Occupational Therapy Assistant Instructor - Adjunct

Southwestern Community College; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Southwestern Community College is seeking an Adjunct Occupational Therapy Assistant instructor to support the OTA Program Director and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in classroom, lab, and clinical settings. You will foster professional relations with students, faculty, and fieldwork affiliates to deliver a high-quality educational experience.

Responsibilities include laboratory instruction, fieldwork visits, course delivery, and maintaining records.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one year of professional experience in the OTA field or related clinical practice is required.
• NBCOT certification (COTA) or OT/COTA credential and active NC licensure in good standing are required.
• Valid NC Driver’s License and ability to travel to fieldwork education sites as needed.
• Must hold credentials appropriate to the subject content area and stay current with accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide laboratory instruction and supervision to support student development of clinical, technical, and practical skill proficiency.
• Conduct and participate in fieldwork site visits to evaluate student performance and ensure alignment with program outcomes.
• Prepare and teach assigned OTA courses in accordance with approved outlines and schedules.
• Represent the College professionally in interactions with students, fieldwork partners, and the public.
• Maintain accurate instructional records for all assigned courses.
• Participate in program advisory committee meetings and accreditation-related activities (ACOTE).

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Occupational Therapy or related field (preferred)

Job description

Statement Of Primary Purpose

The Adjunct Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Instructor supports the OTA Program Director and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) in the coordination and delivery of instructional activities across classroom, laboratory, and clinical/fieldwork environments. The role also includes fostering and maintaining positive, professional relationships with students, faculty, and fieldwork affiliates to support a high-quality educational experience.

Statement Of Primary Purpose

The Adjunct Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Instructor supports the OTA Program Director and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) in the coordination and delivery of instructional activities across classroom, laboratory, and clinical/fieldwork environments. The role also includes fostering and maintaining positive, professional relationships with students, faculty, and fieldwork affiliates to support a high-quality educational experience.

Classification

Curriculum faculty, Adjunct

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Provide laboratory instruction and supervision to support student development of clinical, technical, and practical skill proficiency.


• Conduct and participate in fieldwork site visits to evaluate student performance, support fieldwork affiliates, and ensure alignment between fieldwork education and program outcomes.


• Prepare and teach assigned Occupational Therapy Assistant courses in accordance with approved course outlines, program standards, and the published academic schedule.


• Represent the College in a professional manner at all times in interactions with students, fieldwork partners, community stakeholders, and the public.


• Create and maintain a learning environment that appropriately challenges, engages, supports, and communicates with students in a professional and respectful manner that promotes student success.


• Ensure course and program learning outcomes are effectively delivered and assessed as outlined in the syllabus and program objectives.


• Maintain accurate and complete instructional records for all assigned courses.


• Participate in program advisory committee meetings, accreditation-related activities (ACOTE), and other programmatic initiatives as appropriate.


• Cooperate with scheduled student evaluations of instruction and use feedback for continuous improvement.


• Submit required college reports, documentation, and records accurately and within established deadlines.


• Attend departmental and instructor meetings and actively participate in program communication and collaboration as needed.


• Maintain all required professional credentials (e.g., COTA/OTR certification, state licensure) in accordance with accrediting agency (ACOTE) and regulatory body standards.


• Demonstrate current and ongoing knowledge of Occupational Therapy practice, standards, and technologies.


• Adhere to all college, program, and accreditation policies and procedures.

Additional Duties And Responsibilities

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, division, and the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the College.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Must hold academic and/or professional credentials appropriate to the assigned subject content area.

Minimum requirement: Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (or Occupational Therapy) from an accredited program.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Occupational Therapy or a related field.

Skills

Knowledge and Skills

A minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) field or related clinical practice is required.

Physical Demands

Demonstrate proficiency in the operation, maintenance, and instructional use of all Occupational Therapy Assistant program‑related laboratory, simulation, adaptive, and clinical equipment, and effectively train students in the safe and appropriate use of such equipment.

Licensing Requirement

• Possess and maintain current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA®) or Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR®) through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), along with an active, unrestricted license from the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy (NCBOT) in good standing.


• Possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Driver’s License and the ability to travel to fieldwork education sites and other locations as required.

Working Conditions and Environment

Ability to travel routinely throughout and beyond the College’s service area to fieldwork education sites, healthcare partners, and other program-related locations, including occasional overnight travel for professional development activities, conferences, accreditation meetings, and other job-related events.

Equipment Operation

Ability to demonstrate and operate all equipment required to perform the duties of an Occupational Therapy Assistant in clinical, laboratory, and instructional settings. Ability to effectively use standard office equipment and learning management systems (LMS) to support instructional, administrative, and communication functions.

This position description covers the most essential functions and duties associated with this position. Other duties may be assigned by the President or appropriate supervisory personnel. The College reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title as necessary.