Full Time, Occupational Therapy Assistant Instructor

Under the general supervision of the Program Director delivers class and/or clinical instruction according to an approved course syllabus using accepted and effective teaching methods; develops daily lesson plans; advises and tutors students; maintains current and accurate attendance and grade records; remains current in applicable program teaching field; participates in faculty meetings, professional growth activities in the respective field and two (2) in-service training sessions annually. Participates in college activities such as in-services, faculty meetings, student functions, graduation exercises, open houses, new student orientations, and advisory board meetings. Strives for student success by providing quality instruction that results in students’ achievement of course and program objectives, retention of students, and prepares students for entry-level positions in the healthcare field.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Delivers curriculum in accordance with approved syllabi, according to program objectives and timelines.
• Employs appropriate instructional methods and learning strategies to communicate subject matter to students and modifies where appropriate to meet diverse students’ needs.
• Prepares outlines of instructional programs and training schedules according to established course objectives.
• Observes and evaluates students' work to determine progress, provides feedback, and makes suggestions for improvement.
• Encourages the development of communication skills and higher order thinking skills through appropriate assignments.
• Presents lectures and conducts discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence, using visual aids such as graphs, charts, videotapes, and slides.
• Administers standardized oral, written, or performance assessments.
• Supervises independent or group projects, field placements, laboratory work, or other training as necessary.
• Provides individualized tutorial and/or remedial instruction.
• Conducts simulated on-the-job training, classes, or training sessions to teach and demonstrate principles, techniques, procedures, and/or methods of designated subjects.
• Provides books, materials, supplies, and equipment for training, courses, or projects approved by the college.
• Monitors and records daily class attendance and grades according to established procedures and deadlines.
• Posts and maintains regular office hours to ensure accessibility to students for advisement and consultation.
• Participates in graduation ceremonies.
• Refers students to other College personnel/Departments as needed.
• Works with the college administration, staff and other faculty members to improve the overall operation of the college/program.
• Participates in the implementation of the Program Effectiveness Plan (PEP).
• Maintains the privacy and confidentiality of student information/records.
• Substitutes for other instructors within field or discipline in case of an absence.
• Exercises stewardship of college facilities and materials.
• Participates in conferences, seminars, and training sessions. Attends at least one (1) professional development activity annually, two (2) in-service events annually and faculty meetings.
• Participates in the marketing and recruitment of students, faculty and staff.
• Maintains professional appearance for position.
• Adheres to College policies and procedures and conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the College’s Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy or any of its policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance, reports to work as scheduled and as required to meet the needs of the College and assures time worked and/or time-off is recorded properly.
• Exercises care, proper use and maintenance of department equipment and supplies and identifies unsafe conditions and makes appropriate adjustments.
• Maintains order, cleanliness and safety at work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum & Preferred Qualifications:

Required:

• All full-time core faculty who are occupational therapy practitioners teaching in the program must hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE-recognized regional or national accrediting body. The degrees are not limited to occupational therapy.
• Current Occupational Therapy Practitioner license (or eligible for licensure) in California.
• Certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L).
• Current CPR Card

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in healthcare field.

Experience & Skills:

Required:

• Minimum of three (3) years of related practical work experience in Occupational Therapy practice.
• Documented expertise in their area(s) of teaching responsibility and knowledge of the content delivery method (e.g., distance learning).
• Adult Care Specialty: Experience as a COTA in adult neuro-rehabilitation care settings required.
• Pediatrics Specialty: Experience as a COTA in pediatric settings required.
• Ability to demonstrate a thorough, accurate and practical knowledge of their field or discipline.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate the theories of their field or discipline.
• Ability to effectively operate related equipment and machines for instructional purposes.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment and machines such as computer terminal, calculator and copier.
• Ability to manage and work effectively in a highly ethnic and culturally diverse student and associate community.
• Ability to use effective communication skills, both oral and written, including presentations and effective listening skills.
• Ability to speak before public groups, committees and meetings.
• Ability to effectively use interpersonal skills, follow through with duties, provide attention to detail, and demonstrate the ability to motivate others.
• Ability to use creative facilitation and conflict resolution skills to resolve difficult and sensitive issues.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to self-direct, self-pace, multi-task and function well under pressure of deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to work with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures and assure compliance.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service skills and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Demonstrate training in educational methods, testing and evaluation and evidence strength in instructional methodology, delivery and techniques as indicated by evaluation personnel within 30 days of beginning instruction.
• Experience with MS Office.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of education standards such as Title IV, ACOTE, ABHES, BPPE, and other accreditation standards.
• Demonstrate prior training in instructional methodology and teaching skills from a formal teacher educational program or any comparable training program or formal in-house training program.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to travel/drive locally on a weekly, daily and/or on an as needed basis.
• Ability to demonstrate bilingual skills is a plus but not mandatory.

Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at American Career College.

For more than 40 years American Career College has had the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare—guiding them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus-driven culture that is solution-oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.

American Career College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.