Course Writers & Adjuncts, Occupational Therapy
Job Description:
1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION
Position Name: Course Writer, Adjunct Faculty
Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt, Non-bargaining
FTE: Up to 18 hours per week
Work Hours: Variable
Work Location: Mostly remote. Adjuncts may need to travel to campus once per term.
Department/Division: Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Supervisor: Program Director, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
2. POSITION SUMMARY
To facilitate the development of a new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, the University of Western States (UWS) is seeking adjunct faculty members to create course content and serve as instructors in the program. While most course writers will also teach the course (if interested), we are open to OT content experts providing only course creation.
Courses planned for development include:
• Foundations of OT
• Functional Anatomy
• Professional Communication & Ethics
• Evaluation Skills in Occupational Therapy
• Functional Neuroscience
• Applied Biomechanics
Compensation:
• Course writing: $900 per credit
• Course delivery: per credit, to be determined
3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
(75%) Create course content and resources including lectures, presentations, assignments, learning activities, assessments, and other elements specified.
• Work closely with the program director to ensure that all course materials meet program standards for quality and rigor.
• Work with instructional design staff to ensure that all course materials are consistent with best practices and are compatible with the UWS learning management system (LMS).
• Work with the program director to ensure that all course materials and assessments align with course student learning outcomes, program learning outcomes, and accreditation standards assigned to the course.
• Identify outside resources to be used for assigned reading/viewing, supporting resources and optional exploration opportunities.
(5%) Contribute material for use in the program’s culminating assessments.
(10%) Coordinate successful course delivery.
• Provide key course documents (e.g., syllabus, discussion forum guidelines, assessment, etc.) according to specified deadlines.
(5%) Continuing education and professional development.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of research and clinical practice developments in areas relevant to the course content.
• Attend trainings, faculty meetings and other professional development activities as assigned.
(5%) Other duties as assigned.
4. UWS CORE VALUES AND ASSOCIATED COMPETENCIES
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.
5. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education & Training
• Degree from a US-accredited occupational therapy program.
Preferred Education & Training
• Post-Professional OTD, PhD, or EdD.
Required Certifications & Licenses
• Occupational Therapist, initially certified by the National Board Certification Commission for OT.
• Oregon OT License effective by start date (if teaching course).
Required Experience
• Prior experience teaching in either a clinical or academic setting.
• Documentation of OT experience in course-related content area.
Required Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with general computing tasks (word processing, presentation software, email, internet searching, research database navigation, etc.).
• Experience with one or more of the following systems: Canvas, Panopto, Zoom.
Preferred Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Online learning theory and best practices.
Adult learning theory and best practices.
• Experience with one or more of the following educational technologies: online library systems, lecture capture, video conferencing/telepresence tools, electronic assessment systems, lab simulation tools.
Required Other Qualifications
• Professional interpersonal skills including effective verbal and written communication.
• Effective management of faculty and students in professional degree programs.
• Comfortable presenting in recorded and live formats.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize/ execute plans and resource management to achieve desired teaching outcomes.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and assume responsibility in clinical decision making.
• Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment and learn new systems and processes.
• Willingness and ability to follow direction from director, dean, administrators as consistent with university policy.
• Working knowledge of FERPA student privacy regulations.
APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS:
Screening of applicants will begin immediately; the position will remain open until filled. Please submit a cover letter, a resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Official transcripts from prior institutions of higher learning must be received prior to the offer being extended to the finalist.
University of Western States conducts background and reference 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.