Communications Specialist I - Ambulance and Chair

UPMC•Washington, PA

13d

About The Position

The UPMC Center for Emergency Medicine is hiring a full-time Communications Specialist I for its Ambulance and Chair team. The role is part of the Communications Center and facilitates the processing and execution of service requests for the STAT MedEvac system. The specialist gathers information needed for service requests, dispatches and communicates with STAT MedEvac assets, maintains logs and records, and provides other assistance to meet system needs. The position works cooperatively with the Communications Center team and supports the STAT MedEvac system’s mission, goals, and objectives. The schedule is primarily daylight shifts, with 24/7 coverage as needed for staffing. The employee must be willing to work various assigned shifts and be available for regular on-call shifts.

Requirements

Positive interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work productively and effectively in a complex environment, manage multiple and changing priorities, and operate a computer.
Willingness to work various assigned shifts and availability for regular on-call shifts.
CPR certification meeting AHA standards, including didactic and skills demonstration components, within 30 days of hire; Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required.

Nice To Haves

Emergency operations center dispatch experience.

Responsibilities

Respond to service requests by phone, radio, or other appropriate communication methods, using the judgment and skills required for each request.
Assign service requests to the most appropriate transport mode, including helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, or ambulance.
Coordinate communications among transport teams, faculty physicians, and referring and receiving hospitals.
Collect and promptly process request information, including demographics, medical necessity, and other required information.
Protect the confidentiality of patient information.
Document and retrieve information on computer and network systems, including interventions and other pertinent patient care information, in a timely manner.
Serve as a resource for new team members and participate in their development and training.
Participate constructively in quality improvement when requested.
Demonstrate competency in resident dispatch response procedures and documentation, and in the successful use of the attending physician.
Complete assigned duties and recurring tasks, including shift reports, responding to inquiries, reviewing procedures and policies, and maintaining a clean workspace.
Seek guidance from the Transport Coordinator when unusual operational circumstances or policy decisions require it.
Operate communication methods proficiently, including telephone, radio, and email.
Document unusual operational matters in the flight record and/or special report system when warranted.
Participate positively and constructively in education and training sessions.
Complete official documentation, including payroll, expense reports, and orientation forms, in a timely manner.
Follow scheduling rules, including those for schedule requests, minimum time, and availability.
Contribute to safety through landing zone verification, proper communication procedures, and flight following; use appropriate channels to report safety concerns.
Maintain a positive, professional customer approach in a high-stress environment and establish and sustain positive relationships with customers.
Report to work well rested and fit for duty, follow the drug and alcohol policy, and promptly report injuries and complete required documentation.