Occasional Worker - Simulated Client Actor

Pay Range:Targeted salary $20.00 per hour, based on experience

Benefits Eligible:No

Work Schedule:Irregular. Hours vary, primarily daytime, with some evenings and weekend opportunities.

Travel:Not required

For Best Consideration Date:08/10/2026

The Simulation Center provides social simulation learning experiences for all Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work programs (undergraduate, graduate, and online) and external partner agencies. We are seeking a diverse applicant pool of persons of different ages, races, sex, and gender identities to portray realistic patient and client experiences as Simulated Clients (SCs) for various learners. SCs work on an as-needed basis with advance notice and training and report directly to the Director of the Simulation Center and Simulation Program Staff Assistants.

The primary role of an SC is to portray (and be examined as) a client in a role-play scenario in order to provide experiential learning and skill assessment for learners. Our SC's play roles of social service clients in a specific, standardized situations for our Social Work students and other professionals. Simulations are held in person on the Norman campus, online, and at off-campus locations.

Simulated Client actors are expected to give appropriate reactions and responses based on the simulation scenario during all learner encounters. SC’s portray all facets of assigned roles including the client’s appearance, demeanor, chief complaint or reason for visit, presenting symptoms, and past medical, social, and family history. During interviews, counseling, or assessment activities, SCs will be interviewed or counseled by students / learners.

Additionally, SCs are trained to provide verbal feedback regarding communication and interpersonal skills. SCs are audio- and video recorded during all encounters. (During some simulation events SCs may also be scheduled to provide event support, including station preparation, learner orientation, and computer monitoring.)

• Simulate all aspects of various scenarios accurately, reliably, and professionally.
• Responsibly and reliably maintain own schedule and demonstrate flexibility regarding scheduled assignment.
• Attend mandatory trainings and meetings with Director and team.
• Accept ongoing feedback from Director and session facilitators and incorporate into case simulations.
• Follow written and verbal instruction.
• Respond in a timely manner to communications from OU-ZSSW personnel.
• Provide constructive verbal feedback as directed to learners who vary in discipline, experience, and skill.
• Provide occasional event facilitation support to program staff.
• Maintains confidentiality of information related to cases, student behaviors and feedback evaluation.
• Attend training as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

The number of hours will vary by assignment and programmatic needs. Those seeking regularly scheduled employment should note that this position would work occasionally and not consistently. This work is not weekly and would not compare favorably in total annual hours with regular part-time work. This position does not provide benefits.

The ideal candidate is someone with strong communication skills that is looking for occasional work. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive notification of your acceptance or dismissal to the interview process. Interview may include a group informational session via Zoom and /or a mock encounter.

• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Flexible schedule and willingness to work irregular hours.
• Work in a professional manner when interacting with learners, staff, faculty, peers, and members of the community.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and improvise within the scope of the assignedscenario role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Comfort portraying scenarios that may be emotionally difficult
• Willingness to be audio and video recorded and observed live while in simulation.
• Proficiency with technology including accessing the internet, navigating to websites, checking and replying to email, gaining access to Zoom meetings, and working in the Microsoft Office suite. This includes recording time worked on OU’s time and pay site.
• Ability to accurately recall scenario role information.

• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to respond to simulated stressful emotional or physical situations in the role of a patient actor. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

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Acting background or interest in experiential learning. Improvisation skills are very helpful in this role. Interest or background in social work or related field.

Yes