Simulation Coordinator- University of the Free State (1-year)
Job Details
Job Title: Simulation Coordinator (Post Level 9)
Job ID: 6631
Reference Number: 2310
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Department: Faculty of Health Sciences – School of Biomedical Sciences
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
Employment Type: 1-year contract, renewable
Occupational Level: Junior Management
Salary: Available on request
Fringe Benefits: Pension scheme, medical aid, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits, subject to applicable conditions.
Closing Date: 30 October 2026
Expected Starting Date: As soon as possible
Job Description
The University of the Free State is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced nursing professional to fill the position of Simulation Coordinator within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The successful candidate will coordinate clinical skills teaching and simulation-based education, helping nursing and other healthcare students develop practical clinical competencies in a safe and structured learning environment.
The role involves demonstrating clinical procedures, supporting lecturers and clinical instructors, preparing simulation equipment, coordinating simulated patients and examiners, and assisting with practical assessments, including Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). The incumbent will also manage clinical equipment, consumables and administrative processes to ensure that simulation facilities remain safe, organised and ready for teaching and assessment.
Key Responsibilities
A. Practical Sessions and Clinical Training
Facilitate clinical skills teaching and demonstrate clinical procedures to students.
Supervise learners during practical skills development and simulation-based training.
Support lecturers and clinical instructors with the preparation and delivery of clinical skills sessions.
Recruit and schedule standardised patients (SPs) for teaching and assessment activities.
Train and prepare simulated patients to portray clinical scenarios accurately, consistently and safely.
Ensure simulation environments and equipment comply with clinical standards and infection prevention and control requirements.
Maintain the cleanliness, safety and operational readiness of manikins, instruments and simulation equipment.
Inspect equipment after sessions, identify damage or safety concerns, and arrange maintenance or replacement where necessary.
Ensure simulation equipment and manikins are properly stored, secured and organised.
B. Assessment and Examinations
Apply clinical knowledge when assessing students during formative and summative practical examinations.
Participate in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Invigilate practical tests and examinations when requested by lecturers or module leaders.
Prepare examination venues, clinical equipment, materials and assessment stations.
Recruit suitably qualified examiners for practical examinations.
Recruit, prepare and assist in training simulated patients for OSCE assessments.
Ensure clinical scenarios and simulated patient performances align with assessment objectives.
Administration and Equipment Management
Manage and monitor stock levels of clinical consumables, instruments, manikins and simulation equipment.
Ensure equipment and supplies are safe, suitable and available for teaching and assessment.
Maintain cost-effective inventory management in accordance with institutional policies and standard operating procedures.
Handle administrative tasks related to the recruitment and management of standardised patients.
Maintain records relating to clinical skills training, simulation activities, practical assessments and equipment.
Support administrative processes involving infection prevention and control and students’ clinical competency development.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at NQF Level 7.
A postgraduate qualification in Nursing Education or Health Professions Education. Applicants must attach a copy.
Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Proof of registration must be attached.
At least three years of nursing practice after completing community service.
At least two years of relevant work experience in a higher education environment, relating to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
The following will be advantageous:
Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or equivalent certification.
A background in health professions education.
Experience using clinical simulation as a teaching methodology.
A valid driver’s licence. Applicants should attach a copy.
Required Competencies and Skills
Results Orientation
Ability to adapt to changing environments and evolving situations.
Reliability, accountability and commitment to responsibilities.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to manage several activities simultaneously.
Strong planning, organisation and time-management skills.
Business Acumen
Ability to follow institutional rules, policies and procedures.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leadership
High levels of motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
Ability to cooperate with colleagues and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
Sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to build positive working relationships with students, lecturers, clinical instructors and other stakeholders.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is available on request.
Fringe benefits may include the following, subject to applicable conditions:
Pension scheme.
Medical aid scheme.
Group life insurance.
Housing allowance.
Annual leave and sick leave.
Service bonus.
Study benefits.