MEDCOM Emergency Communication Specialist
About The Position
The Emergency Communications Specialist works within MEDCOM, UVA Health’s 24/7 healthcare-focused emergency communications center and the central hub for emergency transport and response operations across the regional network. The role connects clinical teams, emergency responders, transport services, and healthcare partners to support patient care and operational readiness. It calls for critical thinking, situational awareness, strong communication, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume, mission-critical environment. Depending on the shift, the specialist may coordinate emergency transports, support emergency department communications, facilitate aviation operations, and assist with emergency management activities. The position is posted as a career ladder with two levels: Emergency Communications Specialist I and Emergency Communications Specialist II. The role also includes providing guidance and support to less experienced team members. UVA Health describes the position as an opportunity to contribute to trauma, stroke, STEMI, critical care transport, air medical operations, emergency management, and regional emergency response. Starting pay is $20.00 per hour for ECS I and $23.00 per hour for ECS II.
Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent.
- Experience in emergency response or emergency communications.
- Successful completion of on-the-job training.
- ECS I: Virginia EMT certification required within one year of hire; five years of dispatching experience in a 911 or emergency communications center may be considered in lieu of EMT certification.
- ECS I: Advanced EMT certification or higher required within four years of hire.
- ECS II: Virginia Advanced EMT certification or higher required.
- American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS CPR certification required.
- Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills; attention to detail; and ability to write legibly.
- Ability to lift, push, or pull more than 20 pounds.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and dispatch emergency resources, including Pegasus Air, Pegasus Ground critical care transport teams, ambulance services, and specialized response teams.
- Receive EMS patient reports and facilitate communication between field providers and hospital teams.
- Support activation of trauma, stroke, and STEMI response pathways.
- Manage incoming air medical traffic, helipad assignments, and aircraft coordination activities.
- Serve as a communication resource during emergency incidents and hospital activation events.
- Evaluate complex and non-routine situations using established protocols and operational procedures.
- Provide guidance and support to less experienced team members.
- Connect Emergency Departments, Trauma Services, Stroke Teams, Emergency Management, EMS agencies, transport teams, and community healthcare organizations.
- Maintain clear, accurate, and timely communications in a high-volume, mission-critical environment.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off.
- Retirement savings.
- Long-term and short-term disability.
- Health savings plans and flexible spending accounts.
- Certification and education support.
- Professional development opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
