PRINCIPAL FACULTY / Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

We are seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as a Physician Assistant (PA) Faculty Member and Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). This unique role combines teaching responsibilities within our PA program with leadership in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within our institution. As a Principal Faculty member, responsibilities include teaching and evaluating students, serving as a student advisor, assisting in curriculum development, and serving as a member of committees essential to the functioning of the Program.

1.Teaching and Curriculum Development:

• Deliver high-quality instruction to PA students in accordance with established program curriculum standards and ARC-PA standards.
• Develop and revise course materials to ensure alignment with best practices and evolving healthcare trends.
• Facilitate interactive learning experiences that promote critical thinking, clinical skills development, professionalism, and ethical practice for students in both didactic and clinical phases.
• Lead, develop and participate in small group labs including POCUS and simulation activities.
• Create and implement remediation activities as needed to support a diverse student learner.
• Perform site visits and evaluations of students on clinical rotations as requested by the Clinical Curriculum Committee.
• Serve as course coordinator for assigned courses which includes developing, organizing, delivery (teaching) and evaluation of course content and objectives and the guidance and management of adjunct faculty or lecturers involved in those courses.
• Evaluate student performance throughout the program phase to ensure program graduates PAs that meet or exceed our competencies and goals.

2. Mentorship and Advising:

• Provide academic and professional guidance to PA students, fostering their personal and professional development.
• Serve as a mentor to underrepresented students, offering support and advocacy to promote their success in healthcare education and beyond.
• Opportunity to serve as faculty advisor for campus clubs.

3. DEIB Leadership:

• Refine the Program’s ARC-PA DEI Workplan and implement strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the institution, including recruitment, retention, and advancement initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student groups, including those from the MPH Program, to assess and address DEIB-related needs and opportunities.
• Lead training sessions and workshops on cultural competency, bias awareness, and inclusive teaching practices for faculty, staff, and students within the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
• Represent the program at JEDI Council and other University-level DEI meetings and initiatives, advocating for the needs and perspectives of the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program.
• Manage budget related to DEIB activities with the Program Director, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support DEIB initiatives within the program, including those involving the MPH Program.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum that conforms with the Program’s mission, goals, and objectives, collaborating with colleagues from the MPH Program to integrate DEIB principles into the curriculum effectively.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum that conforms with the Program’s mission, goals, and objectives.

4. Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders to advance DEIB goals and initiatives.
• Represent the institution at local, regional, and national forums focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and education.

5. Administrative Duties:

• Participate in departmental meetings, committees including faculty senate and search committees, and other institutional activities as assigned.
• Contribute to program accreditation efforts for self-study; oversee documentation and reporting related to DEIB initiatives.
• Collaborate with other faculty members to ensure the integration of DEIB principles into program policies and practices.
• Participate as a member of the Admissions Committee in the identification and recruitment of qualified applicants in collaboration with the Admissions Office and Program faculty.
• Collaborate with the University Equity Officer to assess the needs of underrepresented and underresourced PA/MPH students, providing them with supportive programs and services.
• Chair the Mosaic Scholarship application and selection process for Joint MSPAS/MPH students.

6. Scholarship

• Collaborate with faculty to submit and manage grants to support DEIB in our program
• Participate in scholarship activities with a DEIB focus.

7. Other Tasks

• Participate and attend Program related activities and functions such as open house, graduation and white coat ceremonies.
• Other tasks as defined by program leadership including the Director of Didactic Education, Director of Clinical Education, Director of Curriculum Design, Associate Program Director, Medical Director, and Program Director

8. Clinical Practice Responsibilities

• PA/ NP faculty are given the opportunity to work one day at a local federally qualified health clinic providing mission-oriented care and precepting students on their clinical rotation.
• A stipend will be provided for faculty who perform these duties. Opportunities at the county exist in primary care, same day/urgent care, psychiatry, family medicine, pediatrics, street medicine, and OB/GYN health.

Faculty practicing one day/week are still responsible for the duties and responsibilities listed in their job descriptions.

Required:

• Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies or related field
• Current NCCPA certification as a Physician Assistant (PA-C) if a PA.
• Eligibility for licensure in the state of California as a physician assistant or advanced nurse practitioner.
• A minimum of 2 years of clinical experience
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience leading DEIB initiatives in an educational or healthcare setting such as Safe Zone Training, Trauma-Informed Teaching, ACUE Inclusive Teaching module, etc.
• Experience in curriculum development, teaching, and student mentorship preferred.

Preference:

• A minimum of 2 years of teaching experience
• An interest in public health and/or MPH

CORE COMPETENCIES: identify the behavior an employee is expected to demonstrate.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team with other Program and University faculty and colleagues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to address different audiences
• Highly organized, self-starter
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality