Communications Specialist I

UPMC’s Center for Emergency Medicine is hiring Full-Time Communications Specialists to support STAT MedEvac’s new Communications Center (STATCOM), located in West Mifflin, PA.

We are recruiting Communications Specialist I (non-EMT) and Communications Specialist II (EMT) team members. 

New Communications Specialists will start orientation with our UPMC Medical Command. In this role, the Communications Specialist will assist EMS with physician consults, assisting EMS with the transition of their patient from the prehospital setting to the hospital setting with notifications to the receiving hospital to be ready for the patient arrival. This includes using guidelines for the activation of trauma teams, stroke teams, Cath lab activations, and other specialty services. The Communications Specialist will dispatch our physician response vehicle and have MCI responsibilities.

Following competency validation, the Communications Specialists will start their next orientation as part of our critical care ground and helicopter dispatch. Responsibilities include obtaining the appropriate information for service requests and providing any additional assistance necessary to meet the system’s needs. The Communications Specialist functions as a part of the Communications Center and shares responsibility for working cooperatively with all team members. The Communications Specialist dispatches and communicates with all STAT MedEvac assets, maintains logs and records, and performs other duties as assigned. Supports and upholds the mission, goals, and objectives of the STAT MedEvac system at all times.

Purpose:

The Communications Specialist functions as a direct facilitator in processing and executing service requests for the STAT MedEvac system. Responsibilities include obtaining the appropriate information for service requests and providing any additional assistance necessary to meet the system’s needs. The Communications Specialist functions as a part of the Communications Center and shares responsibility for working cooperatively with all team members. The Communications Specialist dispatches and communicates with all STAT MedEvac assets, maintains logs and records, and performs other duties as assigned. Supports and upholds the mission, goals, and objectives, of the STAT MedEvac system at all times.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates skills, competencies, and judgment necessary to respond to requests by phone, radio or other appropriate communications methods.
• Demonstrates competency in assigning requests for service to the most appropriate patient transport mode (i.e., helicopter, fixed wing or ambulance).
• Coordinate communications between transport teams, faculty physicians, referring and receiving hospitals.
• Ensures confidentiality of patient information at all times.
• Function as a resource for all new STATCom team members and actively participates in the development and training of new staff.
• Document and retrieve information / data on computer/network system including interventions, and other pertinent patient care information in a timely manner.
• Collects and promptly processes request information including demographics, medical necessity, and other necessary information.
• Participates constructively in the quality improvement program when requested. 
• Demonstrate competency in resident dispatch response procedure and documentation.
• Demonstrate competency in successful use of attending physician. 
• Adheres to uniform policy and maintains a professional and neat appearance while working and representing STAT MedEvac.
• Performs all assigned duties, including daily, weekly, monthly, or other duties assigned by the Transport Coordinator, Communications Manager, or Director of Communications including (but not limited to): (Participating in shift report from off going crew, Answering and responding to inquiries in a timely and efficient manner, Reviewing STATCom procedures/ STAT MedEvac Policies, Maintaining a clean workspace environment).
• Responds promptly and efficiently to requests for service (air and ground).
• Seek guidance from the Transport Coordinator as needed for unusual operational circumstances or guidance regarding policy decisions.
• Demonstrates proficiency of operation in all methods of communications including telephone, radio and e-mail.
• Documents unusual operational matters in the flight record and /or special report system as warranted.
• Participates in education and training sessions in a positive and constructive manner.
• Completes all official documentation in a timely manner such as payroll, expense reports, orientation forms, etc.
• Adheres to rules for scheduling, including schedule requests, minimum time, and availability.
• Contributes to safety through landing zone verification, following proper communication procedures and flight following.
• Utilizes appropriate safety channels to report safety concerns and uses tools available to enhance a safe work environment.
• Reflects a positive attitude to the customer in a high stress environment at all times, with a clear understanding of who the customer is.
• Demonstrates the ability to establish a rapport with customers; including the ability to create and sustain a positive relationship; regardless of circumstances or environment. Reports for work well rested and fit for duty.
• Adheres to the drug and alcohol policy at all times.
• Reports injuries and completes the appropriate documentation, no matter how minor, to a supervisor in a timely manner.