Emergency Dispatcher

VMSC Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Dispatcher

Lansdale, PA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    If a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding career in a dynamic, thriving organization in the emergency medical services is something you are looking for, then VMSC EMS might be the place for you! The Communications Center is growing and seeking qualified individuals to join our team. We are looking for an applicant who seamlessly integrates with the Communications Center staff and management, is dedicated to and takes great pride in their work, and embodies VMSC’s core tenents of Loyalty, Humanity, and Mercy. Position Type and Location: Full-Time rotational schedule Overnight (6pm-6am) Lansdale, PA Responsibilities: • A minimum of 1-3 years experience in emergency communications/dispatch OR 1-3 years minimum in emergency medical services or related field (this includes but is not limited to: police, fire, EMS, and/or military). • The employee must be able to maintain composure and react quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency and high-stress situations. • The employee is expected to have exceptional communications skills, including but not limited to: active listening, verbal and written communications, the capability to speak clearly and distinctly, and a pleasant and professional demeanor during all in-person, telephone, and radio communications. • Ability to multitask while handling multiple responsibilities such as radio traffic from multiple sources, phone calls, placement, and monitoring of numerous vehicles. • Person-to-person communication, and computer documentation. • Excellent computer skills, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams), computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, artificial intelligence (AI) programs, and radio dispatching systems. • The ability to enter data into various systems quickly with high accuracy and exceptional documentation. • Ability to gain knowledge and understanding of the company and Communications Center’s policies and procedures as well as the geography, roadways, and hospitals within the North Penn, Indian Valley, and Philadelphia communities. • Willingness to establish professional, working relationships with the Communications Center team, VMSC officers, staff, administrators, contracted facilities, mutual aid organizations, and the community. • Responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency dispatches and phone calls. This includes selecting the most appropriate unit based on service level, location, and availability, providing critical information, communicating via telephone and/or radio system, and monitoring each unit through the completion of each run. • Verification of insurance plans and submission of prior authorization for non-emergent interfacility transports (IFTs). • Determining the level of care needed for transport in adherence to company, local, state, and national protocols for medical equipment and medications. • Meticulous and accurate documentation when entering information into call-taking applications, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, in written reports, and when utilizing various other programs employed in the Communications Center. • All communications internally and externally via telephone and/or radio communication are to be done with professionalism and exceptional customer service. • The employee will be an active participant in daily meetings with the off-going and incoming shift commanders and ambulance crews, bringing any pertinent information to the attention of those involved. Pertinent information can include road closures, traffic incidents, construction, public activity, vehicle maintenance issues, weather incidents, public relations events, etc. • The Communications Specialist will maintain the highest level of confidentiality whereas they are privileged with private, protected, and at times, highly sensitive information that is not to be disclosed to others outside of the organization and should only be discussed internally on an as-needed basis. • The employee is not responsible for the supervision of other employees but may be asked to assist in training of new hires once the employee has demonstrated mastery of their position. • All responsibilities and duties should be performed with minimal direct supervision. • This position reports directly to the Communications Center Manager. • This position encompasses in-house emergent dispatching as well as the dispatching for our interfacility transport (IFT) team. The employee will be cross trained in both positions and will be utilized in either capacity as needed to fulfill the needs of the Communications Center. Miscellaneous Tasks: • Assist with special projects and assignments as needed • Provide support to other departments as needed • Participate in company meetings and training sessions • Perform general office duties • Help organize company events and functions • Maintain a clean and organized workspace • Stay updated on industry trends and company policies • Contribute to process improvements and efficiency initiatives • Any other duties as assigned by the manager or the management team Qualifications: Physical and Sensory Requirements: • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English • Must be able to hear as it relates to normal conversation • Must be able to see as it relates to general, near, far, color, and peripheral vision • Must be comfortable with sitting for long periods of time, with the opportunity to stand • Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds Education: • High school diploma or equivalent • Must obtain certifications in First Aid and CPR within 1 year of hire and maintain certification • Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification through APCO or equivalent within 1 year of hire • Completion of NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800 within 1 year of hire • Maintain certifications and continuing education requirements Requirements: • Working a rotational schedule which includes days or nights, weekends, and holidays • Reliable source for getting to work • Passing background investigation including but not limited to: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Clearance, and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) • Must be able to pass a urine drug screen testing for: amphetamine/methamphetamine, cocaine, codeine/morphine, and phencyclidine Compensation: $24 per hour to start

    • A minimum of 1-3 years experience in emergency communications/dispatch OR 1-3 years minimum in emergency medical services or related field (this includes but is not limited to: police, fire, EMS, and/or military). • The employee must be able to maintain composure and react quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency and high-stress situations. • The employee is expected to have exceptional communications skills, including but not limited to: active listening, verbal and written communications, the capability to speak clearly and distinctly, and a pleasant and professional demeanor during all in-person, telephone, and radio communications. • Ability to multitask while handling multiple responsibilities such as radio traffic from multiple sources, phone calls, placement, and monitoring of numerous vehicles. • Person-to-person communication, and computer documentation. • Excellent computer skills, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams), computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, artificial intelligence (AI) programs, and radio dispatching systems. • The ability to enter data into various systems quickly with high accuracy and exceptional documentation. • Ability to gain knowledge and understanding of the company and Communications Center’s policies and procedures as well as the geography, roadways, and hospitals within the North Penn, Indian Valley, and Philadelphia communities. • Willingness to establish professional, working relationships with the Communications Center team, VMSC officers, staff, administrators, contracted facilities, mutual aid organizations, and the community. • Responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency dispatches and phone calls. This includes selecting the most appropriate unit based on service level, location, and availability, providing critical information, communicating via telephone and/or radio system, and monitoring each unit through the completion of each run. • Verification of insurance plans and submission of prior authorization for non-emergent interfacility transports (IFTs). • Determining the level of care needed for transport in adherence to company, local, state, and national protocols for medical equipment and medications. • Meticulous and accurate documentation when entering information into call-taking applications, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, in written reports, and when utilizing various other programs employed in the Communications Center. • All communications internally and externally via telephone and/or radio communication are to be done with professionalism and exceptional customer service. • The employee will be an active participant in daily meetings with the off-going and incoming shift commanders and ambulance crews, bringing any pertinent information to the attention of those involved. Pertinent information can include road closures, traffic incidents, construction, public activity, vehicle maintenance issues, weather incidents, public relations events, etc. • The Communications Specialist will maintain the highest level of confidentiality whereas they are privileged with private, protected, and at times, highly sensitive information that is not to be disclosed to others outside of the organization and should only be discussed internally on an as-needed basis. • The employee is not responsible for the supervision of other employees but may be asked to assist in training of new hires once the employee has demonstrated mastery of their position. • All responsibilities and duties should be performed with minimal direct supervision. • This position reports directly to the Communications Center Manager. • This position encompasses in-house emergent dispatching as well as the dispatching for our interfacility transport (IFT) team. The employee will be cross trained in both positions and will be utilized in either capacity as needed to fulfill the needs of the Communications Center.Miscellaneous Tasks: • Assist with special projects and assignments as needed • Provide support to other departments as needed • Participate in company meetings and training sessions • Perform general office duties • Help organize company events and functions • Maintain a clean and organized workspace • Stay updated on industry trends and company policies • Contribute to process improvements and efficiency initiatives • Any other duties as assigned by the manager or the management team