Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)-Adjunct Faculty-Physical Dysfunction

Stanbridge University is seeking a knowledgeable and engaging Adjunct Faculty Instructor to join our Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at our Orange County campus. This position delivers classroom theory and hands-on laboratory instruction in Fundamentals and Adult Physical Disabilities, preparing students with the clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional judgment necessary for occupational therapy practice.

The ideal candidate is a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) with current or recent direct patient care experience in adult physical rehabilitation, particularly neurological, orthopedic, acute care, or inpatient rehabilitation settings. Qualified Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA/L) with strong clinical backgrounds and demonstrated teaching ability are also encouraged to apply, subject to applicable faculty qualification requirements.

This is an immediate opportunity to assume responsibility for established courses mid-term. Previous theory teaching experience is strongly preferred to ensure instructional continuity and a positive student learning experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, evidence-based classroom theory and laboratory instruction aligned with course objectives and accreditation standards.
• Teach occupational therapy fundamentals and adult physical disabilities concepts, integrating current clinical practices and real-world patient care experiences.
• Demonstrate and supervise hands-on therapeutic techniques, functional mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs), adaptive equipment, and rehabilitation strategies.
• Assess student knowledge and practical competencies through assignments, examinations, laboratory demonstrations, and performance evaluations.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback and support student learning and professional development.
• Follow established syllabi, lesson plans, learning outcomes, and assessment requirements.
• Collaborate with program leadership and faculty to maintain curriculum consistency and instructional quality.
• Maintain professional currency through clinical practice, continuing education, and applicable licensure requirements.
• Model ethical practice, professionalism, patient safety, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy or a closely related discipline.
• Current California licensure as an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), as appropriate for the instructional assignment.
• Minimum three (3) years of related practical work experience in the subject areas taught, consistent with applicable ACCSC faculty qualification requirements.
• Demonstrated clinical experience in adult physical disabilities, physical dysfunction, or rehabilitation settings.
• Strong understanding of occupational therapy principles, therapeutic interventions, functional rehabilitation, and patient-centered care.
• Ability to deliver effective classroom and laboratory instruction.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with instructional technology, computers, and learning management systems.
• Ability to work on-site Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Must meet applicable ACOTE, ACCSC, and institutional faculty qualification requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (OTD, PhD, EdD, or related discipline).
• Previous college-level theory and laboratory teaching experience, particularly within an OTA or OT program.
• Current direct patient care experience in adult physical rehabilitation.
• Clinical expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Neurological Rehabilitation: Stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis.
• Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Joint replacements, fractures, upper-extremity injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
• Acute Care & Inpatient Rehabilitation: Functional mobility, ADL retraining, medically complex patients, and discharge preparation.
• Skilled Nursing & Geriatric Rehabilitation: Functional decline, fall prevention, mobility limitations, and aging populations.
• Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation: Hand therapy, fine motor coordination, splinting, and functional strengthening.
• Chronic Conditions: Chronic pain, progressive disabilities, and energy conservation.
• Experience serving as a clinical educator, fieldwork educator, preceptor, or adjunct instructor.
• Familiarity with occupational therapy education standards and competency-based instruction.
• Active involvement in professional organizations such as AOTA or OTAC.

Instructional Focus

Faculty should be comfortable teaching and demonstrating concepts related to:

• Activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
• Functional mobility, transfers, positioning, and fall prevention.
• Therapeutic activities, activity analysis, and rehabilitation interventions.
• Neurological and orthopedic conditions affecting occupational performance.
• Adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications.
• Patient safety, precautions, contraindications, and body mechanics.
• Clinical reasoning, documentation, and evidence-based occupational therapy practice.
• Professional ethics, therapeutic communication, and patient-centered care.

Compensation:

• $51.00–$61.00 per hour
• Compensation is based on education, experience, specialty expertise, and internal equity considerations

Conditions of Employment

• A job-related assessment or teaching demonstration may be required during the interview process.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be physically present on campus for assigned instructional responsibilities, unless otherwise noted.
• Employment Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Stanbridge University does not provide employment-based immigration sponsorship or participate in employer-sponsored or employer-dependent work authorization programs.
• Sponsorship: Sponsorship now or in the future could include having Stanbridge University sponsor, complete employer documentation, provide attestations or training plans, or otherwise participate in a work-authorization or employment-based immigration program in order for an individual to begin or continue employment. Stanbridge University does not provide any such sponsorship.
• Employment verification will be conducted to validate work experience per accreditation standards.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
• Official transcripts are required prior to hire. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service to determine U.S. degree equivalency and applicable subject-area coursework.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

• Classroom and occupational therapy laboratory setting.
• Duties involve classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory demonstrations, student supervision, and occasional administrative activities.
• Responsibilities may require standing, walking, sitting, and demonstrating therapeutic techniques.
• Subject to frequent interruptions, noise from student activities, and demanding academic timelines.

Physical Demands

• Regularly stands, walks, and moves throughout classroom and laboratory environments.
• Physical ability to demonstrate occupational therapy techniques and supervise student practice.
• Proficient in using electronic keyboards, computers, audiovisual equipment, and instructional technology.
• Effective verbal communication in person and through electronic communication platforms.
• Ability to read instructional materials and operate computers.
• Ability to lift, carry, and/or move instructional materials or equipment weighing 10–25 pounds, with reasonable accommodations as appropriate.

Employee Benefits (Adjunct)

• Flexible part-time scheduling opportunities.
• Professional development and continuing education support.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on future healthcare professionals.
• Collaborative and mission-driven academic environment.
• Access to innovative learning technologies and simulation-based education.
• Networking and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities with healthcare educators and clinicians.
• Participation in university events, faculty engagement activities, and professional workshops.
• Work/Life Balance initiatives.
• Employee Assistance and wellness resources, where applicable.

Institutional Values

• Diversity and Inclusion: Stanbridge University is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that reflects diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Innovation and Technology: We integrate advanced technology and simulation to enhance student learning outcomes.
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives such as Stanbridge outREACH, students contribute to local and global communities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Stanbridge University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any protected basis. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.