Occupational Therapy Instructor

Helena College University of Montana a comprehensive two-year college, provides access to and support of high quality lifelong educational opportunities for our diverse community. Helena College is seeking qualified applicants who wish to become part of a dynamic and creative team for a full-time position as an Occupational Therapy Instructor.

Helena College seeks a full-time, tenure-track OTA Instructor for the Donaldson Campus, beginning May 2027 for the 2027–2028 academic year.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at Helena College is the only OTA program in Montana, offering students a unique pathway into a high-demand healthcare career. The program is strongly supported by healthcare and educational partners statewide, with continued demand for COTAs.

Faculty at Helena College are professional educators committed to providing high-quality learning experiences aligned with the College’s mission and policies. The OTA Instructor serves as a teacher, mentor, and facilitator, supporting students as they prepare for careers in occupational therapy and pursue future educational pathways. This position is on contract in
the summer and fall semesters (approximately May – December) and off contract in the spring semester (approximately January – April).

Helena College is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, diverse campus community that promotes creativity, innovation, and student success. Guided by our core principles—Effectiveness, Stewardship, Impact, and Equity—we provide the tools and pathways to help learners achieve their educational and career goals.

The OTA instructor is primarily responsible for teaching the following courses:

Summer Semester

• OTA 120 Task Analysis & Documentation
• OTA 230 Foundations in Pediatrics with Lab
• OTA 210 OT in Mental Health
• OTA 225 Human Occupations I with Lab

Fall Semester

• OTA 201 Movement in Occupations with Lab
• OTA 240 Professional Issues & Ethics
• OTA 220 Principles & Practice in Physical Health
• OTA 235 Human Occupations II with Lab

Key responsibilities include:

• Teach 30 credits per academic year. (4-5 courses per semester based on course credits)
• Teach both lecture and lab courses in a traditional, face-to-face format.
• Maintain a regular on-campus presence to build relationships with students, colleagues, and industry partners.
• Programmatic work to include curriculum design, strategic planning, and student advising.
• Ensure effective instruction through student evaluation, learning outcome assessment, and departmental and institutional planning.
• Maintain accessible course materials.
• Utilizing the Canvas LMS for gradebook and instructional purposes.
• Participate in professional development and college service activities.

• For more information about full-time faculty member responsibilities, please review theHelena Teachers’ Union CBA

Helena College operates as a face-to-face campus within the Montana University System, and most business is conducted in person.

Duties and Responsibilities:

This position will be responsible for:

• Instruction of 30 credits per academic year, in a face-to-face format.
• Course preparation, including accessible course materials and course assignments and grades in the Canvas LMS.
• Curriculum development and design, both at the course and program level.
• Assessment of student learning, course level learning outcomes, and program level learning outcomes.
• Use of a variety of teaching methods to enhance understanding, including lecture, group discussions and activities, case studies, lab activities, etc.
• Collaboration with the program director and staff for all programmatic work and planning.
• Participation in necessary institutional functions such as, but not limited to, college committees, student clubs, student internships, student/faculty recruitment, budget development, program promotion, and collaboration with academic and student affairs.
• Professional development/improvement activities, in both teaching and in discipline

Competencies:

• Demonstrate a commitment to and an understanding of the Helena College mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates all differences and recognize the value that individual differences bring to the learning environment.
• Use interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain strong working relationships with students, faculty, college, and community stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Use effective teaching strategies to enhance student academic success by using evidence-based teaching and assessment techniques, technology, curriculum evaluation, and outcomes assessment.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.

• Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant AND a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution (any discipline)
• Must hold a valid unencumbered license to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the state of Montana.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to maintain a regular, physical presence on the Helena College Donaldson campus.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications:

• NBCOT Certification
• Minimum of one year of documented experience in the field of occupational therapy.
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy or Biology, Physiology, Human Biology, Kinesiology, Biomedical Sciences, or another related program.
• Prior teaching experience at the college level, two years preferred.
• Experience teaching online and using a Learning Management System (Canvas, Moodle, D2L, etc.) and educational technology.

Don’t meet the preferred/desirable requirement? Apply anyway!
If you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. You may have skills and perspectives that make you a great fit for the role. Please note that candidates must meet the four Minimum Qualifications to be considered for this position.

Work Schedule: The regular work week is a 5-day work week, typically Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm, to conduct the business of the college; however, the days and times may vary depending on the needs of the academic program. This position is on contract in the summer and fall semesters (approximately May – December) and off contract in the spring semester (approximately January – April). For more information about the full-time faculty member professional responsibilities included in the regular work schedule, please refer to the Helena Teachers’ Union CBA, section 4.8.

Benefits: Includes a comprehensive group insurance benefits program including medical plan options with prescription drug and dental plan, vision exam coverage, an employee assistance program (EAP), retirement plan, life and disability insurance options, flexible spending and dependent care account options, and optional long-term care insurance. Additional information on benefits can be found by visiting:https://choices.mus.edu/employees.asp

Union Affiliation: Helena Teachers’ UnionHelena Teachers’ Union CBA

Priority Application Date: Friday, May1, 2026by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Complete applications must include:

1. Letter of Interest –addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
2. Detailed Resume listing education and describing work experience
3. Three (3) professional references - names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Employment Eligibility: Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.