Instructional Design & Technology Specialist

Job Title:  Instructional Design & Technology Specialist 

Department:  Education

Reports to:  Training and Development Manager

Exemption:  Non-Exempt

Location: Covington, LA 

Position Summary

The Instructional Design & Technology Specialist is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating learning solutions that support LOPA’s operational, clinical, and organizational goals. This role partners with the Manager of Training & Education, department leaders, and subject matter experts to identify learning needs and develop effective training, competency, and continuing education programs.

The position also supports clinical simulation operations, including simulation scenario development, equipment and software operation, technical troubleshooting, and coordination of simulation-based learning activities. The Specialist serves as a resource for learning technologies, including the Learning Management System (LMS), and clinical simulation systems.

Essential Functions

• Designs, develops, implements, and evaluates orientation, job-specific training, continuing education, competency programs, and other organizational learning initiatives.
• Conducts learning needs assessments and develops instructional solutions using adult learning principles and established instructional design methodologies.
• Creates instructional materials, including eLearning modules, facilitator guides, job aids, multimedia content, assessments, and performance support resources.
• Selects and applies appropriate instructional methods, including instructor-led, virtual, eLearning, blended, and simulation-based learning.
• Collaborates with department leaders and subject matter experts to identify training priorities, competency requirements, and performance improvement opportunities.
• Develops and maintains department-specific continuing education programs, annual training plans, and competency assessment tools.
• Facilitates training in individual, group, classroom, virtual, and simulation settings.
• Evaluates training effectiveness, learner outcomes, and organizational impact using established evaluation methodologies, including the Kirkpatrick Model.
• Supports the design, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of clinical simulation activities.
• Operates and supports clinical simulation software, equipment, patient simulators, audiovisual systems, and related technologies.
• Assists with simulation scenario programming, equipment setup, system testing, operation, and breakdown.
• Provides technical support and troubleshooting before and during simulation activities and coordinates escalation of technical issues when necessary.
• Supports routine maintenance, software updates, equipment readiness, inventory, and documentation for simulation technology.
• Collaborates with clinical educators and subject matter experts to ensure simulation scenarios align with learning objectives and competency requirements.
• Serves as a system administrator for the Absorb LMS, including course administration, user support, reporting, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Maintains accurate training, competency, continuing education, and simulation documentation.
• Researches and recommends instructional technologies and learning methodologies that enhance educational quality and effectiveness.
• Provides instructional design and learning technology guidance to educators and subject matter experts.
• Participates in quality assurance and continuous improvement of educational materials, programs, and simulation activities.

Job Role Expectations

• Provides monthly updates regarding training initiatives, simulation activities, and project status to the Manager of Training & Education.
• Maintains accurate and current training, simulation, and learning technology documentation.
• Ensures simulation equipment and technology are prepared and operational for scheduled activities within the scope of the position.
• Collaborates with Training & Education, Quality, Information Technology, clinical teams, vendors, and organizational leadership as appropriate.
• Participates in departmental meetings, committees, workgroups, and organizational education initiatives.
• Completes at least one relevant professional development activity annually.
• Allocates approximately one day per week for administrative responsibilities, including planning, documentation, reporting, course development, and system administration.

Organizational Expectations

• Demonstrates LOPA’s core values through professional, respectful, and collaborative behavior.
• Maintains accountability, effective communication, professionalism, and teamwork.
• Completes required training and compliance activities within established timelines.
• Demonstrates consistent punctuality, reliability, and preparedness for scheduled training and simulation activities.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in office, classroom, clinical simulation and occasional clinical environments.
• This position requires some travel, as needed
• Possible mental and visual fatigue associated with detailed work
• Most work is done indoors in an office setting
• Work in a fast-paced environment with a sometimes demanding time schedule
• Daily work mostly done in open cubicle environment

Physical Demands

• May require extended periods of sitting
• Requires driving when travel is needed
• Stooping, bending, kneeling or crouching
• Doing work that requires visual acuity
• Need for ability to hear and see
• Light work that includes moving or lifting objects up to 20 pounds

Work Hours

• Full time position. Typical work hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm. with flexibility at the discretion of the department leader to support training and simulation activities.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in instructional design, learning and development, healthcare education, clinical simulation, or a related field.
• Experience operating or supporting clinical simulation software, equipment, patient simulators, audiovisual systems, or related simulation technologies.
• Demonstrated experience applying adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies, including ADDIE and/or SAM.
• Experience developing eLearning and multimedia content using tools such as Articulate Storyline, Rise, Captivate, or similar platforms.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems; Absorb LMS experience preferred.
• Experience in a healthcare or clinical education environment is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of instructional design, adult learning, competency development, and training evaluation principles.
• Knowledge of clinical simulation operations and simulation-based education.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot simulation software, equipment, audiovisual systems, and related technologies.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to learn new software and technology platforms.
• Proficiency with eLearning development tools, LMS platforms, and multimedia technologies.
• Strong communication, facilitation, project management, organization, and problem-solving skills.