Simulated Patient Educator

Title: SP (i.e. Simulated Patient) Educator
Work Location: Based in Minneapolis in the Health Sciences Education Center this position is designed as a completely on-campus, on-site based position, (i.e., not remote work). There is some travel to UMN system campuses as needed and to offsite locations in the Twin Cities metro area.

University Classification: Ed Pro 4-Ed Prog Dev & Implmt (9704PD)

Hours: 40 hours/week (1 FTE), occasional evenings and weekends

Compensation Range: $67, annually depending on experience, DOQ, Benefits Eligible, FLSA Exempt

Posting: External

Job Summary

Reporting to the M Simulation Education Director, the SP Educator serves as an essential team member in the recruitment and preparation of participants in the Simulated Patient (SP) Program. SPs are individuals recruited and paid to portray patients and other community members in role-play encounters with health science learners, provide constructive feedback to learners, and assess learners. SPs in our program most often interact with learners by helping them practice medical interviewing, communication, and physical exam skills.

The SP Educator is essential in assuring SP preparation, portrayal standardization, and assessment consistency to meet educational objectives and program requirements.

As part of the human simulation team within M Simulation, this individual is responsible for:

• Providing training expertise to maximize the educational value of human simulation.
• Collaborating with the simulation team to coordinate the development and implementation of complex, detailed projects.
• Contributing to the successful activity programming and operations of the Learning Space simulation software used in the implementation of SP-based education activities.
• Providing support across the simulation team to maximize team efficiency and capacity.
• Using an evidence-based approach to drive quality in human simulation programming.
• Actively seeking opportunities to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare simulation to reduce healthcare disparities.
• Supporting the effectiveness and expansion of SP-based activities at the University of Minnesota.

Duties/Responsibilities

Training Development and Implementation (55%)

• Work collaboratively with the Human Simulation Program Manager(s) and all Human Simulation team members to implement SP Program policies ensuring consistent training practices that meet educational objectives and program requirements.
• Train SPs, for on-site and online simulation activities, to portray patients in role play scenarios, provide constructive feedback to learners, and assess learners.
• Prepare and revise SP training documents and other materials.
• Align SP training practices with the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) Standards of Best Practices (SOBPs).

Human Simulation Event Logistics Support (40%)

• Support SPs during on-site and online simulation events which includes clarifying case scenario questions, providing real-time feedback to SPs about their accuracy of portrayal and learner assessment, and leading post-event SP debrief sessions, and other duties as assigned.
• Implement event set up and take down (e.g., moving equipment, hanging signage, ensuring computers are live) for human simulation educational activities.
• Operate digital and online technologies including Learning Space to support simulation logistics, fidelity and data capture.
• Assist technology-based simulation staff by supporting SPs as needed for hybrid events in which SPs are paired with other simulation modalities, (e.g. manikins, task trainers, etc.).

Other Duties (5%)

• Contribute to SP-based scholarship including to conference presentations primarily with the Association of SP Educators (ASPE) as budget and time allow.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Minimum/Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) and at least five (5) years of related experience, or a Master's degree and at least three (3) years of related experience. Related experience may include work in education, training, healthcare simulation, instructional design, communications, theater/performance, or a closely related field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, be comfortable with a range of technologies (AV, computer, electronics, etc.)
• Able to work a flexible schedule that occasionally includes evening and weekend assignments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and online platforms.
• This position requires some lifting of up to 25 lbs., as well as walking and standing for extended periods.

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching adult learners
• Experience as an SP Trainer
• Experience as an SP or Patient Educator
• Professional simulation experience working in an academic setting
• Previous experience with simulation technologies including and especially Learning Space software and Zoom
• Previous experience in healthcare education
• Degree in education, theatre/performance, communication,…