Mercy College Looking for Occupational Therapy Visiting Assistant Professor Assistant – Associate Program Director/Academic Fi Full Time

The School of Health and Natural Sciences at Mercy College is seeking candidates for a full-time, Visiting Assistant Professor position in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program to serve as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. Primary responsibilities include teaching courses in the occupational therapy assistant program, overseeing the fieldwork component of the program, and ensuring the program is in compliance with fieldwork standards of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, academic advising, and serving on college/program committees. Applicants must have a master’s degree in occupational therapy or a related field. Initial certification as an occupational therapist/occupational therapy assistant and eligibility for state licensure is required. The ideal candidate will also have experience as a fieldwork educator or coordinator in either an academic or clinical setting. Candidates must have a commitment to working in a multicultural setting. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Mercy College (Dobbs Ferry, NY) seeks qualified candidates to fill the role of Associate Program Director/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC). This is a 12-month, faculty position. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

The Associate Program Director/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) is responsible for overseeing fieldwork component of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. The AFWC coordinates and monitors programming related to student fieldwork experiences as well as ensures that the program is in compliance with fieldwork standards of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. 

The Associate Program Director/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) is also responsible for collaborating with fieldwork supervisors to ensure that training experiences meet the Program’s objectives and curriculum design. The Associate Program Director/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) will plan fieldwork experiences that will prepare competent practitioners for both traditional and emerging practice/research settings. 

Responsibilities of this position are outlined below:

• Assisting students with obtaining fieldwork placements. This includes but is not limited to generating new placement sites, maintaining on-going professional relationships with existing sites, and ensuring that students are aware of fieldwork opportunities;
• Collaborating closely with fieldwork educators to develop fieldwork experiences that most closely match the program learning outcomes;
• Ensuring that students participating in fieldwork experiences adhere to the standards of training as outlined by the placement site and program coordinator;- Assuring that all written contracts or letters of agreement between the educational institution and fieldwork education placement are signed and periodically reviewed;
• Ensuring that all written contractual agreements between the College and fieldwork education placements are established prior to assigning students;- Maintaining a collaborative relationship with fieldwork educators. This may include making regular, periodic contacts with fieldwork educators at sites where students are attending;- Identifying and developing new sites for fieldwork education that provide the best match with the Program’s curriculum design and student interest;
• Assisting with the development and implementation of policies for the progression of students through the various fieldwork placements;
• Orienting students to the general protocol for fieldwork experiences and providing them with the appropriate resources to support success;-

 Reviewing the quality and appropriateness of fieldwork experiences (e.g., facilities, fieldwork staff, supervision, policies) through student feedback, site visits, and other information in order to make recommendations for continued partnerships;

• Advising students regarding fieldwork site selection;
• Coordinating educational opportunities for clinical instructors;
• Working with the program director to ensure that fieldwork placements meet accreditation standards as outlined by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education;
• Documenting student performance; collaborating with the fieldwork educators in advising students.- Performing other administrative duties as outlined by the Program- Teaching within areas of clinical expertise.

This is an opportunity to join an established Occupational Therapy Assistant Program offering evening and occasional weekend classes. The occupational therapy assistant curriculum is organized around a developmental framework with 2 required Level I fieldwork experiences and 2 required Level II fieldwork experiences. The Program classes have access to the new Health Professions Clinical Simulation and Learning Lab space including a Home Health Lab and Movement Lab. Many opportunities exist within the School of Health and Natural Sciences for collaboration on teaching, clinical, and research projects. 

Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy or related field

License or Eligible for licensure as an OTA or OT in New York State

Preferred Qualifications:- 

Previously practiced as an Occupational Therapy Assistant- 

Previously taught/supervised OTA students in fieldwork 

Mercy College has made the safety of our students, faculty, staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of this commitment, we recently announced that students, faculty, and staff on our campuses are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. As a prospective and/or a new employee, you will be required to comply with the College’s vaccination policy.

Mercy College is a dynamic, diverse New York City area college whose students are on a personal mission to get the most out of life by getting the most out of their education. Our institution is an independent, coeducational college that offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs within five schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy College’s efforts in these programs have been recognized over the last several years. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Mercy College, has been honored by being ranked nationally among the top Colleges in the country for Hispanics by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).

Mercy College was further recognized by HACU as a national leader in awarding bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics in several disciplines, including Psychology, Sociology and Business. Additionally, to support our diverse student body, Mercy College has pursued and been awarded a number of federal grants which enable us to better develop and deliver services to our students. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, Mercy College is proud to be recognized as an institution which helps under-served students to achieve their educational aspirations. Westchester Magazine has also named Mercy College the Best College in Westchester county in 2019 and 2020.The vibrancy of the College culture is sustained by a diverse student body from around the region. Enrollment, including full-time and part-time undergraduates and graduates is approximately 10,557; The College offers campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Manhattan as well as online offerings.

At Mercy College, we strive to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.

OUR MISSION:

Mercy College is committed to providing motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high quality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world.

Mercy College is an equal opportunity employer. Mercy College actively engages in recruiting a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups, and strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.