Life Support Instructor, Department Of Surgery, School Of Medicine

Life Support Instructor, Department of Surgery, School Of Medicine

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU's sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Surgery

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Life Support Instructor is responsible for the delivery, quality, and consistency of American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) education. This role serves as a lead instructor for BLS and Heartsaver courses independent of direct supervision and ensures courses are conducted in compliance with AHA guidelines, Training Center policies, and organizational standards. Assists in administrative responsibilities for BLS classes, including, but not limited to, instructor scheduling, equipment set up and upkeep, and course paperwork. May assist in the instruction of other courses (ACLS, PALS, EMT, etc), as needed, if qualified.

Key Responsibilities:

Instruction & Course Delivery:

• Serve as primary instructor and/or lead faculty for Instructor-led BLS courses, BLS Heartcode, and Heartsaver courses
• Ensure all BLS courses meet current AHA guidelines, policies, and educational standards
• Model best practices in adult learning, skills instruction, assessment, and remediation
• Maintain a consistent, high-quality learner experience across all BLS offerings

Instructor Leadership & Support:

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and informal evaluation for BLS instructors
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, and ongoing development of BLS faculty
• Support instructor remediation and performance improvement when needed
• Serve as a point of contact for instructor questions related to content, testing, or course delivery

Program Quality & Compliance:

• Ensure accurate completion of all AHA-required documentation and rosters
• Assist with quality assurance activities, including course audits and feedback review
• Help maintain compliance with AHA Training Center and organizational policies
• Identify opportunities for standardization and continuous improvement

Operational & Administrative Support:

• Collaborate with course administrators on scheduling, staffing, and logistics
• Assist with inventory oversight, equipment readiness, and classroom setup
• Support implementation of program updates, new initiatives, or process changes
• Serve as a liaison between instructors and program leadership
• May be assigned as instructor to other course disciplines and programs within CTCCE, if qualified.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required Education & Experience:

• Valid and current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor certification
• Demonstrated experience teaching BLS courses
• Reliable transportation to class locations
• Demonstrated knowledge of AHA Training Center rules and requirements, AHA BLS course requirements.
• Must be able to work independently without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Virginia Dept Health EMT or higher
• AHA ACLS Instructor
• AHA PALS Instructor
• Experience in EMS, nursing, allied health, or hospital-based education
• Clinical-based experience at VCU Health
• Comprehensive knowledge of CTCCE programs and courses

Salary Range: 55,000-70,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes ORP Eligible: Yes Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite University Job Title: 2123B - Health Educator HS Base