Training Specialist

• The SOS serves as the primary simulator operator and educator independently planning executing and evaluating simulation-based learning events of significant complexity and clinical impact.
• The incumbent designs and facilitates scenarios across the full spectrum of simulation modalities - from basic task training to advanced multi-disciplinary procedural simulations - and leads structured debriefs using evidence-based frameworks (e.g. Debriefing with Good Judgment PEARLS (TeamSTEPPS).
• This includes direct operational support for advanced surgical procedure simulations including training programs for complex minimally invasive procedures such as Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (LCBDE).
• The SOS designs configures and operates simulation environments that replicate the surgical field with a level of fidelity sufficient to prepare surgeons to perform these procedures on Veteran patients - directly contributing to measurable improvements in surgical outcomes reductions in bed days of care and decreased post-procedural complications.
• The SOS supports simulation activities involving AI-integrated surgical robotics including pre-implementation training and workflow gap analysis for systems such as the Da Vinci Surgical System.
• This includes designing simulation-based previewing exercises that allow surgical teams to evaluate new robotic equipment assess operational processes identify training gaps and develop clinical proficiency prior to live patient procedures.

Additional duties include:
- Operating and troubleshooting A/V systems simulator control software VR platforms and AI-integrated simulation tools during live events
- Applying advanced moulage techniques and constructing high-realism props and environmental elements to support immersive clinically authentic training environments
- Developing contingency plans for equipment issues or schedule disruptions to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical training programs
- Supporting advanced simulation certification requirements for the simulation center including preparation for and maintenance of Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) accreditation or equivalent program recognition.
- Collaborating with clinicians faculty surgeons and trainees across multiple specialty services to refine scenario content and assessment criteria at basic intermediate and advanced levels
Developing and maintaining simulation scenarios learning modules and competency assessment tools that reflect current clinical standards regulatory requirements and evidence-based simulation practices
- Designing curricula that support advanced simulation certification requirements including competency-based credentialing privileging support and skills validation programs aligned with specialty-specific standards
- Integrating virtual reality and artificial intelligence modalities into the simulation curriculum as part of the facilitys ongoing expansion of high-fidelity immersive training capabilities; evaluating emerging VR and AI-enabled tools for clinical applicability and educational effectiveness
- Managing training schedules event calendars and room reservations; proactively forecasting and communicating scheduling changes to multi-disciplinary stakeholder groups
- Organizing and proctoring competency-based learning exercises; documenting all training events in accordance with VHA JC AHA and REdI requirements
- Mentoring faculty clinical staff and adjunct instructors on debriefing techniques curriculum design simulation operations and learning platform utilization
- Resolving scheduling conflicts and coordinating logistics across multiple simultaneous programs involving diverse stakeholder groups including community partners and military collaborators

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:30 am to 3:00 pm or 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Compressed/Flexible: May be authorized
Telework: This position may be authorized for Ad-Hoc telework. Ad hoc telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Training Specialist/PD11554A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• To be considered for this position you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 10/05/2026.

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: As a current Federal GS employee you must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

• For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07 level.

The grade may have been in any occupation but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade as required by the this instance you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

Examples of appropriate SF-50s to include which show TIG requirements have been met include:

• Within grade increases (WGI) at the highest grade held; or
• Promotions with an effective date that occurred more than one year from the closing date of the job opportunity announcement; or
• Most recent appointment.

NOTE: Do not submit Award or General Adjustment SF-50s as they do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying TIG.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
GS-09 Grade Level:

• Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year of Specialized Experience which is equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-07 level) in the normal line of progression for the position. Specialized Experience is defined as experience below.
• Work in the occupation or subject-matter field of the position to be filled that required training or instructing others.
• Administering a training program.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.

Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week.

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary although some physical effort may be required to perform the duties of the position. The incumbent may sit to do much of the work. The nature of the work will place the incumbent often in a stressful situation and the incumbent must possess the maturity and judgment to complete the work assignments. Some standing and walking is necessary.

For more information on these qualification standards please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at

Required Experience:

IC