: Oklahoma-Norman-Norman Campus
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The Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work is seeking Standardized Clients (often called Standardized Participants / Patients in medical schools) for our Social Simulation Center on the Norman Campus.
Never heard of a Standardized or Simulated Client? Here’s an explanation!
Given that the best way to replicate a human being is with a human being, many aspects of the real clinical world can be evoked using specially trained people to portray patients with mental health conditions or a person experiencing challenges in their life. Because of their special training they are referred to as “Standardized Clients” (SC’s).
Simulated Client actors (yes, it’s acting!) are able to give a consistent and pre-defined account of their condition and to answer the full spectrum of questions about the person they are portraying. SC’s respond to the student / learner questions based on the scenario role they are playing for a given simulation.
This allows students or other learners to practice interviewing clients and carrying on a clinical conversation with patients with a variety of issues or conditions including anxiety, possible substance use, potential suicidality, and more. SC’s are training to portray different individuals from diverse demographic backgrounds.
SC’s are highly effective for early learners just acquiring the skills of their profession, but also for more advanced personnel needing practice of assessment in handling complex or difficult patient encounters (for example child custody issues or a person this is in danger of being evicted from their home.)
Part of the special training of SC’s is on how to provide focused feedback on the simulation session to the student / learner. Each simulation session ends with the SC and student having a brief conversation about how the session went. SC’s are not providing grades or clinical critique but are focused on how the student engaged the simulated client.
Our SC’s play roles of social service clients in 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. These are temporary positions without benefits and these positions will have some work hours in the evenings and on weekends.
Applicants will be screened and will be invited to come in for an interview to discuss suitability and upcoming SIM Center training needs. All our standardized roles have complete role / Character descriptions and will be discussed at interview. Participant roles are defined, and the roles may vary within the realm of the Social Work profession.
Description:
SCs 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.)
Essential Duties:
- 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 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.
Please Note:
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.
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Required Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Skills:
- Must be able to assume role of a patient or consumer in a clinical situation.
- Must be able to work successfully in a team situation with a diverse group of faculty, students and staff.
- Must be able to follow directions and work as part of a team.
- Must be able to provide consistent “performances” based on the simulation scenario.
- You must be available to work various shifts.
Department Preferences:
- Acting experience (amateur or professional) with improvisation skills is helpful, but not a requirement.
Advertised Physical Requirements:
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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.
Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our community’s unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.
