Program Director- Occupational Therapy Assistant

Position Summary
The Program Director for Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) provides academic and program leadership for the OTA Program. This position ensures effective program operations maintains program accreditation promotes high-quality instruction and supports student success in both academic and clinical settings.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director must adhere to the general guidelines as specified by the Colleges Policy and Procedures Manual the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees.

Pay
Appropriate placement on the Alabama Community College System salary schedule D1.

At a minimum the essential functions of this position shall include:

1. Program Leadership and Administration
   1.1 Assure the effective operation of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program to meet all programmatic administrative and accreditation-related responsibilities.
   1.2 Assume a leadership role in the ongoing development evaluation and continuous improvement of the program.
   1.3 Be responsible for the management and administration of the program including planning evaluation budgeting personnel selection and resource allocation.
   1.4 Oversee and maintain program accreditation assessment and reporting processes in accordance with Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards and institutional requirements.
   1.5 Maintain current program policies procedures outcomes and assessment plans aligned with the mission of the institution.
   1.6 Ensure compliance with institutional state and federal regulations as well as accreditation standards.
   1.7 Document program effectiveness including student learning outcomes retention graduation certification exam pass rates and employment outcomes.
   1.8 Communicate and collaborate effectively with faculty staff administration advisory committee members students and external partners.
   1.9 Become familiar with and adhere to institutional policies and procedures as outlined in the College Catalog Policy and Procedures Manual and ACCS Policy Manual.
2. Curriculum and Instruction
   2.1 Develop implement evaluate and revise the OTA curriculum to ensure alignment with ACOTE standards institutional outcomes and current occupational therapy assistant practice.
   2.2 Demonstrate knowledge of curriculum design instructional strategies and content delivery methods

1. Faculty Oversight and Development
   3.1 Recruit orient supervise and evaluate full-time and adjunct/part-time faculty.
   3.2 Ensure that faculty meet required academic credentials licensure and regulatory requirements in accordance with ACOTE standards and institutional policy.
   3.3 Verify and maintain documentation of current licensure certification health records and professional qualifications for faculty and staff.
   3.4 Ensure that faculty who are occupational therapy practitioners teaching occupational therapy content are currently licensed or otherwise regulated as occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants in the applicable jurisdiction.
   3.5 Ensure that faculty who are not occupational therapy practitioners are licensed or otherwise regulated as required by their respective professions.
   3.6 Plan and support faculty orientation mentoring evaluation and professional development activities.
   3.7 Ensure faculty adherence to college and program standards for instruction assessment professionalism and student engagement.
2. Clinical Education Management
   4.1 Establish maintain and evaluate affiliation agreements with clinical education partners.
   4.2 Oversee the coordination of student clinical placements schedules site requirements and orientations.
   4.3 Ensure that clinical learning experiences meet program competencies learning outcomes and ACOTE standards.
   4.4 Maintain ongoing communication with clinical site supervisors to support student learning and evaluate performance.
   4.5 Ensure compliance with all requirements mandated by partnering clinical facilities.
3. Student Success
   5.1 Oversee program admissions and ensure compliance with clinical eligibility requirements including background checks drug screenings and health documentation.
   5.2 Advise students regarding academic progress clinical readiness professional behaviors and career development.
   5.3 Demonstrate knowledge of and provide referrals to institutional and community resources that support student well-being.
   5.4 Maintain accurate student records and monitor progress toward program completion.
   5.5 Promote student retention graduation certification examination success and employment outcomes.
4. Professionalism and Continuing Education
   6.1 Maintain current licensure as required by the Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy or applicable regulatory body.
   6.2 Maintain documented current expertise in assigned areas of teaching and student advisement.
   6.3 Engage in scholarship including but not limited to scholarship of application teaching and learning or professional practice.
   6.4 Remain current in occupational therapy practice OTA education and instructional methodologies through ongoing professional development.
   6.5 Participate in professional organizations continuing education activities workshops and conferences.
   6.6 Represent the OTA Program and the College in community professional and advisory activities.

All positions at Coastal Alabama have the job responsibilities below:

1. Handles sensitive information in a confidential manner.
2. Maintains a highly professional attitude and demeanor at all times.
3. Provides responsible appropriate and satisfactory leadership on campus and within the College.
4. Communicates positively and professionally in all aspects of the position.
5. Attends all staff meetings College meetings and professional development activities.
6. Becomes thoroughly familiar with all pertinent state and national policies and comply with said policies.
7. Serves on and provides information to college committees as needed.
8. Complies with ACCS and College policies as well as state and federal laws.
9. Ensures the positive promotion of the College and integration of all campuses within the College.
10. Is prompt and punctual in reporting for work meetings and office hours.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a certified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who is currently licensed or otherwise regulated according to the laws of the state(s) or jurisdiction(s) in which the program is located.
• Must hold a minimum of a masters degree awarded by an institution accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency.
• Must have a minimum of five (5) years of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy which includes:
  1. Clinical practice experience as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.
  2. Administrative experience including program planning and implementation personnel management evaluation and budgeting.
  3. Scholarly activity such as scholarship of application or scholarship of teaching and learning.
  4. Demonstrated understanding of and experience with occupational therapy assistants.
  5. A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a faculty member with teaching responsibilities at the post-secondary level.
• Demonstrated academic and experiential qualifications necessary to meet program objectives and support the mission of the institution.
• Documented effectiveness in teaching and evaluation of student learning.
• Documented current expertise in assigned teaching areas and student advisement including knowledge of student support and well-being resources.
• Knowledge of curriculum design instructional delivery methods and integration of diversity equity inclusion and justice principles.

Preferred Qualifications