-Professional and the Hybrid Professional Curriculum; assists, as appropriate in advising/collaborating with fieldwork educators to serve as a bridge between fieldwork educators, the academic program and OTA students (e.g., review academic course syllabi, respond to questions about course content in relation to practice settings).
   7. Manages the hybrid learning environment through keeping accurate records (posting attendance, submitting grades and other reports on time) and enforcing school/campus academic and attendance policies.
   8. Contributes to a hybrid learning culture by participating in faculty and other program meetings (e.g., admissions, progressions and appeals, curriculum), and other school/campus committees, supporting local campus events such as orientation and graduation, and participating in other school/campus activities. 

1. 1. Relates professional and life experiences to learning, including health-related trends and opportunities

1. Oversees a teaching/lab assistant, as appropriate to hybrid course(s), at all instructional locations; orients to roles and responsibilities in the course or lab including review of syllabus, identifying materials/equipment needed in lab setups, review of safety procedures and course/lab concepts.
2. Maintains standards of the profession, including rules and regulations of licensing and certification.
3. Pursues professional development in professional practice, including the practice of education; participates in faculty development activities each year, as required.

1. Participates in educational, professional and community activities.
2. Pursues community service and scholarly activities.

1. Performs other responsibilities, as determined by the Program Director and/or the Campus President

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• For OTRs: Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Master's degree or doctoral degree in another field awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE recognized institutional accrediting agency, required; Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy with teaching experience or a Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE recognized institutional accrediting agency, preferred.
• For COTAs: Minimum of Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency, required. 
• Current knowledge in area of practice, ethical standards and standards of practice, required.

Experience:

• Zero to two years of experience in instruction or a formalized education process, preferably in a post-secondary or college institution. Experience with hybrid course instruction and delivery is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy which must include: Clinical practice experience as an OT or OTA; Professional experience as a fieldwork educator or documentation of training in the roles and responsibilities of a fieldwork educator.
• Membership in a professional association, preferably linked to area of instruction, preferred.

• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build successful relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrates outstanding conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrates effective time management and prioritization of work.
• Demonstrates excellence in organization and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates effective computer skills (e.g., software, analytical, report writing).
• Demonstrates clinical competency and compliance with professional standards of practice.

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds when performing job responsibilities.
• Able to stand for extended periods of time (e.g., one hour or more) when teaching, facilitating labs or on fieldtrips.
• Able to travel between the Tampa primary campus and the Orlando instructional site to fulfill fieldwork coordination and instructional responsibilities.

License:

• Must be eligible for licensure, currently licensed or otherwise credentialed according to regulations in the state or jurisdiction in which the program is located.
• Eligible for a driver’s license or currently holds a valid driver’s license in the state in which the program is located, required.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Vehicle required for travel along with valid insurance.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check will be conducted

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student, and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures, and perspectives can thrive.