Description
Midwestern University’s Occupational Therapy Program is currently seeking applicants for the Director of Clinical Education position. This is a full-time faculty position responsible for the coordination, oversight, and management of fieldwork placements for the OT Program. The faculty rank will be commensurate with experience.
Required Education, Experience, and Skills:
- an earned doctorate in occupational therapy or a related field (or a doctorate in progress with planned completion by 5/31/2026)
- experience in varied occupational therapy practice (e.g., pediatrics, adult rehabilitation, or mental health practice)
- Illinois licensure as an occupational therapist, or eligibility to secure IL licensure
- at least 5 years of experience as an occupational therapist
- experience teaching or mentoring students in an academic program
- previous experience as a fieldwork educator
- strong organization and interpersonal skills
- demonstrated commitment to student success and to embracing cultural and social diversity
Administrative and Teaching Responsibilities (80%)
The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Program. The DCE is a full-time faculty member responsible for the coordination, oversight, and management of fieldwork (FW) placements for students in the Occupational Therapy Program. The DCE serves as a liaison between the OT Program and clinical sites providing fieldwork education experiences to OT students. The DCE coordinates the fieldwork educational programs, plans and participates in FW and didactic education of occupational therapy students, evaluates students’ FW performance, facilitates professional interaction and consultation, and develops operational plans to supply education for FW educators.
- Oversee all FW assignments and placements for OT students in a variety of clinical and community-based settings
- Teach/direct FW courses and additional courses related to areas of expertise
- Ensure the OT Program’s compliance with the FW-related accreditation requirements as defined by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Oversee, maintain, and archive correspondence with fieldwork placement sites regarding contracts, placements, onboarding requirements, student progress, etc. in collaboration with fieldwork administrative staff
- Advise students regarding their FW performance and oversee remediation plans
- Recruit, develop and secure adequate numbers of high quality, appropriate Level I and Level II placements for all enrolled students
- Train and supervise FW administrative staff as needed to carry out duties
- Develop plans for student FW, in collaboration with the FW sites, to maximize students’ learning and meet the needs of the sites
- Provide direction to the FW educators at FW sites and conduct on-site visits
- Maintain Occupational Therapy Academic Fieldwork Handbook and online Intranet for fieldwork management and communication
- Evaluate and monitor the quality and effectiveness of fieldwork sites
- Collect and report program evaluation findings to meet ACOTE and University standards
- Regularly participate in fieldwork-related activities at state and national OT meetings
Scholarly Responsibility (10%)
- Engage in scholarly activities relevant to occupational therapy practice, education, or other areas of interest
Service Responsibility (10%)
- Serve on University, College, and Program committees as assigned
- Serve the profession and society by participation in local or national occupational therapy or other healthcare associations
- Participate in community events relevant to expertise
Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech-language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the healthcare team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability, and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care accounts. We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days. We offer a 403(b)-retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, childcare subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke-Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.
Requirements
Required Education, Experience, and Skills:
- an earned doctorate in occupational therapy or a related field (or a doctorate in progress with planned completion by 5/31/2026)
- experience in varied occupational therapy practice (e.g., pediatrics, adult rehabilitation, or mental health practice)
- Illinois licensure as an occupational therapist, or eligibility to secure IL licensure
- at least 5 years of experience as an occupational therapist
- experience teaching or mentoring students in an academic program
- previous experience as a fieldwork educator
- strong organization and interpersonal skills
- demonstrated commitment to student success and to embracing cultural and social diversity
