Simulation Technician

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:                  

This position provides technical, laboratory, and educational support for all simulation operations in the Simulation & Clinical Skills Center to ensure the goals and objectives and the mission of the Center is achieved. This position sets up and breaks down all simulation activities.  This person must have comprehensive knowledge of the technology, simulators, and audiovisual systems within the Center’s purview.  This position will work nights and weekends.  Incumbent in this position must be able to lift up to 75 lbs.  The position reports to the Center’s Director and Medical Director.

SUPERVISORY

ACCOUNTABILITY:                  

None.

NATURE AND SCOPE:            

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, students, and staff of the department and University.  External contacts include vendors, visitors and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:             

Simulation Courses

• Responsible for all set up, transition and break down for all sessions daily.
• Program simulator software (with Simulation Educator) to scenario author/instructor specifications
• Operate technology (simulators, audio visual, etc. ) in real-time.
• Support / assist in role-playing application and props placement to create a virtual healthcare setting.
• Assist in prepare and maintain technical checklists for all simulation scenarios.

Procedural and Technical Skills Courses

• Responsible for all set up, transition and breakdown for all sessions daily.
• Provide all faculty and learners with an orientation prior to the start of classes
• Task training and dry prep area- Set up sterile table with instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain the highest standards for a sterile environment by utilizing standard protocol.
• Maintain all equipment in area (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.). Order, maintain, and track all supplies essential for sessions.
• Implement and adhere to all OSHA regulations
• Responsible for all cleaning, restocking, maintenance, and refers for repairs of room daily.

Research Initiatives:

• Assist and support with all research projects as indicated in grant.

Education and Training

• Learner and Faculty Education and Training
  • Provide technical and laboratory orientation for all courses.
  • Serve as a resource to faculty and students during classes
  • Assist in training faculty and staff, as needed, to use the audio/visual system.
  • Facilitate self-directed learner practice sessions and pipeline programs

Technical Responsibilities

• Program simulator software (with IT Simulation Specialist) to scenario author/instructor specifications
• Operate technology (simulators, audio visual, etc. ) in real-time.
• Maintain repair records for all simulation equipment.
• Manikin and Simulators – Assist IT Simulation Specialist. Test simulators to ensure operating properly.
• Assist in installing software and hardware upgrades to simulation equipment.
• Test equipment, troubleshoot equipment and perform minor electronic and/or mechanical repairs on simulators to ensure all is operational. Contact
• Coordinate repair of manikin and simulators as needed with vendors and manufacturers.
• Audio/Visual system – Assist in managing the audio/visual system for computerized human patient simulation and remote locations.
• Screen based simulations- Assist in set-up, breakdown, and troubleshooting of laptops. Maintain inventory through assets management.
• Virtual reality simulators – Assist in operating equipment. Assist in maintaining and repairing system.
• IT Infrastructure- Assist the IT Simulation Specialist to ensure the stability of the technology infrastructure
• Data and Video recording Management- Assist in securing all according to university IT policies and procedures. Assist in ensure HIPPA and FERPA rules are followed.
• Secondary liaison with external technology partners regarding equipment, system upgrades, troubleshooting and systems problems; maintain record of repairs - Work with ETS information technology personnel to troubleshoot and resolve problems with the system hardware.
• Equipment Manufacturers- Interface with the equipment manufacturers regarding equipment troubleshooting and systems problems; maintain record of repairs.
• Evaluate new equipment and maintenance agreements. Identify opportunities for technology improvement.

Administrative

• Coordinate the ordering of all equipment and supplies to keep the simulators operational.
• Maintain supplies and equipment related to simulator through assets management system.
• Management inventory through assets management system.
• Assist in implementing disaster recovery and back-up procedures and information security and control structures.
• Asset Management- Tracks all medical and disposable supply usage, expiration, and ordering to ensure supplies are on hand at all times.
• Keep abreast of all university and healthcare policies to integrate into Simulation Center policies.
• Assist with facilitating tours for visitors to the Center

Professional Development

• Professional Certification and Center training
  • Obtain Professional Certification - Become certified by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist- CHSOS) in year 1
  • Complete Center simulation training curriculum in year 1
• Maintain current knowledge of simulation equipment operating manuals as well as laboratory protocols and guidelines including Universal Precautions.
• Attend educational and technical workshops.
• Establish personal networks.
• Benchmarking state-of the-art practices.
• Engage with professional societies (Society for Simulation in Healthcare, SimOps, etc.)

Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:           

• Demonstrate effective positive communication skills in a positive and productive manner with faculty, students and other users of the Center.
• Demonstrate effective coordination, prioritization and planning skills.
• Demonstrate leadership and professionalism.
• Demonstrate effective problem solving skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to multi-task at an extremely high level.
• Demonstrate the ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrate the ability to use sound independent judgment
• Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students, and the general public.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:                    

Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Technology or Engineering.  Certification in Laboratory

Science.  A minimum of five years work in related field experience.  Experience in an academic,

healthcare, or simulation learning environment preferred.  Experience with the tools used in making minor

electronic and/or mechanical repairs, e.g., soldering gun/iron, wire strippers, multi-meters, etc. Experience

with or knowledge of advanced audio/video recording systems.  Working knowledge of and proficiency in

computers, application software, operating systems and information technology (IT) equipment.

Experience with or willingness to learn Laerdal, METI, Gaumard, Harvey and other simulation

systems and equipment.  Must be able to work nights and weekends.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $28/hr - $31.25/hr