South University·Glen Allen, Virginia
The adjunct faculty member facilitates learning of course competencies within the OTA curriculum and supports the overall learning environment. Responsibilities include designing instructional plans, delivering learning-centered instruction, and evaluating student performance against established criteria.
South University provides a warm, supportive learning environment that will encourage you to join a community of faculty, staff and students eager to play a role in helping you achieve your professional goals, on campus and online.
The South University 125-year story—past, present, and future—is a history formed by the many individuals who have developed the education and spirit of community that have become our pledge to students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of South University. Whether you have been part of the University family for many years, have recently come our way, or are thinking about joining us, you will find South University to be a place you can call home.
What's next for you is the first priority for us!
Visit www.southuniversity.edu today to learn more about what makes us stand apart as a place to Belong, Believe and Become, a place where you can make a difference in the lives of students eager to learn and grow.
South University, the right direction for a brighter future.
The adjunct faculty member facilitates meaningful learning of the course competencies in the OTA curriculum and proactively supports all facets of the learning environment. The faculty member encourages a culture of learning that values mutual responsibility and respect, life-long learning and ethics as well as personal and professional development.
The following duties are representative of the essential responsibilities of this position. Additional duties may be assigned.
Perform Faculty responsibilities as outlined in the faculty job description and the Faculty Supplement to the South University Faculty/Staff Handbook.
Provides competency-based education which aligns with the South University model of curricula.
Designs class instruction by developing student learning outcomes and instructional plans to meet course competencies and accreditation standards, creating activities which support learning outcomes and promote critical thinking.
Delivers learning-centered instruction by establishing a classroom environment conducive to learning and encouraging student involvement; faculty effectively plans and prepares for classes and student success.
Promotes student success by showing flexibility in teaching style as well as exhibiting a passion for teaching and facilitating student interaction while engaging students in the learning process.
Evaluates the degree to which students meet performance criteria established in the course syllabi and grading rubrics.
2. Oversees a teaching/lab assistant, as appropriate to course(s); orients to roles and responsibilities in the course or lab including review of syllabus, identifying materials/equipment needed in lab setups, review of safety procedures and course/lab concepts.
3. Assists faculty in labs, as appropriate; responsible for setting up lab with appropriate equipment and supplies, observing safety procedures, facilitates student activities and responds to questions, reinforces course concepts, facilitates student ability to think critically about course material, helps students apply concepts to practice and assists in cleanup of lab.
4. Attends faculty meetings, as needed and able.
5. Maintains standards of the profession, including rules and regulations of licensing and certification.
6. Pursues professional development related to professional practice and the practice of education; participates in faculty development activities each year, as required.
For
OTRs: Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and a Master's degree or doctoral degree in another field awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE recognized institutional accrediting agency, required; Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy with teaching experience or a Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE recognized institutional accrediting agency, preferred.
For
COTAs: Minimum of Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE recognized institutional accrediting agency is required; an Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant and a bachelor’s degree awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE recognized institutional accrediting agency, preferred.
Zero to two years of experience in instruction or a formalized education process, preferably in a post-secondary or college institution. Minimum of two years of experience as an occupational therapist or certified occupational therapy assistant, required. Current knowledge in area of practice, ethical standards and standards of practice, required. Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build successful relationships with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrates outstanding conflict resolution skills. Demonstrates time management and detail-oriented skills. Demonstrates effective computer skills (e.g., software, analytical, report writing). Demonstrates clinical competency and compliance with professional standards of practice. Able to work effectively under pressure and to meet frequently occurring deadlines. Able to develop a professional rapport with diverse stakeholders. Able to develop and complete projects without continuous direct supervision. Able to learn from students' participation, demonstrates fair and consistent behavior in all matters, and shows compassion without being ineffectual. Able to perform responsibilities within legal and ethical boundaries. Able to lift 20 pounds when performing job responsibilities. Able to stand for extended periods of time (e.g., one hour or more) when teaching, facilitating labs or on fieldtrips. Able to demonstrate techniques specific to the practice of occupational therapy.
Must be eligible for licensure, currently licensed or otherwise credentialed according to regulations in the state or jurisdiction in which the program is located. Membership in a professional association tied to area of instruction (preferred).
WORK
ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures and perspectives can thrive.
Candidates must hold a degree in Occupational Therapy (Associate's for COTAs, Bachelor's/Master's/Doctoral for OTRs) and be eligible for state licensure. A minimum of two years of experience as an occupational therapist or certified occupational therapy assistant is required.
Market context
In Virginia, adjunct faculty roles in occupational therapy for mental health are typically driven by program scheduling needs and the availability of licensed clinicians with teaching experience. These positions can be competitive because schools look for candidates who combine current practice knowledge, strong communication, and the ability to teach or mentor students while meeting licensure and degree requirements. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your license status and prepare examples of clinical teaching or supervision.