Lead Clinical Educator

Description

The Lead Clinical Educator is a member of the Education team responsible for advancing clinical excellence through the design, delivery, and evaluation of clinical education, skills training, competency validation, simulation, and preceptor development.

Works collaboratively with the Educational Institute leaders, subject matter experts, and interdisciplinary teams. This role ensures all educational programs prepare the clinicians to provide safe, compassionate, compliant, evidence-based care.

The Elizabeth Hospice is San Diego's oldest non-profit hospice of 45 years. We are growing and looking for talented individuals to join our high performing team and support our mission. We serve all of San Diego County and south Riverside County with multiple hospice office locations.

Our Mission: To enhance the quality of life for those nearing the end of life's journey and for those who grieve.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Some weekends and evenings may be required.

Salary: $115,000.00- $125,000.00 annually. Compensation is determined by experience.

Work Location: Escondido, CA

Travel: Required for patient visits. Occassional travel for educational purposes.

Requirements

CORE TEACHING & CLINICAL EDUCATION RESPONSIBILITIES (80%)

Clinical Skills Education & Development

1. Develops and delivers evidence-based curricula for clinical orientation, continuing education and competency-based training across all clinical disciplines

2. Conducts and leads Clinical Skills Labs to ensure nursing and clinical staff master essential competencies within defined timelines

3. Provides direct clinical observation, assessment, and mentoring to new and existing clinical staff, with focus on clinical judgment, patient safety, and documentation excellence in skills lab and in field, as appropriate

4. Observes clinical staff in field settings performing comprehensive patient assessments and provides constructive feedback on clinical performance

5. Evaluates clinical knowledge, skills, and competencies through multiple methods including bedside observation (OSCE), case discussions, and practical demonstrations

6. Ensures curriculum is evidence-based, regulatory-compliant, and aligned with current hospice and palliative care standards and best practices

Teaching & Presentation

7. Develops and instructs on clinical topics, clinical operations, and compliance requirements for all members of the TEH Interdisciplinary Team

8. Serves as a primary instructor for the organization's monthly New Hire Orientation (NHO) program and Continuing Education, delivering clinical education that supports the successful onboarding and transition of newly hired clinical staff.

9. Develops and delivers educational presentations for community partners, healthcare professionals, students, and other external audiences as required.

10. Facilitates case-based discussions, simulations, and role-plays to deepen staff understanding of complex clinical scenarios.

11. Evaluates clinical knowledge, skills, and competencies through multiple methods including bedside observation (OSCE), case discussions, and practical demonstrations.

12. Creates in-person and online learning materials, course guides, competency tools, and educational resources.

13. Coordinates clinical training modules within the EMR and Learning Management System (LMS).

Preceptor Development & Support

14. Develops and delivers training curricula for preceptors to strengthen their coaching, mentorship, and teaching skills

15. Provides ongoing feedback, support, and coaching to preceptors on all clinical teams to improve the quality of new hire orientation

16. Collaborates with preceptors to coordinate clinical assignments and rotations throughout the initial orientation period

17. Models excellence in mentorship and professional development to foster a culture of continuous learning

18. Professional Education & Community Education

19. Supports education for medical residents, fellows, nurse practitioners, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members

20. Participates in professional and community education initiatives including advance care planning sessions and public awareness building

21. Supports training for external partners including skilled nursing facilities, visiting scholars, and community partners

22. Coordinates rotation and education for external nursing students and clinicians, as assigned by Educational Institute leadership

Assessment & Program Evaluation

23. Develops and implements evaluation strategies to assess staff knowledge, skills, competencies, and program outcomes

24. Provides useful feedback to participants and the Education Institute leadership on the effectiveness and value of educational programs

25. Participates in auditing processes with the Compliance department to ensure documentation quality and regulatory adherence

26. Monitors competency completion timelines and staff progress, coordinating with supervisors on identified gaps

LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES (20%)

27. Collaborate with the Education Institute leadership team to assess ongoing educational needs and develop curricula that align with organizational priorities

28. Contributes to the development and implementation of the Education Institute's strategic plan and educational initiatives

29. Identifies and supports opportunities for professional growth, innovation, and grants/partnerships that advance the Education Institute

30. Works with Education Manager and team on scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of education activities

31. Serves as a clinical resource to HR, supervisors, and clinical managers on education, training, and clinical standards

32. Acts as OSHA and compliance resource to support regulatory adherence across clinical teams

33. Provides input on program standards, policies, and procedures affecting clinical education

34. Maintains current knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design best practices, and healthcare education trends

35. Works with Education Manager to monitor key performance indicators related to staff competency completion, education program outcomes, and external partner satisfaction. 

36. Participates in committees and special projects as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) ; Clinical Nurse Specialist strongly preferred.

2. RN license required. 

3. Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in healthcare education, 

4. Required at least three (3) years in hospice or palliative care.

5. Current CA driver’s license with proof of auto insurance

6. Maintains certification as CHPN, or CHPPN, preferred

7. Must possess excellent written and verbal skills and be English language proficient.

8. Demonstrated success in developing and growing education programs, including external partnerships or revenue-generating initiatives.

9. Proficient in Electronic Medical Records, Microsoft Word, experience with PowerPoint, Outlook, 

10. Proficient in point-of-care charting

11. Demonstrates a positive attitude in relation to the profession of nursing and their role within the organization 

12. Possesses a keen desire to work with and teach new employees 

13. Demonstrates excellent communication skills

14. Experience setting up computer-based learning modules preferred. 

We place a high importance on our employees and reward staff in several ways such as:

• Competitive hospice industry compensation

• Benefits package with multiple plan offerings and generous employer contribution

• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match

• Supportive work culture which encourages work life balance

•Paid Time Off, paid holidays & floating holiday

• Employee development program managed by in-house education department to support individualized orientation and professional growth needs.

• Tuition Reimbursement program

• Monthly mileage reimbursement

• Employee Referral Program

 "The Elizabeth Hospice is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law."