Simulation Technology Specialist

Description:
 

Job Description Summary:
 

The Simulation Technology Specialist’s (STS) primary responsibilities are to
• Provide technology support for faculty, staff and students as they teach and learn in all environments over which the HSSC has oversight
• Operate and maintain all HSSC simulation equipment and technology including audio-visual equipment.
• Serve as the HSSC’s primary operational liaison to SMU’s Information Technology Services and Media Services departments

The STS reports directly to the HSSC Operations Manager and works collaboratively with all HSSC faculty and staff to facilitate the daily simulation activities on all campuses.
The STS’s home location is the Oakland Campus but he/she is also responsible for supporting simulation-based learning (SBL) at SMU’s San Mateo and Sacramento campuses.

All HSSC team members are expected to
• Effectively utilize TeamSTEPPS™ tools and strategies to enhance team performance and communication.
• Engage in community outreach services by participating or leading tours of the HSSC for community and youth groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Simulation & Technical Responsibilities[1]

Support the Implementation of established SBL Sessions[2]

• Serve as a simulator operator by programming/reprogramming, testing, and running scenario software, working collaboratively with faculty
• Ensure appropriate set up of the simulation environment and equipment for sessions, using curricular tools/documents created by faculty for the session
• Maintain proficiency in the use and operation of the audio-visual system utilized in the simulation area—the level of proficiency must be sufficient enough to act as a resource to non-HSSC faculty.  Assist faculty with accessing and operating the system.
• Interface with the AV vendor to ensure upgrades have been installed successfully and the system is working appropriately.  Maintain ability to troubleshoot system problems and collaborate with the AV vendor in identifying solutions.

Participate in the Design-Develop-Implement-Evaluate Process of new SBL sessions

• Serve as a simulator operator by programming, testing, and running scenarios with faculty during the course of scenario validation and pilot processes.
• Provide advisement to faculty related to best options for technology support of all phases of creating a new SBL session.

Technical Assistance and Training for Faculty

• Maintain proficiency in the use and operation of different simulation technologies ranging from (but not limited to) anatomic models/task trainers to screen-based simulations to full body patient simulators. The level of proficiency must be sufficient enough to act as a resource to non-HSSC faculty.
• Maintain current knowledge or access to knowledge of product lines of vendors in the simulation industry domain.
• Maintain current knowledge or access to knowledge related to the operation of equipment used in the HSSC
• Provide technical assistance, support, and ongoing training to faculty and staff in the use of simulation and AV equipment.
• Work collaboratively with the HSSC Operations Manager and Simulation Educators to plan and implement strategies for ongoing technology training for appropriate HSSC customers.

Service and Maintenance of Simulation Equipment

• Conduct ongoing maintenance of all simulation equipment, including cleaning and repairing, assuring that all equipment is maintained in good working order at all times.
• Install software and hardware upgrades and maintain functionality of manikin components as directed by manufacturer support.
• Interface with the AV vendor to ensure upgrades have been installed successfully and the system is working appropriately.  Able to troubleshoot system problems and collaborate with the AV vendor in identifying solutions.
• Interface with the equipment manufacturers regarding equipment troubleshooting and systems problems; maintain record of repairs & updates.
• Collaborate with SMU IT Department & Media Services as necessary to ensure computers and AV equipment are maintained and operating efficiently.

Inventory Advisement

• Maintain proficiency in the use and operation of different simulation technologies ranging from (but not limited to) anatomic models/task trainers to screen-based simulations to full body patient simulators.
• Maintain proficiency in existing and emerging technologies that can enhance the delivery of SBL.
• Consults with and makes recommendations to the HSSC team regarding simulation equipment purchases.  

Contribute to the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) of HSSC services and products

• Collaborate with HSSC faculty on their curricular CQI efforts
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager to establish and maintain ongoing CQI efforts for all HSSC technology systems and products
• Facilitate active, creative brainstorming with faculty and other HSSC customer groups around other SBL activities/scenarios to consider integrating into curricula

Research & Development Responsibilities Advocate for an innovative approach to all HSSC services and products

• Be the person who constantly asks, “How might we…? How might we improve X…or completely reimagine Y…or find a new way to accomplish Z”[3]
• Maintain awareness of current trends in technology related to teaching and learning, focusing on simulation and other immersive learning modalities for healthcare professional education.
• Complete critical analyses of vendor/marketing information in order to make productive contributions to HSSC team decisions regarding services and products.

Support the HSSC Research Agenda

• Collaborate with HSSC team colleagues and SMU faculty in the conduct of research studies and other scholarly projects based in the HSSC.  Aforementioned responsibilities (listed below) will enhance the STS’s ability to contribute to scholarly works conducted at the HSSC:
  • Maintain proficiency in the use and operation of existing and emerging simulator technologies ranging from anatomic models and task trainers to screen-based simulations to full body patient simulators.
  • Maintain current knowledge or access to knowledge of product lines of vendors in the simulation industry domain.
  • Maintain current knowledge or access to knowledge related to the operation of equipment used in the HSSC
• Collaborate in simulation research by assisting with study designs, data collection, data analysis and
• Represent the HSSC at professional conferences.

Qualifications

• Required qualifications for this position include:
  • Strong technical aptitude.
  • Proficient with computer hardware equipment and software applications, preferably those relevant to simulation.
  • Demonstrated trouble shooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • High degree of initiative and teamwork.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and Excel applications.
• Preferred qualifications for this position include:
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in related field
  • One to two (1-2) years working directly with simulation education and/or healthcare simulation, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and equipment.
  • Proficient in the use of audio/visual equipment, including recording, duplication and editing.

[1] Some of the bulleted items delineated under the numbered sections of simulation and technical responsibilities will be repeated under several sections.  This is purposeful, to emphasize the interrelatedness of key simulation educator activities.

[2] The HSSC’s definition of a session is a discrete period of learning activity comprised of one or more types of instructional modalities (hopefully all of them experiential in nature), with at least one modality characterized as SBL.

[3] Berger, W. (2012, September 17). The secret phrase top innovators use, Harvard Business Review; retrieved from https://hbr.org/2012/09/the-secret-phrase-top-innovato/

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

$33.37 to $37.72 (non-exempt/hourly)Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.