Associate Dean, College of Naturopathic Medicine

Job Description:

1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION

Position Name: Associate Dean, College of Naturopathic Medicine

Classification: Exempt; Benefited

FTE: 1.0; Full-time

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours. Variable schedule: includes early morning and/or later evening hours.

Department/Division: Academic Affairs/College of Naturopathic Medicine

Supervisor: Dean, College of Naturopathic Medicine

Location: Onsite, 8000 NE Tillamook St., Portland, OR 97213

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer paid and employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plan options. 403(b) retirement plan with up to 10% match after one year. Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced cost care in the campus health center for employees and their immediate family members. Paid vacation, sick, wellness time and holidays.

2. POSITION SUMMARY

The associate dean provides direction, supervision, scheduling, coordination, and support for naturopathic clinical educators and student clinicians. The associate dean coordinates and provides oversight for the administration of the activities associated with the NMD program clinical education. The associate dean may serve as a clinical supervisor, an academic instructor, and provide clinical coverage as needed. The associate dean works closely with the dean and the program faculty to develop and implement naturopathic care that is competency-based and in coordination with the program's academic component. The associate dean of clinical education provides input into clinic system protocols/procedures related to patient care. This position provides oversight for the continuous quality improvement processes.

3. SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES  

# of employees this position supervises: TBD

Job titles of employees supervised: Naturopathic Clinical Educators, Naturopathic Residents, Naturopathic Student Clinicians, Administrative Assistant for Clinical Rotations

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical supervisor support and supervision (20%)

• Direct, supervise, and support clinical supervisors and residents in the clinical setting, including providing feedback and evaluating clinical educators regarding academic and clinical performance.
• Report regularly to the dean on any naturopathic student clinician, resident, or clinical educator concerns related to curriculum attainment, professionalism on the job, or patient care concerns.
• Communicate regularly on clinical education related matters to the dean.
• Communicate professionally and regularly with clinical educators through meetings and in writing as appropriate.
• Complete yearly performance evaluations for all direct reports.

Quality patient care (10%)

• Provide or arrange coverage for clinical educators for patient care as needed.
• Provide training and oversight to assure follow-through of quality improvement initiatives.
• Assure the provision of high quality, evidence-informed patient care.
• Develop and implement clinical policies, protocols, and practices

Student clinician and resident support and supervision (5%)

• Provide supervision of student clinicians and residents within patient care as needed to support intern assessment and clinical educator workload.
• Provide feedback to student clinicians and residents following assessment and/or observation within patient care as indicated.

Student clinician competency assessment and administrative support (20%)

• Support the development, implementation, and completion of clinical competency assessments for naturopathic student clinicians overseen by clinical educators in accordance with established evaluation criteria/rubrics.
• Collaborate with clinical assessment team and dean to develop and implement competency exercises.
• Collaborate with assessment team, dean, and director of academic assessment to monitor and review competencies targets.

Clinical administration (15%)

• Collaborate with the dean on clinical rotation educational activities to ensure compliance with the institutional mission, strategic objectives, policies, accreditation requirements, and legal and regulatory requirements.
• Provide direct supervision, direction, and support of the day-to-day activities and operations in the clinical internship including attainment of graduation requirements.
• Provide oversight and management, coordinating with the clinical internship administration, of offsite clinical rotations.
• Provide oversight of the function of the laboratory and the naturopathic apothecary.
• Provide oversight of clinic supplies inventory and ordering, including medical supplies, laboratory supplies, and educational supplies.
• Organize and oversee Grand Rounds, outreach events, and clinic graduation requirements.
• Participate in various committees: Clinic Committee, Naturopathic Apothecary Committee, and various academic committees.
• Represent the College, the University, and the naturopathic profession to outside agencies, institutions, and the public in support of the missions of the College and the University.

Program development and outreach (10%)

• In cooperation with the dean and the faculty, oversee the ongoing review and development of the program of study.
• Attend training opportunities for curriculum, faculty development and administration.
• Participate with external institutions and professional associations to develop naturopathic educational curricula and outcomes criteria and share best practices; occasional travel may be required.
• Communicate and coordinate as needed with other schools, colleges and departments in the University in support of the educational mission of the College and the University.
• Support the College in maintaining accreditation with the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education and other agencies.
• Maintain licensure in the state of Oregon.
• Continue to develop professionally through continuing education.
• Other duties as assigned.

Academic (20%)

• Development of course content and resources including lectures, presentations, assignments, learning activities, assessments and other elements specified.
• Work closely with the dean to ensure that all course materials and assessments align with course and program learning outcomes and meet program standards for quality and rigor.
• Work with Instructional Designers to ensure that all course materials are consistent with best practices and are compatible with the UWS learning management system (LMS).
• Compile course materials (e.g., assigned texts, note packets, lab guides, online resources) for distribution to students.
• Utilize the university learning management system to augment and support student learning in assigned courses.
• Identify outside resources to be used for assigned reading/viewing, supporting resources and optional exploration opportunities.
• Provide key course documents (e.g., syllabus, discussion forum guidelines, etc.) according to specified deadlines.
• Teach courses in prescribed curriculum, which may include courses (both lecture and lab) in naturopathic medicine philosophy and principles and clinical education.

• Prepare and deliver lectures using appropriate presentation methodologies.

Stimulate class discussions and student participation in learning activities

5. UWS CORE VALUES

Best Practices: We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines.

Curiosity: We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking.

Inclusiveness: We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing.

Professionalism: We are responsible, respectful, and accountable.

Student-Focus: We work for the common good of students’ academic and professional success.

Whole-Person Health: We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience.

6. EXPECTED COMPETENCIES FOR SUPERVISORS

Developing & Retaining Talent   

Ability to recruit, retain, and develop high performing individuals aligned with UWS’ core values and institutional goals. Completes performance reviews and development plans for all direct reports on time. Ability to provide constructive feedback and coaching to direct reports, including individuals who are underperforming.

Managing & Stewarding Resources

Prepares budget(s) to appropriately support department/division functions and goals. Meets or exceeds performance goals and budget targets. Effectively manages departmental resources and processes and seeks opportunities to create efficiencies. Demonstrates the financial acumen for managing budgets aggressively. Effectively manages relationships with vendors and/or contractors.

Leading & Managing Change

Promotes a culture of continuous improvement within department/division with a focus on effective and efficient processes and procedures. An openness to change and the ability provide leadership and clear communication to stakeholders throughout the change process. Engages employees in the change process and develops commitment for sustaining change.

7. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Education & Training: Doctor of naturopathic medicine degree with strong clinical knowledge and skills.

Certifications & Licenses: Active Oregon naturopathic medicine license (in good standing); CPR/AED/First Aid Certificate.

Experience: Five or more years naturopathic medical practice experience.

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:  Professional demeanor and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with administrators, faculty, and students; Ability to follow instructions closely and then work independently with minimal oversight or supervision; Ability to solve problems and make effective decisions in matters requiring an immediate response, subject to supervisor approval; Ability to prioritize, organize and work efficiently; Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes in work environment; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Ability and willingness to function in team environments; Ability to understand and exercise discretion; Ability to use good judgment and maintain confidentiality; High attention to detail and commitment to quality patient care.

Other Qualifications: Compliance with applicable privacy and security requirements, e.g., HIPAA, FERPA.

Preferred

Experience: Experience in higher education teaching & clinical skills assessment

Related Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Relevant experience in higher education; Adaptability to changing environments and situations and capacity to learn new systems and processes.

8. APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS:

Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter; you may attach your materials as Word or PDF documents.

Official transcripts from prior institutions of higher learning must be received prior to offer being extended to the finalist.

University of Western States conducts background checks for the finalist or finalists of staff and faculty positions. The type of background check will vary by position type.

University of Western States offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/

University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.