Grand Rapids Community College department of Occupational Therapy Assistant is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Adjunct Instructor to teach OT 215: Supplemental Practice Skills for Occupational Therapy class(es) in the fall and/or winter semesters on our Grand Rapids campus.
The ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching and a commitment to student success, ensuring a high-quality learning experience for all students.
Adjunct needs are determined on a semester by semester basis, as are the number of sections offered each semester. GRCC classes are held at a variety of times, Monday through Saturday in different modalities such as Hybrid, Online, In-person & Virtual . For semester start and end dates, see GRCC’s Academic Calendar.
Requisition ID:
Employee Group: Adjunct Faculty
Schedule:
Compensation: Adjunct Faculty Pay Rates
Reports to: Associate Dean - School of Health Sciences
Posting Opens:
Posting Closes:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Teach GRCC course offering(s) in OT 215: Supplemental Practice Skills for Occupational Therapy.
- Provides instruction in theories, principles and methods in manual and neurorehabilitation approaches commonly used for OT assessment and intervention.
- Instruct students on how to situate the methods within the scope of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and examine evidence for their effectiveness.
- Participates in curriculum development.
- Evaluates and incorporates emerging research findings into teaching and research.
- Teach courses and fulfill adjunct faculty responsibilities, including fostering a stimulating classroom environment, following syllabus templates, and using department-approved textbooks.
- Maintain accurate student records and provide reasonable accommodations as per ADA guidelines as approved by Disability Support Services to meet students needs.
- Respond to communications promptly and ensure student access to course information.
- Contribute to program accreditation processes and reports as determined by the Program Director.
- Perform tasks normally expected of adjunct faculty members
- Follow the required syllabus template.
- Comply with GRCC policies and the Faculty Association Contract.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Qualifications
- Licensed in the state of Michigan as either an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy or related field preferred, Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
- Meets professionally recognized standards related to physical strength, mobility, hearing, visual discrimination, coordination, manual dexterity and communication skills.
- Demonstrates the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of
- Occupational Therapy as determined by professional standards of practice.
- A minimum of 1 years of relevant work experience demonstrating subject matter expertise in Occupational Therapy and fieldwork experiences
Skills
- Excellent pedagogical skills.
- Expertise in the subject area with strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work with diverse student populations and faculty, and proficiency in instructional technology and learning management systems (e.g.,Gmail, Canvas, Blackboard).
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Physical Demands
- Physical Strength – A therapist will assist in transferring patients to or from wheelchairs, floors, mats, toilets, cars, beds, bathtubs, and showers. Other transfers may be required. The patients may be paralyzed or have some degree of incapacity such as poor balance, strength, coordination and endurance. The therapist may also have to move equipment, patients in wheelchairs, woodworking tools and craft equipment.
- Mobility – In the course of performing duties in occupational therapy, a therapist will be expected to stand, lift, reach, bend, stretch, provide support and stability, and perform activities on a floor mat. Sufficient independent mobility within the architectural environment is necessary. A therapist must move quickly in an emergency, may have to quickly move patients, and may also perform treatment in a standing position over a long period of time.
- Hearing – A therapist should have the ability to hear faint sounds from a distance of four feet — approximately the distance between a patient seated in a wheelchair and a person in a standing position next to the wheelchair. A therapist may be required to hear sounds such as those emitted by an electric hand saw, electric drill, motorized wheelchair, and blood pressure (using a stethoscope).
- Visual Discrimination – A therapist should have sufficient vision to differentiate movements, read markings on instruments and measuring devices, and read newspaper small print.
- Coordination – Sufficient motor skills, eye-hand coordination skills, manipulative skills and sensory function in one upper extremity may be needed by a therapist to assist with therapeutic activities. Many other therapeutic activities require dexterity, manipulation, strength and body flexibility to perform.
- Manual Dexterity – A therapist should have sufficient fine motor skills to manipulate objects and people safely. Manual dexterity to fabricate splints, to assist a patient in the completion of therapeutic projects/activities, and to demonstrate fine motor movements is also required.
- Communication Skills – A therapist must be able to communicate orally and in writing. For example, a therapist must be able to read and give directions and to record health data regarding patients.
- Some evening work (grading, preparing for class, responding to email questions) will be needed.
- Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Mental Demands
- Appreciation and understanding for the community college philosophy, commitment to diversity, and community service.
- Strong initiative, problem-solving, and ability to handle unexpected duties.
- High energy and enthusiasm for supporting students and colleagues under pressure.
- Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.
Working Conditions
- GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
- Online or virtual academic environment.
- Physical classroom environment in an academic setting.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability.