Simulation Specialist

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $22.13 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Clinical Skills and Simulation Center provides a safe, innovative learning environment that fosters the development of interpersonal, clinical, and professional skills, ultimately improving educational outcomes. Learners include students from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program, School of Nursing, and School of Dental Medicine, as well as healthcare providers from affiliated and external organizations. The Simulation Specialist is responsible for implementing a wide range of simulation scenarios in collaboration with faculty and external partners. This role independently manages all aspects of simulation activities while supporting the daily operations of the simulation center. A key focus of the position is providing expertise in the recruitment, training, and management of standardized patients to support high-quality simulation programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate closely with the director of programs to manage all aspects of the standardized patient program, including recruitment, training, and day-to-day utilization. Design and implement recruitment strategies to maintain a diverse and active standardized patient pool, screen and select standardized patients from the local Cleveland community, and coordinate scheduling based on demographics, experience, and training needs. Develop and deliver standardized patient training in both in-person and virtual formats, create training materials-including video content-in partnership with simulation specialists, and manage communication systems to ensure standardized patients receive timely and accurate information. Troubleshoot standardized patient-related technology issues during simulations and assessments and ensure adherence to established standardized patient methodology, policies, and procedural standards. (40%)
• Evaluate standardized patient performance to ensure consistency and alignment with established expectations, identify performance gaps and provide targeted coaching and remediation when needed. Develop individualized improvement plans, assess long-term readiness, conduct regular feedback sessions, and facilitate debriefings to support standardized patient growth. Track performance metrics and monitor progress toward improvement goals to maintain a high-quality standardized patient workforce. (30%)
• Contribute to the design and development of simulation programs by incorporating standardized patient best practices and collaborating with faculty and external partners to integrate standardized patient s effectively into simulation activities. Oversee moulage and simulation technologies to enhance realism, ensure standardization of formative and summative assessments in alignment with AAMC guidelines, and assist in the development of assessment tools such as case-specific checklists and global rating scales. Participate in standard-setting processes for simulation-based assessments to support consistent and valid evaluation practices. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepare reports and data for staff meetings, ensuring that information is organized, accurate, and ready for discussion. (5%)
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking, scheduling, and documenting standardized patient activities, support efficient program operations and reliable recordkeeping. (5%)
• Update standardized patient manuals, policies, and procedural documentation to ensure materials remain current, clear, and aligned with program standards. (5%)
• The role also performs additional duties as assigned to support the needs of the program and department. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous interaction with Clinical Skills and Simulation Center leadership and staff, including the medical director, director of programs, director of operations, simulation technology manager, standardized patient manager, SIM operations specialist, and SIM coordinator

University: Frequent collaboration with course directors to support educational programming

External: Frequent coordination with contractors (standardized patients), simulation vendors and external partners

Students: Regular interaction with students, residents, physicians, and healthcare professionals

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may provide direct supervisory oversight to student employees and independent contractors, including standardized patients, in alignment with program needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: High school education and at least 6 years of related experience OR Bachelors degree and 2 years of related experience. Experience in academic health center, healthcare simulation, or technical equipment support preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Experience in healthcare simulation preferred.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong technical and computer proficiency.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with software programming, database management, video editing, and file transfer systems (FTP) preferred.
• Ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders in both virtual and in-person settings.
• Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is based at the Samson Pavilion (9501 Euclid Avenue) in the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center. Access requires secure entry. Responsibilities include frequent setup and breakdown of simulation spaces, as well as transporting equipment (up to 50 lbs). Occasional travel within Northeast Ohio may be required. Work hours may vary, requiring a high degree of flexibility.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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