Simulation Operations Specialist II

The Simulation Operations (SIM Ops) Specialist II – Standardized Patient Program Coordinator for the College of Nursing will play a dual role in supporting the setup and execution of simulation events, as well as leading the operational coordination of the College of Nursing’s Standardized Patient (SP) program. 

The SP Program Coordinator will be responsible for developing, scheduling, training, and evaluating the performance of SPs used across undergraduate and graduate simulation activities. Working closely with the Assistant Director of Simulation Operations, the simulation operations team, simulation educators, faculty leads, and the Assistant Dean of Simulation, this role ensures that SP integration enhances realism, supports curricular goals, and aligns with national best practices in simulation. 

Standardized Patient (SP) Program Coordination:
• Lead the coordination of the Standardized Patient (SP) program for the College of Nursing, working in alignment with the Assistant Director of Simulation Operations and program leads.
• Draft SP scripts, role descriptions, and case materials in collaboration with simulation educators and course faculty.
• Train and prepare SPs to accurately and consistently portray scenarios and deliver structured feedback when appropriate.
• Schedule SPs for simulation events, ensuring coverage across locations and consistency of role portrayal.
• Ensure SPs are prepared, supported, and debriefed before and after simulation events.
• Evaluate SP performance and provide feedback to ensure role accuracy, consistency, and professionalism.
• Develop and maintain an SP database, including availability, training logs, evaluations, and competencies.

Simulation Event Setup and Support:
• Support the setup, execution, and breakdown of simulation activities by configuring rooms, preparing supplies, and operating AV and manikin-based technology in alignment with scenario design and faculty requirements.
Collaborate with faculty and simulation educators to ensure environments reflect appropriate clinical realism.
• Operate audiovisual recording systems (e.g., SimCapture), ensuring high-quality recordings, playback, and documentation for debriefing.
• Provide technical and logistical support during both high- and low-fidelity simulation activities.

Program Development and Integration:
• Integrate the use of SPs into undergraduate and graduate simulations, ensuring that the modality matches the learning objectives.
• Work collaboratively with faculty to identify opportunities for enhanced use of SPs, especially in areas such as communication, cultural competence, mental health, and interprofessional education.
• Ensure SP use aligns with the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice (HSSOBP) and supports psychological safety for all learners.
• Participate in simulation team meetings and quality improvement efforts to assess the impact of SP-based simulations on learner outcomes and satisfaction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position requires a bachelor's degree in a field related to the discipline of work and two years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved to a total of six years.

Related disciplines include:

• Medical Simulation
• IT/AV/ Computer
• Firefighter/Paramedic
• Healthcare
• BioMedical or Health Sciences
• Surgical Technology
   

Alternatively, individuals who have successfully completed 5 qualifying simulation concentration courses at USF and have 1 year of relevant work experience, will meet the minimum requirements for this position.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CHSOS certification or equivalent healthcare simulation training.
• Experience in training and evaluating SPs in academic or healthcare settings. 
• Familiarity with SimCapture or other simulation audiovisual systems.
• Experience using electronic tools for SP scheduling, evaluation, and performance management.
• Knowledge of SSiH accreditation standards and the Association for Standardized Patient Educator (ASPE) best practices in SP methodology.

Working Conditions: 

• Environment –Typical indoor environment/office setting.
• Physical Requirements – climbing, standing, stooping, and/or typing; Ability to lift up to 20 lbs as needed. 
• Travel – Ability to travel to other USF campuses and/or other locations as requested.