Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy

George Fox University's Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. This role will lead and facilitate dynamic experiential learning and clinical education, preparing future practitioners for transformative practice.

About the Job:

This is a part-time (0.65 FTE) clinical faculty position focused on clinical education, community outreach, curriculum innovation, and program development. In addition to teaching within the curriculum, the person hired will develop opportunities for hands-on learning throughout the program to enhance OTD students' ability to develop critical and clinical thinking skills and integrate evidence-based learning into occupational therapy practice.

Once hired, this person will build relationships with community organizations and fieldwork supervisors, with a focus on developing the skills and resources needed to support the provision of high-quality clinical education to our students. The person will also design a mentorship system for GFU OTD graduates during their first one to two years of clinical practice, particularly for those who choose to work in rural and underserved communities throughout Oregon.

This role will work alongside the Program Director in innovative program development, with a focus on GFU's mission of integrating spirituality and educating the whole person.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Building community outreach and relationships with fieldwork sites to support student growth and development as excellent clinicians.
• Serving as a primary lecturer and co-instructor for Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) courses, delivering curriculum, facilitating hands-on clinical skills labs, and adapting instructional approaches based on program needs.
• Supporting program development and assisting the Program Director with program administration to enhance the student experience and foster a culture of growth mindset and lifelong learning.
• Developing curriculum and ensuring compliance with ACOTE standards.
• Mentoring clinical fieldwork supervisors to enhance their ability to educate and support future practitioners.
• Mentoring students in the development of clinical reasoning and professional skills across all areas of occupational therapy.
• Demonstrating strong clinical expertise and a passion for holistic, student-centered pedagogy.
• Overseeing experiential learning opportunities embedded within the curriculum to enhance students' therapeutic reasoning skills.
• Encouraging graduates to practice in rural and underserved communities throughout Oregon to help address the high need for trained healthcare professionals in these areas.
• Facilitating interdisciplinary learning opportunities with other disciplines to enhance students' ability to collaborate and work effectively on healthcare teams.
• Communicating effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
• By actions, words, and lifestyle, be a Christian role model to students, whether through casual contact or in a formal supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience working cross culturally with respect, appreciation and humility.
• Other duties as assigned.

We're looking for candidates who have:

• Current OR state licensure as an occupational therapist or eligibility for OT licensure in Oregon.
• A minimum of eight years of clinical experience.
• A minimum of a master's degree.
• A commitment to the University's Theology of Racial and Ethnic Diversity.
• A desire to work with a diverse community of students and employees who represent various cultures, backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, political views, and expressions of Christian faith.
• A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a church. In addition, employees agree to live in agreement with the Community Lifestyle Statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Preference will be given to those who have the following attributes:

• Strong Clinical Background in Pediatrics, Adult, Geriatric or Mental Health.

Salary and rank:

• Appointment at the Assistant Professor level is anticipated, though candidates with significant teaching experience at previous institutions may be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. Salary and benefits are competitive with comparable institutions.

Job information:

• Primary Work Location: Newberg Campus
• Work Period: 11 months (August 15th through July 14th)
• Working Conditions: Physical requirements are similar to those of teaching and clinical environments.
• Supervisor: OTD Program Director

Application procedure:

• Kindly apply through the Careers at George Fox University webpage.
• When completing the online application, please upload the following as Word or .pdf documents in the section marked Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and Essay Requirement:
  • Letter of Interest
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Statement of teaching philosophy
  • Three professional references (including their names, relationship to you, their position, email, and direct phone numbers).
  • Integration of Faith and Learning Essay
    • George Fox University is committed to the idea that one of the primary responsibilities of Christian higher education is to help students develop a uniquely Christian worldview. As teachers and mentors, it is important for George Fox University faculty members to integrate Christian faith and principles in all aspects of their lives. As an essential part of the application process, the University will carefully consider your response to the following: In a one-page essay (about 300 words) describe your personal Christian faith, as well as how your faith informs your teaching, scholarship, and service (including service and leadership in your church and/or in Christian ministries).
  • Other supporting materials may be requested at a later stage of the review process.

Contact information:

• Have questions or need assistance with our application process? Contact [email protected]

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at once. A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Please note: This position is subject to close at any time, regardless of the date on the posting.

---

George Fox University has been transforming student's lives for over 125 years. We are a Christ-centered community that prepares students spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve with passion. Our vision is to be the Christian university of choice known for empowering students to achieve exceptional life outcomes. We put students first, with Christ at the center of our work, embracing change in order to improve. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in creating transformational experiences for our students.

Being a part of our community means a commitment to faith and to a lifestyle that is consistent with the university's mission as described in the Statement of Faith and Community Lifestyle Statement on our website.

As a Christ-centered community, George Fox University is an institution that values diversity as an essential dimension of God's design for human communities.

What is most appealing about working at George Fox University?

• Faith-centered: Our culture is unique for higher education. At George Fox you can pursue academic excellence while integrating Biblical scriptures, praying with staff members and students at work, and helping to make an impact on the world in a way that promotes Christian values.
• Unapologetically Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God's Word.
• Live out your calling: You are able to use your God-given talents and abilities while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings, at which they will be able to glorify the kingdom of God just as they have seen you do.
  
  

For your personal well-being we offer:

• A strong Christian vision and mission-led organization with opportunities for your growth and contributions.
• Wonderful Christian peers and a vibrant student population.
• A beautiful and peaceful campus environment with areas to walk and coffee shops and restaurants close by.
• Free Fitness Center membership.
• Free parking.
• Rich employee benefit package.

---

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The university is an equal-opportunity employer. Every employee has the right to work in surroundings free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. It is our policy to make decisions about applicants and employees without regard to sex, age, race, color, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status to the extent prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal law. This prohibition applies not only to the recruiting and hiring process but to all facets of the employment relationship, including promotion, pay, training, classification, performance reviews, discipline, and termination.

George Fox is owned by the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church and its mission is distinctly Christian. Employees are required to agree with and abide by the university's faith statement and its statement of community responsibilities. Within the context of this agreement and commitment, employment opportunities are otherwise available to all persons on the basis of their experience and skills.

In the recruiting process, the university may make special effort to solicit applicants from underrepresented groups. This is done as an affirmative step to increase the representation of these populations in the university's workforce to better match their availability in the labor market. Hiring decisions are based on the applicants' qualifications as they relate to the needs of the position.