Director of Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Helena College

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. 

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

•    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

$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. 

First review of applications will happenFriday, 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:

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.