Occupational Therapy Assistant – Academic Fieldwork Coordinator

Description

Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended.

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2024-2025 year and is contingent upon continued available district, grant and state funding.
WHO WE AREThe Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success. THE COLLEGE AND THE DISTRICTCollege of the Canyons is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 32,000 students each academic year. College of the Canyons has a diverse student population that reflects our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. Detailed information about our student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the College of Canyons Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (IRPIE) website. Additionally, College of the Canyons, was recently honored as a 2021 Bellwether College Consortium award winner, was honored in 2018 and 2019 with the Champion of Higher Education award, was ranked #1 in Los Angeles County during 2019 as the best two-year college for adult learners, and is rated #1 in Los Angeles County for completion rates by college-prepared students. It is distinguished as one of the top transfer institutions in Los Angeles County. WHO WE WANTWe value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.
"BIG PICTURE" RESPONSIBILITY

College of the Canyons is seeking a faculty leader as an Occupational Therapy AssistantAcademic Fieldwork Coordinator. This is a 10-MONTH professional, full-time tenure track position beginning August 2024. The position may include a combination of teaching, department, college, and community leadership functions. Assignment may include day, evening, and weekend duties at all District sites.

SALARY PLACEMENT
Initial Salary Placement on Academic Salary ScheduleC is dependent on education and experience. Salary range is from: $79,308 – $126,084 annually (adjusted for 12 months of pay per year). Column placement is based on education and step placement will be based on years of professional experience, not to exceed nine (9) years’ experience for a maximum placement of Step 10: For details, click on link to
Example of DutiesESSENTIAL DUTIESTeaches courses in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program according to approved curriculum course outlines.

Engages in ongoing professional development and preparation related to best practices associated with pedagogy, andragogy, and all instructional (including virtual) teaching modalities to address anticipated student and instructional delivery needs.

Ensures course content meets Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards.

Responsible for the program’s compliance with the fieldwork requirements of all ACOTE Standards in Section C.1.0. ACOTE Accreditation Standards – ACOTE (acoteonline.org) *

*Fieldwork education is a crucial part of professional preparation and is best integrated as a component of the curriculum design. The fieldwork experience is designed to promote professional reasoning and reflective practice, transmit the values and beliefs that enable ethical practice, and develop professionalism and competence in career responsibilities. Fieldwork experiences should be implemented and evaluated for their effectiveness by the educational institution. The experience should provide the student with the opportunity to carry out professional responsibilities under the supervision of qualified personnel serving as a role model. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator is responsible for the program’s compliance with fieldwork education requirements.

Collaborates with the Faculty Director and faculty to provide learning opportunities and continuing education to prepare and enhance fieldwork educator’s knowledge and skills.

Works closely with faculty director and course instructors to gather feedback for placing students in appropriate fieldwork sites.

Contacts and establishes an adequate number of fieldwork sites for all Level I and Level II rotations to ensure students receive diverse and comprehensive experiences for entry-level job preparation.

Documents selection criteria and processes for fieldwork sites, including maintaining memoranda of understanding, ensuring compliance with site requirements, and managing site objectives and data.

Arranges placement and assignment of students enrolled in Level I and Level II fieldwork courses.

Develops fieldwork objectives collaboratively with fieldwork sites.

Maintains ongoing communication with established fieldwork sites and clinical instructors via onsite visits, telephone calls, email, and written correspondence to monitor student progress and fieldwork needs.

Collaborates with clinical instructors in assigning midterm and final grades for students, when needed.

Provides program-specific advising to students on fieldwork.

Engages in program marketing and recruitment activities.

Attends and participates in division meetings, and various District committees and advisory groups.

Collaborates closely with the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) clinical coordinator to maintain the accuracy of the database, ensuring it comprehensively reflects mandatory requirements, updated contracts, and personnel information.

Develops and revises appropriate credit and noncredit program and course curriculum in response to discipline and workforce needs.

Maintains office hours and participates in department, division, and college committees and governance.

Participates in and implements departmental and college program reviews.

Participates in additional faculty responsibilities, including college decision-making activities related to professional and academic matters. The activities will occur within the department as well as in the larger College setting and at all district campuses.

Engages in ongoing professional development and preparation related to best practices associated with pedagogy, andragogy, and all instructional (including virtual) teaching modalities to address anticipated student and instructional delivery needs.

Participates in all course, program and institutional Student Learning Outcome (SLO) assessment processes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Minimum RequirementsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent foreign degree, plus a professional license or certification in the assignment AND two years of professional experience directly related to Occupational Therapy;

OR- Any Associate degree or equivalent foreign degree plus a professional license or certification in the assignment AND six years of professional experience directly related to the assignment.

In Addition to the Minimum Qualifications Applicants Must Meet the Following Accreditation Standards:

Be an occupational therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant who is licensed or otherwise regulated according to regulations in the state(s) or jurisdiction(s) in which the program is located.

Must have two years of documented experience in the field of Occupational Therapy, which must include:

Clinical practice experience as an occupational therapist or as an Occupational Therapy Assistant

Professional experience as a fieldwork educator or documentation of training in the roles and responsibilities of a fieldwork educator

Have completed or be currently enrolled in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Fieldwork Educators Certificate Workshop.

*Note to current COC adjunct instructors in the discipline: If you were qualified and hired under the previous set of equivalencies, you may still qualify for this position. Please contact Human Resources.

Required Licenses / Certifications

Possession and maintenance of a current, unrestricted license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Abilities

Participate in professional/volunteer organizations which include membership in state association Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) and American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Commitment to maintain currency in the discipline, including use of advanced technology required in the discipline.

Experience with online teaching and pedagogy is desired.

Strong commitment to professional growth and development, and to the continued innovation and improvement of successful teaching.

Ability to work effectively with computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high quality instruction and the understanding and successful use of learning technology.

Willingness to facilitate and encourage student success by working to develop varied and innovative academic learning environments.

Ability to communicate professionally and clearly with students and staff, both orally and in writing.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with on-campus groups (including students, faculty, administrators and staff), as well as, off-campus community and education partners.

In addition to being well qualified to teach in their respective disciplines, it is desirable that faculty have additional abilities and interests in contributing to other professional pursuits at the College, such as: instructional innovation, second language ability, sponsoring clubs, new program development, student success initiatives and community outreach.

Demonstrated sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and disability backgrounds of community college students.

Professional Responsibilities

Faculty members at College of the Canyons facilitate student learning by working to develop every student’s ability and by designing varied and exciting learning environments.

Faculty members work as team members with all staff, create innovations in teaching and learning methods, and work to provide an environment for students to be partners in learning.

Faculty members also assist in program planning, carry out related projects and evaluate related department programs and faculty.

Faculty members carry out their professional responsibilities by participating in the college decision-making activities related to academic and professional matters via meetings, by participating on project teams, by engaging in ongoing and meaningful professional development, and by providing support to students on a one-to-one and small group basis at regularly scheduled times.

In addition to professional expertise in teaching within the discipline, applicants should possess the following abilities and attitudes that have been identified as important to successful performance in the position.

Professional Abilities

Success and commitment as a team player, including the ability to engage in cooperative problem solving.

Success at initiating, executing and following up on projects, including the ability to set specific objectives and measure achieved results;

A commitment to the mission and values of the community college;

A positive attitude, including the ability to foster collegiality;

Flexibility, including the acceptance of and willingness to change;

Open-mindedness, including fairness and the ability to see multiple perspectives;

The willingness to take risks and be innovative;

A willingness to see complex tasks through to completion; and

The willingness to accept responsibility for professional and personal growth.

Further DetailsABOUT THE DISTRICTAccess. Engagement. Success.College of the Canyons serves more than 37,000 students on two campuses in the Santa Clarita Valley, about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Better known locally as COC, the college excels at both transfer and career preparation, sending thousands of graduates each year to California’s top public and private four-year universities, and into high-wage careers in Southern California’s fastest-growing industries. The college has earned numerous regional, state, and national awards for its innovative and collaborative efforts to increase student access, engagement, and success. It was the only California community college to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification from the American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The college is also recognized for its high degree of Hispanic student enrollment and degree achievement, having been named one of the top colleges in the nation for those achievements by The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine. The college takes seriously its mission to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a 48-percent Hispanic student population, it is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), as well as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). College of the Canyons is:

Guided by an elected five-member Board of Trustees composed of former faculty members and students committed to prudent fiscal management and thoughtful policy development.

Supported by an active Foundation that generates more than $1 million of revenue and awards more than $300,000 in student scholarships each year.

Recognized as a statewide leader in the development and implementation of OER/ZTC (open educational resources/zero textbook costs) materials, saving students millions of dollars in textbook costs.

Resourceful, as evidenced by the $16 million in grant revenue generated in the past year.

Highly regarded in the community, whose residents voted to approve more than $400 million of bond funds in three separate elections since 2001.

Focused on making higher education more affordable, as evidenced by the Canyons Promise program that provides the first two years of study free for new, full-time students.

The best measure of our success is the achievement of our students. Their accomplishments include:Transferring to the top University of California campuses, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.Earning national and state academic awards, including Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships, Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, and Phi Theta Kappa All California Academic Team honors.Winning 39 state championships while competing in 17 intercollegiate sports.Designing research projects carried aboard NASA spacecraft.Garnering numerous awards in Model UN, Forensics (Communications), and Future Business Leaders of America competitions.Achieving a 21 percent median wage increase after completing career education courses. Those who are selected for positions at College of the Canyons will join a team of accomplished administrators, esteemed educators, and dedicated staff members who are innovative and focused on enhancing people’s lives by continually expanding educational access, engagement, and success. Ready. Set. Grow. College of the Canyons is poised to continue growing in its ability to expand access to higher education, to enhance student engagement, and to bolster the ongoing success of our students and wider community. Currently, we are:

Building an off-site Advanced Technology Center to provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and welding.

Renovating the Student Center to create a more welcoming gathering space for students.

Enhancing the services we offer to students at our Canyon Country campus with the addition of 110,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, and support spaces in the new Takeda Science Center and adjoining Student Services & Learning Resources Center.

Offering 275 associate degree and certificate programs (and always developing more), including new Allied Health training programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy Technology, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Creating a safe space for students to share their voices and engage in dialog and connection in our new Intercultural Center.

Hosting world-class entertainers in the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at the Valencia campus.

Offering a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from partner universities at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.

Bolstering the economic development of our region by raising $2.5 million in external funding to provide customized workforce training for more than 5,100 local employees.

By always working to create new opportunities, focusing on innovation, and embracing dynamic partnerships, we create ongoing success that benefits everyone we serve. Are You Ready to Join Us?College of the Canyons is looking for faculty, staff, and administrators who are leaders, innovators, and creators focused on putting the needs of students first. Specifically, we seek those who share our commitment to:

Teaching and Learning – College of the Canyons values high performance in teaching and learning.

Respect for All People – We expect students and employees to demonstrate honesty, integrity, social responsibility, and ethical behavior that fosters a college climate characterized by civility, collegiality, and acceptance.

Partnership with Community – We advance the educational, intellectual, artistic, civic, cultural, and economic aspirations of our surrounding community by actively partnering with more than 100 community schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and government and social agencies.

Excellence – We set the highest standards for ourselves and support the professional development of faculty, staff, and administrators.

Creativity and Innovation – We encourage members of the college community to be entrepreneurial, forward-thinking, creative, persistent, spontaneous, and willing to explore new ideas that strengthen our ability to enhance student access, engagement, and success.

Location. Location. Location. The single college within the Santa Clarita Community College District, College of the Canyons is located in Santa Clarita, the third most populous city in Los Angeles County, and serves a 367-square-mile area in the northern part of the county. The college’s two campuses are just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles. With mild weather and convenient freeway access, the Santa Clarita Valley offers residents and visitors convenient year-round access to what makes Southern California a popular destination. Theme parks, Pacific Ocean beaches, and mountains are nearby, along with the dining, cultural, and sports attractions of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and other iconic destinations. Our service area is a hub of advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and film production. By redefining the traditional role of community colleges, we have become the training provider of choice for local companies, which count on us to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge training.

Conditions of Employment

Ten-month position; anticipated starting date August 2024 (start date not negotiable)

Initial Salary Placement on Academic Salary Schedule C is dependent on education and experience. Salary range is from: $79,308 – $126,084 annually (adjusted for 12 months of pay per year). Column placement is based on education and step placement will be based on years of professional experience, not to exceed nine (9) years’ experience for a maximum placement of Step 10: For details, click on link to

Part of the teaching assignment may be evenings and/or weekends at all District sites.

The instructor may be expected to deliver instruction utilizing nontraditional delivery methods.

An excellent benefit package including medical, vision, dental, life and Section 125 is offered.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.

Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening.

Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.

Board of Trustees approval.

Official transcript must be submitted upon offer of employment.

Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

Physical CharacteristicsPosition will require extended periods presenting material in a classroom setting, and frequent periods of movement from one area to another, which may include traveling to different floors of a building and multiple fieldwork sites. Requires use of a computer and related equipment; frequent exertion of 10-20 pounds of force to move objects; communicating and providing information to others; and travel from site-to-site. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency workers.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online. Please visit our website at https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources Department at (661)362-3427 or our TTY Line at (661)362-5178. Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 - 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources Department by the end of the day on the review date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. The Human Resources Department is located in the University Center, Suite 360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.

The following application materials are required for your application to be complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A District Academic Application.
• Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties, the demonstrated knowledge, and the abilities section of this announcement. Provides specific details and examples of your direct leadership in achieving the list of minimum and desirable requirements for this position.
• A detailed resume summarizing education and experience.
• A list of six (6) references with their names, titles, business and home telephone numbers. The list should include two (2) current and two (2) former supervisors, one (1) subordinate, and one (1) community or business representative. All references (except for former supervisors) must be within the last five (5) years. References will not be contacted without the applicant’s knowledge.
• College transcripts verifying educational degree(s) required for the position. Submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of college diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of transcripts. Important note on minimum education requirements: Units and/or degree(s) earned must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the American Council on Post-Secondary Education. Please see our website for evaluation requirements for units and degrees earned at foreign institutions.
• Confidential Recruitment Source Information (Voluntary Survey). This is voluntary and is part of the online applicant profile separate from the application.

Additional Application Submission Materials Required

Philosophy of Diversity Statement - Briefly tell us how your education, previous work, and life experiences have prepared you for working with students, staff, and faculty in a diverse environment?

Teaching Philosophy Statement – Single page.

Supplemental Questions. Complete the Supplemental Questions as part of your application packet.

Supplemental Questions

Do you possess an unexpired California Community College Instructor Credential in Occupational Therapy? If yes, submit applicable credential.

Do you possess a Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of professional experience directly related to Occupational Therapy or a discipline directly related to the assignment? If yes, submit all applicable transcripts (front/back).

Do you possess an Associates degree and six (6) years of professional experience directly related to Occupational Therapy or a discipline directly related to the assignment? If yes, submit all applicable transcripts (front/back).

Do you possess an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant professional license or certification? If yes, please upload copies (front/back).

If you answered "Yes" to Questions 1, 2, 3 or 4 to qualify for this position, please provide a written response detailing how you meet the requirements listed for that qualification. Please provide applicable degree information and detailed professional experience information (quantify full-time equivalent years and explain how experience is directly related to the teaching assignment). Please type "N/A" if this question is not applicable.

Have you successfully completed or are you presently enrolled in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Fieldwork Educators Certificate Workshop? If yes, please upload the certificate.

How have you worked with faculty, staff, and management to develop student-centered programs and services?

Describe how you use technology as a tool to support teaching and learning while overseeing academic programs.

Do you possess administrative experience including program planning and implementation, personnel management, evaluation, and budgeting?

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District. Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

Please note:

Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.

Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.

Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.

A presentation will be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview.

Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Department

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

Position is contingent upon funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until this position is filled. This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

EEO POLICY

Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected basis under the law.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources Department directly at (661) 362-3427.