Department: Occupational Therapy
Position Title: Doctoral Capstone Coordinator (DCC) & Professor of Occupational Therapy (OT)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $100,000–$115,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Pacific Oaks College is recruiting a Doctoral Capstone Coordinator (DCC) & Professor of Occupational Therapy (OT) for its Pasadena, California campus.
About Pacific Oaks College and Children's School
Pacific Oaks College and Children's School, located in Pasadena, California, is a nonprofit institution rooted in Quaker values and a strong social justice heritage. The College offers bachelor’s, master’s, a doctorate, and certificate programs in education, human development, counseling, and related fields, while the Children’s School is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, and peaceful conflict resolution. Together, they foster inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that honor the unique potential of every individual. Employees join a mission-driven community committed to respect, diversity, social justice, and lifelong learning.
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at Pacific Oaks College is a hybrid program that aligns with and supports the College’s mission by preparing evidence-based occupational therapy practitioners through a culturally responsive and holistic curriculum. The program is delivered primarily online, with minimal on-campus sessions designed to promote hands-on learning, collaboration, and professional development.
The Doctoral Capstone Coordinator (DCC) & Professor of Occupational Therapy reports to the Program Director of the OTD program. This full-time faculty position is responsible for teaching up to 12 semester credits per academic year within the occupational therapy program, with primary responsibility for capstone-related courses and courses aligned with the faculty member’s area(s) of professional expertise. Courses will be taught primarily online, with occasional on-campus sessions to support student learning and program needs.
Key Responsibilities
Doctoral Capstone Coordination (ACOTE D.1.0 Standards, 2023) (55%)
Establish and maintain written agreements between Pacific Oaks College and all partner organizations that are sufficient for students in each cohort and in effect prior to and for the duration of the capstone experience.
Coordinate an in-depth 14-week full-time doctoral capstone experience for each student in the OTD program.
Oversee and ensure compliance with all accreditation standards related to the capstone experience.
Ensure students complete and disseminate an individual doctoral capstone project that relates to the doctoral capstone experience and demonstrates synthesis of in-depth knowledge in the focused area of study.
Teaching (40%)
Develop and teach capstone related courses and content related to area of expertise within the occupational therapy program up to 12 semester credits per academic year to support an understanding of overall program objectives and comply with accreditation standards.
Prepare syllabi; update course materials; participate in course and program learning outcome assessments; continuously improve course materials; and develop curriculum.
Deliver instruction in an online learning environment using available university learning management and document storage systems.
Provide advising to assigned OT students that includes coaching on conduct and responsibilities to enter the profession, student progress and academic standing, fieldwork education planning and feedback, and doctoral capstone preparation.
Demonstrate a commitment to building a learning community empowered through multicultural perspectives that leads to cultural competence with humility and emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice for students, staff, and faculty.
Scholarship, Service and Professional Identity (5%)
Maintain memberships with professional associations related to professional area(s) of expertise (e.g., AOTA, OTAC).
Maintain current California OT licensure in effect on start date.
Complete continuing education courses related to area(s) of expertise and adult education strategies.
Consistently engage in professional writing and publication efforts, including with students when possible.
Participate in research with program peers and other university staff when possible.
Support OTD program through service on program committees.
Engage with students' Capstone mentor and/or committee member when available and when subject matter is consistent with publication interests.
Assist students to present at state, regional, or national association conferences and/or publish in periodicals or peer-reviewed journals.
Participate in university service through committee work, collaborations, and ad hoc projects/initiatives.
Note: While this list captures the core focus of the position, we look forward to sharing the full scope of responsibilities with finalists during our interview stages.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Training
Doctoral degree awarded by an institution that is accredited by the USDE (OTD, PhD, EdD, DSc, DHSc, etc.).
Degree from a US accredited occupational therapy program.
Proficient in document/report preparation adhering to institutional editorial guidelines.
Certifications and Licensures
Occupational Therapist, initially certified by the National Board Certification Commission for OT.
California OT License effective by start date.
Current membership and participation in appropriate state, regional, and/or national professional organizations appropriate to professional identity.
Experience
Minimum of three (3) years of experience as an occupational therapist.
Professional experience as a fieldwork educator, capstone mentor, or documentation of training in the roles and responsibilities of a fieldwork educator.
Minimum of three years of teaching experience in either a clinical or academic setting.
Scholarly evidence of publication, presentation, or continuing education related to occupational therapy.
Intermediate-to-advanced computer skills required (MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional).
Proficiency in video conferencing systems.
Working understanding and experience with Canvas (or equivalent) learning management system.
Working knowledge of FERPA student privacy regulations.
Preferred Qualifications
Post-Professional Doctorate (OTD, PhD, DHSc, DSc, or EdD)
AOTA Fieldwork Educator Certificate
Experience with course development and teaching related to OTD Capstone.
Experience mentoring Doctoral Capstone students.
Experience with higher education accreditation standards and compliance analysis.
Experience preparing self-study reports, serving on accreditation evaluation teams, and/or participating in accreditation committees.
Proficiency with data management systems.
Knowledge of online adult learning theory and best practices.
Location
Hybrid: The hybrid work schedule is subject to change based on program needs, including mandatory on-campus events, onsite faculty-led learning experiences, student labs, and other in-person academic or administrative responsibilities.
This role may require an increase in on-site presence during accreditation activities, institutional & community partner collaboration, and immersion weeks, under the guidance of the Program Director of the OTD program.
Anticipated Salary
$100,000 - $115,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Compliance with Federal Antidiscrimination Guidance
Pacific Oaks College is committed to providing equal employment and educational opportunity to all people and strictly adheres to federal anti-discrimination laws. In accordance with DOJ guidance, the College affirms that no programs, hiring practices, promotions, admissions, or other decisions shall provide preferential treatment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics without appropriate lawful rationale. The College will also ensure compliance of its third-party contractors or program partners in this regard.
Disclaimer
The duties listed above describe the general nature and level of work expected of faculty in this position and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The College reserves the right to amend or modify the job description as institutional needs evolve. Pacific Oaks College provides equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Compensation & Benefits
This opportunity is budgeted at $72,000.00-79,200.00 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.
https://www.pacificoaks.edu/about/careers-pacific-oaks/
Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.
Compliance with Federal Antidiscrimination Guidance
Pacific Oaks College is committed to providing equal employment and educational opportunity to all people and strictly adheres to federal anti-discrimination laws. In accordance with DOJ guidance, the College affirms that no programs, hiring practices, promotions, admissions, or other decisions shall provide preferential treatment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics without appropriate lawful rationale. The College will also ensure compliance of its third-party contractors or program partners in this regard.
Disclaimer
The duties listed above describe the general nature and level of work expected of faculty in this position and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The College reserves the right to amend or modify the job description as institutional needs evolve. Pacific Oaks College provides equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.
