Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

Helena College University of Montana a comprehensive two-year college, provides access to and support of high quality lifelong educational opportunities for our diverse community. Helena College is seeking qualified applicants who wish to become part of a dynamic and creative team for a full-time position as a Director of Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.

Helena College is seeking a Director for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, beginning July 1, 2024. Helena College supports a diverse community by providing the paths and tools necessary to assist learners in achieving their educational and career goals and is committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation, and student success. Academic Program Directors are professionals with the primary responsibility of ensuring quality educational experiences and support for all Helena College students within the academic program, in accordance with the philosophy, mission, policies, and procedures of the College.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program is a new program for Helena College, for the Montana University System, and for the state of Montana. A member of the Joint Directors Team and the Dean’s Campus Advisory Council, the OTA Director will provide overall administrative direction and coordination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. The director will assist in the administration and management of the functions of the program including analysis, planning and strategic formation of goals, all accreditation activities, and the implementation of plans for program development and evaluation. This includes the analyzing of program operations and needs to determine potential enhancements or improvements to procedures and activities. The director will develop and/or recommend supporting policies and procedures. The director will also provide direct supervision to all future OTA faculty, both full-time and part-time, and program staff.

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Duties and Responsibilities

General Administration:

• Official representative for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program and department throughout the College
• Ensure all accreditation standards are met and maintained
• Ensure the requirements mandated by the Montana Board of Occupational Therapy Practice are met and that all required reporting is completed
• Review and revise program curriculum as needed to meet accreditation and state requirements
• Ensure program curriculum and information is updated and shared with other college departments
• Collaborate with other college departments in efforts to promote the program and recruit students into the program
• Complete assessment process to develop, promote, and evaluate programs to achieve goals
• Develop and administer assigned budget allocation and other long-range planning details to achieve department objectives
• Interpret and implement the administration policies, rules, regulations, and recommendations of the College
• Hold faculty/staff meetings for advisement on college procedures and regulations
• Participate in the governance and committee work of the College as necessary
• Collaborate with other academic departments and divisions to ensure course and program alignment

Student Interaction:

• Coordinate and supervise the admission of students into the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
• Assist with the recruitment of students
• Support College advising of pre-OTA students
• Serve as the point of contact for student inquiries and concerns
• Support students admitted to the program
• Provide classroom and clinical instruction within the program as needed

Personnel Supervision:

• Orient, guide, assign, and evaluate all OTA department staff
• Recommend faculty appointments and evaluate all full-time and part-time instructors
• Compute faculty load and plan teaching assignments
• Resolve staff and/or student problems in the OTA program
• Provide and support opportunities for in-service and professional development

Community Outreach and Relations:

• Maintain open communication with clinical agencies and state/national accreditation agencies to update programs for better student training and placement
• Serve as primary contact and develop relationships with business, industry, and other educational providers and community agencies for the OTA program
• Provide leadership in securing external funding for the OTA program
• Provide representation on local, regional, state, and national OTA and healthcare boards/committees
• Coordinate and/or supervise the securing of off-site facilities for clinical instruction

The person assigned to this position provides direct supervision for all faculty and staff within the program/department

Minimum Qualifications

• Must hold a current unencumbered license to practice occupational therapy in Montana
• M.S. or higher degree in Occupational Therapy or a related discipline
• Must have 5-years of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy or qualifications meeting equivalent experience and competency in the field of occupational therapy as defined by the institution. This experience must include:
o Clinical practical experience as an occupational therapist
o Administrative experience including, but not limited to, program planning and implementation, personnel management, evaluation, and budgeting
o Scholarship (e.g. , scholarship of application, scholarship of teaching and learning)
o Understanding of an experience with occupational therapy assistants
o Minimum of one year of experience as a faculty member with teaching responsibilities at the postsecondary level
• Must have technical communication skills to communicate with individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds
• Excellence in teaching demonstrated **
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Benefit and Salary Information

$70,000 Annual Salary.

Benefits include a comprehensive and competitive group benefits package ** __ ****** including medical and life Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, full tuition waiver for employee, partial tuition waiver for dependents, professional development, and wellness program.

How to Apply

First review of applications will happen ** Friday, April 26, 2024.** This position is open until filled, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please submit the following application materials** via the Jobs portal and by clicking "New Resume/CV" button. Please do not apply through Indeed.com*

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
2. Detailed Resume listing education and describing work experience
3. Transcript - (Unofficial transcripts acceptable with application) Official transcripts due upon hire
4. Three (3) professional references - names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
5. Supplemental Question - The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is new to Helena College and new to the state of Montana. Please briefly discuss what work you feel needs to be done to set up the new program and how the new program could benefit Helena College and the state of Montana.

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Incomplete applications may not be considered.

New employees must be eligible to work lawfully in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

***** Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.

****** Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment. In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference - Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References - *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing - Individual hiring departments at Helena College may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility - All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Required Skills

Required Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work successfully at coordinating care across a continuum of care required
• Must demonstrate the following characteristics: Flexibility with schedule, ability to function as a team member in assessing the needs of individuals, the ability to contribute in the development of policies and procedures, creativity and resourcefulness in seeking pathways that will provide support to the program
• Bilingual skills and/or experience with multicultural populations preferred