Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC)- Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) is a full-time faculty member responsible for the development, coordination, and oversight of the fieldwork component of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. The AFWC ensures that experiential education aligns with curriculum design, accreditation standards, and programmatic goals.

This role requires active collaboration with other AFWCs, fieldwork educators, clinical instructors, and healthcare partners to maintain compliance with ACOTE standards and ensure the quality and integrity of student fieldwork experiences.

Essential Functions:

• Manage and supervise the OTA fieldwork program in alignment with the program’s strategic goals.
• Ensure fieldwork education meets accreditation requirements, including:
• Alignment with curriculum design and sequence to strengthen connections between didactic and fieldwork learning.
• Establishment of agreements with fieldwork sites that reflect curriculum themes and healthcare environment realities.
• Maintenance of sufficient fieldwork agreements to enable timely student completion of graduation requirements.
• Ongoing knowledge and compliance with ACOTE (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education) standards related to fieldwork.
• Coordinate the fieldwork process, including:
• Selecting and developing fieldwork sites.
• Scheduling fieldwork experiences.
• Overseeing administrative requirements such as contracts and health record compliance.
• Fostering strong relationships with the healthcare community.
• Ensure students maintain current immunization documentation in accordance with program and site requirements.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with on-site fieldwork educators and provide training and support to enhance student learning outcomes.
• Advise students on preparation, selection, and success in fieldwork placements.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of fieldwork experiences through site visits and student feedback.
• Prepare regular reports on the fieldwork component of the OTA program.
• Teach courses within area of expertise as assigned, in alignment with primary fieldwork coordination responsibilities.
• Participate in departmental meetings, graduation ceremonies, and university events as required.
• Foster a learning environment that promotes respect, integrity, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Provide exceptional service to students, faculty, and clinical partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director or designee.

Qualifications:

• Initial certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) as an Occupational Therapist (OTR) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Doctoral degree from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
• Current and unencumbered California licensure as an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Minimum of three (3) years of documented clinical experience as an OT or OTA.
• Demonstrated desire to engage in scholarship (e.g., scholarship of teaching and learning, application, or discovery).
• Strong understanding of ACOTE accreditation standards and compliance processes.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to plan, implement, and evaluate projects with creativity, collaboration, and professionalism.
• Knowledge of institutional, accrediting, and regulatory standards for higher education.
• Proficiency in current computer technology systems used in academic settings.

Conditions of Employment:

• A job-related assessment may be required during the interview process.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be physically present in the office (unless otherwise noted).
• Employment verification will be conducted to validate work experience per accreditation standards.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• $80,000-$95,000/year. Compensation is based on education and experience.

Work Environment:

• Standard office, classroom, lab, or clinical setting.
• Duties are typically performed while sitting at a desk or computer workstation.
• May include time spent in skills labs, classrooms, and driving to visit facilities where students are placed.
• Subject to frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office equipment, and demanding timelines.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly sits for extended periods.
• Physical ability to perform program- or department-related duties.
• Proficient in using electronic keyboards and office equipment.
• Effective verbal communication via phone and in person.
• Ability to read fine print, operate computers, and understand voices clearly.
• Able to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing 10–25 pounds as needed.
• Able to drive independently to clinical locations.

Employee Benefits:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Exciting university events
• Seasonal motivational health and wellness challenges
• Work/Life Balance initiatives
• Onsite wellness program / Staff Chiropractor
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Institutional Values:

• Diversity and Inclusion: Stanbridge University’s motto, “Strength through Diversity,” reflects our deep commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities.
• Innovation and Technology: We embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning through interactive, hands-on experiences, including virtual reality and simulation labs.
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives such as Stanbridge outREACH, students are empowered to give back to local and global communities, cultivating compassion, civic responsibility, and social awareness.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Stanbridge University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Benefits