Simulation Lab Technician - Benioff Children's Hospital

The purpose of this position is to  design, conduct, promote, evaluate and support the simulation-based education and quality improvement program  in compliance with organizational objectives and nationally accepted accreditation standards and requirements. This specialist supports the program through proficiency in computer and simulation technology as well as theatrical production technology to effectively simulate the reality of the health care environment. This position is responsible for technical operations (including simulation facilitation, and mannequin maintenance and repair), planning and delivery of clinical training scenarios, program development, programmatic support (through investigating processes and new technologies, identifying innovative ways to integrate simulation based activities into clinical workflows, suggesting appropriate resources allocation to support productivity as well as fiscal responsibility), and compliance with standards and regulations.   This position directly reports to Simulation Program Manager. 

The Simulation technician applies knowledge about curriculum, requirements and educational activities to coordinate professional health education programs. Coordinates and maintains program operations, which may include teaching and learning activities, program curriculum, learner scheduling, maintaining databases, tracking learner compliance, and program accreditation. This position reports directly to the Program Manager and BCH Medical Director of Simulation and will support the technical and teaching activities of the BCH Oakland Simulation Program (OSP) as well as American Heart Association BLS and PALS certification courses, community outreach and relationship-building activities. This position is responsible for OSP technical operations and teaching support and will be required to apply many unique skills and knowledge including; clinical, computer and simulation technology for multiple disciplines. Responsibilities will also include the planning and delivery of clinical training scenarios and program development, faculty and community liaison, and compliance with standards and regulations, maintenance and repair of computerized manikins (software and hardware) repair and maintenance of partial task trainers and multimedia peripherals. This position will include being a technical  instructor for use of simulation equipment and workshop presentations.

Responsibilities

% 

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

60%

Works with program managers and / or faculty to meet the educational needs of program learners through collaborative development and implementation of programmatic activities, which may include program competencies, curriculum, and exams.

Oversee in house activities, training sessions, and routine maintenance/scenario

programming time

• Supporting and providing the simulation components to support faculty with their research that is conducted in the center

• Compile education materials and supportive documents and props to enhance

teaching sessions

• Monitor and oversee daily class sessions and assist with other special projects or initiatives

• Participate on OSP related committees

• Contribute to development and implementation of continuous quality improvement of policies, procedures and practices for the OSP

• Participate in the development of extramural grants/partnership funding

opportunities (governmental, professional foundations, industry) for simulation

education and patient safety research

• Operate and program simulator equipment for

simulation sessions

• Serve as liaison between the OSP and the manufacturers of simulation equipment

• Maintain data confidentiality and security

• Develop professional working relationship with administrators and healthcare

professionals

• Oversee and ensure the collection and recording of all education and training

records (simulator use, instructor and student hours and evaluation)

• Provide summaries of class attendance, equipment usage and equipment repair

to the OSP Program Manager and BCH Medical Director of Simulation on a regular basis and in a report format for

utilization

• Maintain appropriate level of supplies and other disposable and non-disposable

items including the gases necessary for the operation of the center

• Ensure all work assignments meet deadlines and standards of quality

• Ensure maintenance of OSP simulation space as a professional, clean, safe and

operational facility and optimal learning environment

15%

Plans, executes the logistics, and monitors budgets for program social events and / or educational activities, which may include recruitment; orientation; graduation; conferences; and simulation and / or other assessment activities. May lead workshops and / or information sessions for learners, faculty, and staff. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES: 

• Independently or part of a team, assist students in utilization of simulation equipment, provide an appropriate orientation in simulation features

and the simulated learning environment

• Monitor simulated exercises and ensure evaluation forms are provided for users to complete

• Provide training for faculty and staff in the utilization of simulator equipment, scenario development and programing and updates related to simulation education as needed

• Provide faculty instructors with instructional tools and technical support to carry out simulator sessions, including simulator/room preparation and collecting evaluations from the students

• Work with the faculty in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of new courses, scenarios, simulation tools, research studies and other educational initiative to measure learning outcomes

• Maintain proficiency in existing and emerging technologies and clinical applications, including basic theory, design and implementation

• Solicit instructor and student feedback following simulation experiences to analyze the impact of simulation on the learning process

Support faculty and staff in development and implementation of simulation-based outreach programs

10%

Analyzes the user experience of educational technologies to optimize the teaching and learning environment. Capitalizes on opportunities to more efficiently and effectively administer educational software and platforms. Seeks solutions to enhance the user experience.

• Learn current simulation and provide technical assistance with system and networks as necessary

• Assist users in diagnosis and correction of problems encountered during and after implementation of simulation equipment

• Script, code or otherwise critique research and program applications using Laerdal, Sun, B-line Medical, Gaumard and other simulation software

• Publish information to OSP team members, including project plans, troubleshooting tips or instructions, technical documentation, etc.

• Serve as a resource to trainers who are responsible for conducting user training

5%

5%

Participates in budget development and tracks expenses for the program and / or relevant health professions educational activities. Generates reports and recommends methods to reduce costs. Collaborates with program management on financial issues within the program.

• Create cost estimates and invoices for rechargeable supplies, equipment use and, or applicable room rental fees for simulation activities in accordance to the center’s approved campus recharge plan.

5%

100%

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of relevant experience
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
• Demonstrated experience and documented excellence in oral and written communications skills; includes active listening and critical thinking.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Actively cooperates and supports the work of others. Ability to work productively with anyone regardless of background. Empathetic and aware of impact on others. Strong problem solving skills to assist learners and resolve issues
• Excellent organizational skills, analytical, and demonstrated attention to detail. Ability to complete work and meet established deadlines in an accurate and timely manner, and to manage short and competing deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related area
• Thorough knowledge of relevant policies and regulatory requirements. Solid knowledge of health professions education program requirements. Thorough knowledge of health professions education industry
• Thorough knowledge of administrative analysis and operations research. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement processes and systems. Thorough knowledge of the administrative and operational implications in a program
• Thorough knowledge of simulation educational software and platforms such as Laerdal, Gaumard, B-line Medical etc. Demonstrated ability to analyze and seek solutions to enhance the user experience.
• Thorough knowledge of data management, documentation methods used in investigating and presenting findings about the program. Skills include statistical analysis of data across databases and systems.
• Experience or knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, medicine and healthcare settings or related experience
• AHA ACLS Certification
• AHA PALS Certification

Required License/Certifications:

• Active AHA BLS Instructor certification
• Laerdal Service Technician certification