Surgical Services Educator

Summary

The Clinical Donation Specialist Educator (CDS Educator) leads the training, development, and clinical advancement of Clinical Donation Specialists at We Are Sharing Hope SC (SHSC). This position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in organ recovery, sterile technique, back-table processes, kidney cannulation, machine perfusion, and regulatory requirements.

The CDS Educator independently develops and delivers training, conducts high-level competency assessments, leads preceptor development, and ensures staff achieve and maintain clinical proficiency that meets or exceeds SHSC’s operational, regulatory, and quality expectations. The educator plays a pivotal role in onboarding, ongoing development, and continuous improvement of the CDS program.

1. Field Training & Competency Development

• Independently leads real-time, surgical recoveries, organ preservation, back-table work, kidney cannulation, and perfusion machine operations.
• Conducts structured field evaluations, documents trainee progress, and manages competency sign-offs.
• Meets monthly with trainees to provide direct, actionable coaching.
• Ensures staff achieve proficiency in organ preservation workflows, sterile technique, OR processes, documentation, and UNOS regulatory requirements.

2. Program & Curriculum Leadership

• Leads the development and continuous improvement of onboarding curricula, annual competencies, simulations, job aids, and reference tools.
• Partners with the Learning & Development team to ensure training materials meet adult-learning standards and instructional best practices.
• Ensures training content aligns with SHSC policies, AOPO, OPTN, and CMS regulations.

3. Preceptor Development & Oversight

• Identifies, trains, mentors, and evaluates preceptors to ensure consistent, high-quality training delivery.
• Leads calibration sessions, preceptor workshops, and performance evaluations.
• Provides backup and coaching to preceptors during complex cases or challenging trainee scenarios.

4. Subject Matter Expertise & Operational Support

• Serves as a primary SME for all CDS clinical practices, including sterile field management, back-table procedures, organ packaging, kidney cannulation, and machine perfusion.
• Maintains clinical readiness and can independently step into CDS I or CDS 2 duties when operational needs require.
• Advises CDS staff, hospital teams, and leadership on advanced clinical practices and decision-making.

5. Quality, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Conducts field audits and documentation reviews to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Leads or supports process-improvement initiatives, case reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Contributes to maintaining an “Always Audit Ready” culture within the CDS team.

6. Education & Stakeholder Engagement

• Provides educational presentations, in-services, and departmental training to SHSC staff and hospital partners.
• Represents the CDS program in donor committee meetings and cross-functional collaborations.
• Participates in national organizations (AOPO, NATCO, UNOS) to maintain professional development.

7. On-Call & Schedule Requirements

• Position requires 6–8 days of on-call per month, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed for training or operational support.
• Rapid response within the SHSC service area is required.

8. Travel Requirements

• Regular travel to all three SHSC offices (Charleston, Greenville, Columbia) is required.
• Additional travel to hospitals across the region is necessary for field training, case support, and staff evaluation.

9. Other Duties

• Supports safety checks, equipment readiness, and inventory.
• Performs duties as assigned by the Manager of Surgical Services, Director of Perfusion & Preservation, or organizational leadership.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Advanced surgical or clinical certifications preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years OPO surgical or clinical experience required.
• Strong preference for educator, preceptor, or training experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in sterile technique, back-table preparation, kidney cannulation, and machine perfusion.

Certificates & Licenses

• CTP required.
• Surgical Technician certification preferred.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work extended case durations (up to 24 hours when necessary).
• Ability to lift 50–100 lbs and work in sterile environments with PPE.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to all SHSC offices.