Emegency Medical Services Director

Plans, develops, implements, coordinates, directs, and evaluates the activities of the Ada County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, including field operations and business office administration; manages departmental building facilities and is responsible for departmental vehicles and equipment.  This job requires the possession and maintenance of State licensure as a Paramedic to accomplish the primary job functions.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The EMS Chief Paramedic is responsible for planning, designing, and carrying out programs, projects, studies, or other work independently.   The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) provides administrative direction with assignments in terms of broadly defined missions or functions.   When work is reviewed by the BOCC, review is based on the ability to fulfill global program objectives and overall influence on the EMS program.    

• Primary job functions require the possession and maintenance of State licensure as a Paramedic in addition to: Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications;
• Plans, develops, implements, coordinates, directs, and evaluates the provision of Emergency Medical Services to Ada County;
• Provides pre-hospital emergent and non-emergent care at the paramedic level;
• Establishes, in conjunction with the BOCC and the Ada County City Emergency Services System (ACCESS) departmental goals and objectives and monitors progress in achieving such;
• Establishes priorities for the EMS Department and serves as the department liaison to the BOCC;
• Ensures the adequate provision of staff, equipment, and services in order to provide necessary and cost-effective EMS services;
• Provides and directs efficient and effective medical care provided by EMS personnel;
• Establishes departmental policies, procedures, and practices and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal standards;
• Interviews, hires, trains, supervises, evaluates, promotes, recommends merit increases for, disciplines, and dismisses subordinate staff;
• Establishes departmental training programs for Paramedics'   recertification, related agencies, and community education programs;
• Conducts feasibility studies of and makes cost-benefit analyses for proposed projects;
• Establishes and maintains accounting systems which provide for the billing and cost-accounting of the provision of services;
• Prepares and presents proposed annual budget and monitors expenditures;
• Coordinates effective maintenance and repair of EMS building facilities, grounds, and equipment;
• Manages departmental building facilities and vehicles;
• Maintains communications, cooperates, and coordinates with Ada County departmental directors;
• Coordinates related activities with the medical community, ACCESS, 911-dispatch, State of Idaho EMS Division, and Canyon County officials ensuring acceptable standards of patient care with other emergency service agencies and organizations;
• Oversees the coordination of emergency communications networks and of mutual support/aid agreements with other organizations;
• Reviews, develops, and implements policies/procedures related to disaster preparedness and assistance programs;
• Stays up-to-date regarding nationwide developments in the emergency medical services field;
• Serves as special staff advisor to the Board of County Commissioners and other county officials, on matters relating to emergency medical services.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Makes presentations to civic service organizations to promote emergency medical services;
• Responsible for the compilation and maintenance of EMS records; 
• Performs related functions as required.

• Must possess and maintain State Licensure as Paramedic;
• Must attend courses, classes, seminars to maintain paramedic certification as required by the state of Idaho and maintain a high degree of academic and practical knowledge in emergency paramedicine;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license;
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in medical field, public safety, planning, public administration, or equivalent experience of education and experience required;
• A minimum of five years of supervisory or management experience;
• Knowledge of emergency medical services policies, practices, and procedures; and pre-hospital medical care practices and procedures;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern business management; personnel management; budgeting and financial management; and general bidding procedures and contracting; in order to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate the administrative procedures necessary to operate a major Emergency Medical Services organization;
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize procedures and principles necessary to conduct a comprehensive public relations program;
• Knowledge of the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that affect health care providers;
• Knowledge of the street systems, addresses and physical layout of Ada County;
• Knowledge of rescue and emergency medical equipment;
• Skill in performing technical medical skills with a high degree of accuracy;
• Skill in understanding and effectively dealing with emotional and medical needs of patients;
• Skill in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of all units of measure;
• Ability to select, develop, motivate, and supervise a subordinate staff; make oral and written presentations in a clear and concise manner; coordinate activities relating to emergency medical services and business management; oversee business management activities; and develop, implement, and enforce policies, procedures, and related practices; 
• Ability to use tact, ingenuity, and resourcefulness to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, medical officials, and officials of other major entities associated with the provision of emergency medical services;
• Ability to diagnose and treat a medical emergency with a high degree of accuracy;
• Ability to maintain a professional and objective approach to the care of ill or injured persons; 
• Ability to learn new concepts in rescue techniques, medical skills and pre-hospital care; 
• Ability to perform basic maintenance of rescue and medical equipment; 
• Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents;
• Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization and resources exist;
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and orders; 
• Ability to maintain a professional attitude when representing the Department; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to safely drive and operate emergency vehicles.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• The work requires the incumbent to direct emergency medical services in the field.   Situations can involve vehicular, industrial, and residential accidents, injuries, or illness can occur anywhere in Ada County.  At times the work requires movement over various types of terrain, (hilly, steep, rocky, rough, and/or wet/slippery surfaces);
• The Incumbent may be required to carry a department-issued cell phone at all times in order to respond to calls, or as directed by the BOCC. 

DISCLAIMER:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.