Shenandoah University’s School of Health Professions is accepting applications for an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the MSOT Weekend Program. This full-time benefited position will work out of our Winchester, VA campus.
Position summary:
The academic fieldwork coordinator (AFWC) is responsible for providing OT students with quality Level I and Level II fieldwork opportunities. The AFWC develops, coordinates, and monitors programming related to student fieldwork experiences/experiential learning. The AFWC is responsible for ensuring the program’s compliance with ACOTE fieldwork education requirements and collaborating with fieldwork educators to ensure that fieldwork experiences/experiential learning meet the Program’s objectives and policies. We seek candidates whose teaching, research, and/or service has prepared them to support our commitment to fostering a diverse community supported by an equitable, inclusive campus climate that engages diverse audiences in occupational therapy education.
Position responsibilities:
- Review annually and maintain updated fieldwork policies and procedures that ensure compliance with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards for Shenandoah University’s MSOT Weekend Program.
- Collaborate closely with practicum and clinical instructors to develop fieldwork and community-based experiences that align with course learning objectives.
- Assign all eligible students fieldwork, community-based, and experiential learning experiences while confirming the assignment in writing to both student and site educator.
- Ensure that students participating in fieldwork experiences/experiential learning maintain documented current immunization status according to the Program policies.
- Assure that all written contracts or letters of agreements between the educational institution and fieldwork education/Memorandums of Understandings (MOU) placement are signed and periodically reviewed.
- Ensure that all written contractual agreements between the University and fieldwork education placements are established prior to assigning students.
- Maintain a collaborative relationship with fieldwork educators. This includes making regular, periodic contacts with fieldwork educators at sites where students are attending.
- Seek networking opportunities and partnerships with local community organizations especially those organizations committed to marginalized populations
- Make fieldwork site visits.
- Maintain a current information file on each established, contracted fieldwork education site.
- Identify and develop new sites for fieldwork education that provide the best match with the Program’s mission and philosophy and opportunities for the application of concepts presented in the classroom.
- Assist with the development and implementation of policies for the withdrawal of students from fieldwork education placement when necessary.
- Orient students to the general protocol for fieldwork experiences/experiential learning and provide them with the appropriate resources associated with fieldwork selection.
- Reassign students who do not complete original fieldwork assignments in accordance with OT department and University policies.
- Review the quality and appropriateness of fieldwork experiences/experiential learning (facilities, fieldwork educators, intervention types, etc.) by considering student feedback, site visits and other information in order to make recommendations for continued partnerships. Send required student information to the fieldwork educator, or assign the task to the student.
- Facilitate the resolution of FW issues affecting the student’s academic performance via phone calls, FW site visits or meetings.
- Advise students regarding fieldwork site selection.
- Ensure that student FW attendance hours meet or exceed the Program’s requirements.
- Assist fieldwork educators with students who require special accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Coordinate educational opportunities for clinical instructors.
- Perform all other duties as assigned (for example teaching in areas of expertise, engagement in service at the division, school and university level, and scholarship)
Required Skills
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
- Must have a commitment to the University and OT Program’s mission and philosophy.
- Thorough knowledge of ACOTE regulations pertaining to fieldwork.
- Must have an understanding of the Program’s curriculum design.
- Knowledge of the Program’s policies and procedures relating to fieldwork.
- Ability to work collaboratively with course instructors and support staff.
- Ability to work independently without close supervision.
- An appreciation for and ability to manage volunteers.
- Knowledge of current developments in the field.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Strong computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially via telephone and e-mail
- Ability to deal effectively and fairly with a variety of individuals in a courteous manner.
- Ability to speak, read and write the English language effectively.
- Ability to present a positive and professional image when representing the university.
- Ability to safeguard confidential information in accordance with FERPA from intentional or unintentional disclosure.
- Ability to perform all the essential functions of this job. Physical Demands and Work Environment:
- Work is normally performed in a typical interior office
- Occasionally work is performed at the fieldwork site, requiring travel
- No or very limited physical effort is required, however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
- No or very limited physical risks
Required Experience
Master’s degree required, Doctorate preferred with at least 3 years of clinical practice experience.
- Initial NBCOT certification and currently licensed to practice OT in the State of Virginia
- Current driver’s license
- Fieldwork educator experience
- Current AOTA membership
How to Apply:
Complete application submissions will include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected. A pre-employment background check will be required. If the job requires driving for University business, a satisfactory driving record will also be required.
Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.
Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.