Battalion Chief - EMS

City of Independence•Independence, MO

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs responsible administrative, supervisory, and technical duties related to emergency medical services system leadership, community paramedicine, EMS education and training, and interagency healthcare collaboration. Supports the protection of life and health through effective emergency response systems, EMS program development, clinical quality improvement, and community-based healthcare initiatives.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED
Missouri-licensed Paramedic
Four (4) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in emergency medical services, fire service management, EMS education, healthcare or a closely related field.
Valid State Driver's License
HazMat Operations Level Certified
National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100,200,700,800 (Must complete required NIMS level training within first six months of hire)
Knowledge of EMS systems, fire-based EMS operations, Incident Command System (ICS), and EMS clinical standards.
Knowledge of EMS system design, mobile integrated healthcare (MIH), community paramedicine, alternative response models, and community-based healthcare programs.
Knowledge of EMS education principles, including adult learning concepts, curriculum development, instructional design, competency-based training, and program evaluation.
Knowledge of Healthcare systems and reimbursement methodologies, including Medicare, Medicaid, managed care organizations (MCOs), and value-based care concepts as they relate to EMS and community paramedicine.
Knowledge of Quality improvement methodologies, data-driven performance management, EMS documentation systems, and clinical outcome measurement.
Knowledge of Interagency collaboration involving healthcare systems, hospitals, behavioral health providers, public health agencies, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
Knowledge of Administrative principles including policy development, personnel management, and program administration.
Knowledge of Selection, use and maintenance of EMS-specific medications, equipment and disposable stock.
Skill in EMS system development, integration, and operational coordination across emergency response, community paramedicine, and alternative response programs.
Skill in Developing, implementing, and managing EMS education programs, including curriculum design, instructional delivery, competency evaluation, and continuing education systems.
Skill in Analyzing operational and clinical data to evaluate performance, identify trends, and guide system improvement.
Skill in Leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex projects, and coordinating initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Skill in Building and maintaining effective partnerships with healthcare systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
Skill in Clear and effective communication, including preparing reports, delivering presentations, and representing the department in professional and public settings.
Skill in Applying tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment in both routine and high-pressure environments.
Ability to Plan, direct, and evaluate comprehensive EMS systems and programs, including clinical operations support, education, community paramedicine, and quality improvement initiatives.
Ability to Design and manage EMS education systems that ensure clinical competency, regulatory compliance, and professional development.
Ability to Integrate EMS operations with broader healthcare and community-based systems to improve patient outcomes and system efficiency.
Ability to Serve as a departmental liaison and representative in interagency healthcare and public safety collaborations.
Ability to Interpret and apply complex regulations, clinical standards, and operational policies.
Ability to Supervise, mentor, and develop personnel while managing performance and organizational expectations.
Ability to Operate effectively within the Incident Command System during emergency operations.
Ability to Analyze complex problems, develop practical solutions, and implement system-level improvements.
Ability to Communicate effectively with employees, leadership, elected officials and community groups.

Nice To Haves

Missouri Community Paramedic or equivalent (Must complete within 1 year of hire)
Missouri State Fire Instructor II Certification (Must complete within first year of hire)
American Heart Association Instructor ACLS & BLS (Must complete within first year of hire)
Firefighter 1 & 2 preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Oversees, develops, implements and evaluates Independence Fire Department’s EMS education and training programs. This includes curriculum development, competency assessment, continuing education management, and American Heart Association certification programs.
Functions as lead instructor for most internal EMS education offerings.
Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and departmental standards on EMS education.
Oversees CQI systems and coordinates with the Medical Director on EMS protocols and education as needed.
Serves as Program Manager for Alternative Response for Community Health (ARCH) Community Paramedicine Program.
Develops and evaluates program operations, data collection, performance outcomes, and system development for the ARCH program.
Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to improve ARCH operations and community health outcomes.
Participates in emergency incident response as assigned and functions within the Incident Command System (ICS) as directed by the Incident Commander.
Responds to emergency medical incidents to provide clinical leadership and EMS system oversight.
May assume command of medically focused emergency incidents when designated or authorized by the Fire Chief.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief or designee.