The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

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Whitworth University — Assistant or Associate Professor, OTD and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Filed in Faculty on February 22, 2023

ASSISTANT OR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY & ACADEMIC FIELDWORK COORDINATOR
TENURE TRACK ELIGIBLE

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Since 1890, Whitworth University, a private, residential, comprehensive, master’s-level, liberal-arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian church, has held fast to its founding mission to provide its students an education of mind and heart characterized by rigorous and open intellectual inquiry and the integration of Christian faith and learning. Anchored in the Reformed tradition and enriched throughout its history by strong evangelical and ecumenical currents, Whitworth’s mission is carried out by a diverse community of dedicated Christian scholars and staff members who are called to a variety of vocations to serve and support students. Whitworth believes the best learning occurs in the context of relationship – inside and outside of the classroom – where professors and staff members alike invest in the lives of students. Whitworth is committed to modeling the highest standards of integrity and fairness and being a trusted and valued member of the community.

The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator is a tenure-track eligible faculty member with an appointment in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) Department with administrative reassigned time designated for the set-up, supervision, and mentorship of students during field placements. Effective April 3, 2022, Whitworth University’s OTD program was granted Candidacy Status for Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education and enrolled the first cohort of OTD students in the fall of 2022. The faculty member also advises and teaches within the OTD Department and reports to the Department Chair. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator is a full participant in the success of the OTD Department and is actively engaged in fulfillment of the department’s mission. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in design and coordination of fieldwork rotations, oversight of fieldwork relationships and oversight of activities as well as data management of fieldwork sites inclusive of formal facility contracts. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator role also involves scholarship, student advising, and service activities such as committee work and fostering community relations. Candidates without prior experience as an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator who exhibit a passion for clinical education, community outreach, and experience as a clinical fieldwork educator will be strongly considered.

STARTING DATE: July 1, 2023

PRIMARY TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES:
The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will teach all fieldwork related courses and contribute to teaching additional courses within their area of clinical expertise. Furthermore, they will be responsible for mentoring their assigned capstone students.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Additional responsibilities include participation in departmental activities and governance, professional and research activities, attending state, regional and national professional association meetings; attending faculty assemblies, development days, and retreat, serving on committees, and advising.

DUTIES DIRECTLY RELATED TO ROLE INCLUDE:

Obtains and maintains fieldwork contracts with a variety of
healthcare settings to provide adequate selection and number of fieldwork placements
Supervise, mentor, and communicate directly with students to establish high quality
fieldwork and integrated curricular experiences
Updates, communicates, and enforces OTD fieldwork policies and procedures.
Collaborates with clinical faculty to evaluate student performance and assigns grades
for all clinical education courses
Assists with recruitment of highly qualified fieldwork supervisors who represent
diverse, quality practices and diverse populations
Manages fiscal resources associated with fieldwork education, under the supervision of the OT Department Chair
Guides curriculum design, planning, scheduling, and outcome measures related to the
fieldwork education component of the curriculum that promote reflective reasoning, evidence-based practice, and ethical excellence
Guides strategic planning related to fieldwork education
Establishes and implements a personal scholarly agenda
Promotes and supports faculty and staff professional development, especially as it
relates to fieldwork education
Supports and helps plan collaborative and inter-professional education and service
activities among faculty and students within the university and local community

REQUIRED JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Excellent communication, conflict management and problem-solving skills	
Strong leadership skills and a vision for excellence
Demonstrated skills in instructional technology
Demonstration of ethical behavior in personal and professional life
Evidence of promise in effectiveness at college-level teaching (demonstrated effectiveness preferred)
Strong potential for an on-going stream of research in the candidate’s area of specialization
Demonstrated growth in cultural competence, awareness of societal and structural inequities and proven experience in effectively establishing relationships and positive communications with students and other constituents across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, varying abilities, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, or religious perspectives
A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning
A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Earned research, clinical, or post-professional doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy or related field (PhD, OTD, DrOT, DHSc, DSc, EdD, ScD).
Occupational Therapist with NBCOT certification
Licensed and eligible to practice occupational therapy in the State of Washington
Minimum of 3 years of post-licensure clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Previous Academic Fieldwork Coordinator experience is preferred.
Previous teaching experience at the university level.
Experience supervising graduate students.
Evidence of advanced credentials or expertise in the areas of Mental Health, Physical Disabilities, and / or Geriatrics Occupational Therapy practice is preferred.

SALARY:
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, OTD
Term: 11.5 months (trimester schedule fall, spring, and summer)
Hiring Range: $96,885 – $108,284
Commensurate with years of credited service. 1.75% increase to the minimum salary is granted for each year of credited service at the rank of Assistant Professor.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, OTD
Term: 11.5 months (trimester schedule fall, spring, and summer)
Hiring Range: $106,44 – $118,967
Commensurate with years of credited service. 1.75% increase to the minimum salary is granted for each year of credited service that exceeds six (6) at the rank of Associate Professor.

TO APPLY: Please submit to jobs@whitworth.edu

A letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position and interest in teaching at a Christian liberal arts university with an increasingly diverse student body
Curriculum vitae
Your teaching philosophy
A short personal essay describing your personal Christian faith. This essay is intended to be a statement in your own words that will help the committee to understand your interest in joining Whitworth’s community of Christian scholars. (Click here for guidance on writing the faith essay)
Three most recent student feedback surveys
Names, addresses, email address and phone numbers of at least three academic references (one or more additional non-academic references who can speak to your qualifications for the position may also be included)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: A background check, sexual misconduct check, and confirmation of degrees earned will be required of the successful candidate

DEADLINE: Application materials will be received until the position is filled. Initial screening of applicants will begin immediately.

BENEFITS:
Whitworth University provides a robust offering of benefits and services to enhance the quality of life of its faculty and staff. Employees who are eligible for benefits may participate in health plans including medical, dental and vision; a generous retirement plan; life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Well-being services include spiritual enrichment, the employee assistance program, and free access to the University Recreation Center and the Megan E. Thompson Aquatic Center. Free tuition for employees and tuition remission programs for spouses and dependents round out the offerings. More information HERE

Whitworth complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. With our Christ-centered commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community, the university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth including members of racial/ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.