Assistant Professor Occupational Therapy Program

Assistant Professor (12 Month), Occupational Therapy Program

Apply now Job No: 496985
Department: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Local

Title:

Assistant Professor (12 Month), Occupational Therapy Program
Budget

Title:

Assistant Professor (12 month)
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Categories: Faculty - Teaching Only

Are you looking to take your career to new heights with a leader in healthcare? SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is one of the nation's leading metropolitan medical centers. As the only academic medical center in Brooklyn, we serve a large population that is among the most diverse in the world. We are also highly-ranked by Castle Connolly Medical, a healthcare rating company for consumers, among the top 5 leading U.S. medical schools for training doctors.

Bargaining Unit:

UUP

Job Summary:

The Occupational Therapy Program in the School of Health Professions at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Assistant Professor (HS).

The Assistant Professor 12-month position has the primary responsibility of coordinating Level-I Fieldwork Placements for students in the Master's Degree program, ensuring a sufficient number of fieldwork site agreements are in place. Additional responsibilities include teaching graduate courses in the Master’s (MS) and Post-Professional Degree programs (PP-OTD) each semester, as well as engaging in service and research activities.

Additional Key Responsibilities

• Fieldwork Coordination & Compliance:
  • Collaborate with the Level II Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Program Chair on all aspects of fieldwork education to ensure compliance with ACOTE standards.
  • Provide orientation, guidance, and support to students and fieldwork supervisors, serving as a liaison between the program, clinical sites, and community partners.
  • Initiate and maintain strong working relationships with fieldwork sites, conducting site visits to ensure quality and alignment with program standards.
  • Develop and manage the fieldwork database systems and maintain all required documentation and reports for accreditation.
  • Develop, host, and assist with trainings for fieldwork educators, students, and faculty.
  • Provide consultation and coordinate the resolution of any difficulties that may arise for students, faculty, or fieldwork educators.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to fieldwork education.
  • Support the tracking of individual student performance data to meet accreditation requirements.
  • Assist the Program Chair in creating a system for regular evaluation of the fieldwork program's efficacy and overall functionality.
• Teaching:
  • Prepare for and teach graduate courses (didactic, lab/experiential, clinical) each semester, as
  • assigned by the Program Chair, within the MS and PP-OTD programs.
  • Manage all aspects of course delivery, including grading, use of the learning management system, and developing and updating course materials, syllabi, and lesson plans.
  • Provide guidance and leadership to students through academic advisement, mentorship, and supervision of capstone projects.
• Professional Engagement & Service:
  • Maintain an in-person presence on campus, ensuring active participation in the academic community and fostering relationships with students and faculty.
  • Actively participate in committee, department, college, and university meetings as approved by the Program Director.
  • Contribute to ongoing curriculum development, program evaluation, and ACOTE accreditation activities.
  • Maintain regular approved office hours.
  • Demonstrate strong inter-professional and communication skills to collaborate effectively with faculty and allied health colleagues on developing interdisciplinary projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate Degree (PhD, OTD, EdD, Dr.PH, DHSc, or other relevant doctoral-level degree) awarded by an institution accredited by a USDE-recognized regional accrediting body. All applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to earning a terminal degree. Applicants without an earned doctorate must present a compelling rationale and a detailed timeline for degree completion upon application.
• New York State Occupational Therapy Licensure.
• 4+ years of occupational therapy practice.
• Demonstrated evidence of teaching in a graduate-level occupational therapy program.
• Active NBCOT certification and AOTA membership.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills and computer proficiency.
• Excellent networking, verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to academic excellence, scholarship, and professional growth.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and colleagues across disciplines.
• Proficiency using MS Office Suite and/or learning management systems for data management and reporting.
• Knowledge of ACOTE B and C standards and current trends in occupational therapy.
• Established record of advanced clinical training (i.e., specialty certification) or scholarship/research activity (i.e., peer-reviewed publications, conference…