Program Director, Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Program Director for OTA provides leadership to the OTA Program and is responsible for planning, implementing, coordinating, evaluating, and supervising all instructional and related program management activities. Reports to the Dean of Health Sciences.

Program Management:

Plans, executes, and evaluates annual program goals, outcomes, and related activities based on the needs of the program, division, and college.

Ensures that the program and curriculum offerings are in full compliance with the requirements for accreditation, certification, and other standards stipulated by appropriate external agencies.

Establishes program policies and procedures, including but not limited to, those related to program admission, progression, graduation, clinical placement, grading and evaluation, and student conduct.

Prepares and submits complete, correct, and timely reports, as required.

Maintains effective communications within the department through regular meetings with full-time and/or adjunct faculty and by means of written communications, utilization of committees, and/or other group management strategies.

Develops and maintains productive relationships with businesses, industries, medical facilities, and other organizations in the community which are pertinent to the program and prospective graduates and with which the college may hold contracts, other agreements, or arrangements.

Ensures contracts and agreements pertinent to the program are current and provisions are met. Organizes and maintains an effective advisory committee system in support of the program.

Instructional Management and Supervision:

Develops, reviews, revises, and distributes all programs of study, course syllabi and outlines, and other curriculum information, including copies required for publication.

Develops, reviews, revises, and evaluates program curriculum and instruction, facilitating innovation in curriculum and instructional development.

Facilitates ongoing program assessment and review; focuses on the design and improvement of educational experiences to enhance student learning and program excellence.

Prepares and processes semester offerings and class schedules which meet the requirements of the program and the needs of the students, ensuring that the instructional resources of the program are being utilized efficiently and effectively and that the program mission is being met.

Supervises and evaluates the operation of all classes being conducted within the assigned function of the program, including visitations for day, evening, weekend, and/or off-campus classes, clinical practicums, and other instructional activities.

Ensures that accountable instruction is being always provided within the program: faculty are on time and prepared for class, all classes are properly covered, instruction is conducted as scheduled, and course and program requirements are being met.

Oversees testing, evaluation, and remediation procedures and activities.

Recommends, implements, and enforces academic policies and procedures, administrative rules and regulations, and other controls intended to maintain order and the highest standards of instruction.
 
Personnel Management:

Ensures all faculty are appropriately qualified. Assigns, supervises, and evaluates all faculty.

Ensures that individual faculty schedules are developed and fulfilled within the program, including adequate provisions for teaching loads, office hours, student advisement, registration, committee work, and other instructional activities.

Provides for the professional development needs of all faculty.

Maintains and updates current job descriptions for all faculty; updates personnel information in human resources for all faculty as needed.

Facilitates faculty searches; recommends the appointment of faculty. Provides orientation for and mentoring of new faculty.
Requests contracts for adjunct faculty.

Supervises, processes, and maintains records of leave requests, absentee reports, and related documentation for all faculty.

Financial Management:

Identifies resource needs of the program, including but not limited to, personnel, equipment, supplies, and facilities; maintains an inventory of equipment and supplies; assists in physical security of resources.

Prepares budget requests; administers the program budget effectively and efficiently, regularly monitoring status of expenditures.

Ensures all equipment is maintained and serviced properly; coordinates the maintenance of labs and special facilities.

Other Duties:

Teaches a minimum of 9 to 15 contact hours per week in a flexible schedule as determined by the needs of the program and as approved by the division dean. Release time may be approved by the division dean as needed.

Participates in student recruitment, advising, and registration.

Always Enforces academic policy and procedures; comply with all institutional rules and regulations pertinent to classroom, laboratory, and/or clinical instruction and general employment.

Maintains posted office and on-campus hours sufficient to fulfill all contracted duties and individual professional obligations, as well as meet the needs of the program, division, and college.

Maintains complete office and student records as needed; processes and/or submits reports, forms, schedules, and all other required paper and electronic documentation in a timely, efficient manner, checking for the accuracy, correctness, and completeness of all data.

Participates in student disciplinary proceedings and grievance procedures.

Represents the program, division, and college in institutional assignments, community affairs, and professional activities; upholds such involvement among faculty.

Participates in program, divisional, and institutional meetings, committees, and other announced activities.

Fulfills committee assignments and other special appointments within the college and community, and otherwise, gives appropriate support to college endeavors.

Attends in-service training and other professional development opportunities, including attendance at off-campus activities, as feasible, to stay current with developments in the field of instruction and strengthen leadership and management skills.

Keeps all sensitive information protected and strictly confidential; maintains confidentiality in accordance with college, FERPA, and HIPAA requirements.

Always maintains proper communication and supportive relationships with all work units of the division, college, and designated clinical agencies, providing assistance to them in carrying out their respective functions and securing their cooperation for the program operations.
 
Completes duties and responsibilities in compliance with college standards, policies, and procedures.

Attends the workplace regularly, reports to work punctually, and follows a work schedule that meets the needs of the program, division, and college.

Assumes other necessary responsibilities and performs additional tasks as assigned in meeting the needs of the program, division, and college.

Upholds the principles of professionalism and always displays a professional image and good character.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; possess a license in NC and national certification as COTA or OTR. Minimum five years of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy including clinical practice as an occupational therapist or OTA, administrative experience including but not limited to program planning and implementation, personnel management, evaluation, and budgeting, scholarship (Application and teaching/learning) and supervisory experience with OTA or occupational therapy students; minimum of three years of experience as a faculty member with teaching responsibilities at the postsecondary level.

Our Values

At Pitt Community College, our culture is built on excellence, collaboration, innovation, accountability and a student-centered focus. We expect our employees to embrace the following cultural statements:

• Every role contributes to student success.
• We treat one another with respect and work together as one team.
• We embrace creativity, adaptability, and new ideas to stay relevant.
• We act with integrity, accountability, and responsible stewardship.
• We put students first, designing programs and services that help them thrive in college, career and life.