SUMMARY: 

The faculty member facilitates meaningful learning of the course competencies in the curriculum and proactively supports all facets of the learning environment. S/He provides education through learning-centered instruction that will enable graduates to fulfill the evolving needs of the marketplace. S/He encourages a culture of learning that values mutual responsibility and respect, life-long learning and ethics as well as personal and professional development.  S/He must assure that the South University philosophy is considered in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this position: quality services to all stakeholders, including students; development, growth, involvement, and recognition of employees; sound economic principles, and maintenance of an environment which is conducive to innovation, positive thinking, and expansion. S/he teaches four courses per quarter.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS:                                         

• 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.
• Provides competency-based education which aligns with the South University model of curricula as well as supports the style of system delivery.
• 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.
• Delivers learning-centered instruction by establishing a classroom environment conducive to learning and encouraging student involvement; faculty effectively plans and prepares for classes and student success.
• 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.
• Evaluates the degree to which students meet performance criteria established in the course syllabi and grading rubrics.
• Provides advising to students in both the Core Curriculum and the Professional Curriculum; assist, 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).
• Manages the learning environment through keeping accurate records; posting attendance, submitting grades and other reports on time; and enforcing school/campus academic and attendance policies.
• Contributes to a 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.
• Relates professional and life experiences to learning, including health-related  trends and opportunities 
• Oversees a teaching/lab assistant, as appropriate to course; 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. 
• Maintains standards of the profession, including rules and regulations of licensing and certification.
• Pursues professional development related to professional practice and the practice of education; participates in faculty development activities each year, as required.
• Participates in educational, professional, and community activities.
• Pursues community service and scholarly activities.
• Performs other responsibilities, as determined by the Program Director and/or the Campus Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations.

REQUIREMENTS:                   

• For OTRs:  Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Master's degree or doctoral degree in another field from a regionally accredited university, required; Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy with teaching experience or a Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from a regionally accredited university and teaching experience, preferred.
• For COTAs: Minimum of Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, required.
• Zero to two years of experience in instruction or formalized education process, preferably in a post-secondary or college institution.
• Minimum of three years of experience as an occupational therapist or certified occupational therapy assistant, required.
• Membership in a professional association, preferably linked to area of  instruction, preferred.
• Must be eligible for licensure, currently licensed or otherwise credentialed according to regulations in the state or jurisdiction in which the program is located.
• Current knowledge in area of practice, ethical standards and standards of practice, required.
• Eligible for a driver’s license or currently holds a valid driver’s license in the state in which the program is located, required.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build successful relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrates outstanding conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrates time management and detail-oriented skills.
• 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 work effectively under pressure and to meet frequently occurring deadlines.
• Able to develop a professional rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Able to develop and complete projects without continuous direct supervision.
• Able to learn from students' participation, demonstrates fair and consistent behavior in all matters, and shows compassion without being ineffectual.
• Able to perform responsibilities within legal and ethical boundaries.
• Able to lift 20 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 demonstrate techniques specific to the practice of occupational therapy.   

ENVIRONMENT:                                          

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office or school, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess.

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.