Chief of EMS & Special Operations

Performs executive management duties and assignments in the Department of Emergency Services. The Chief of Emergency Medical Services is responsible for planning, implementing policies, evaluating systems and coordinating the County's Emergency Medical Services Division. They work closely with the County's jurisdictional medical director, local and regional EMS Councils, local volunteer Fire/EMS providers and agencies. This position works directly under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Emergency Services. Responds to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during all activations within the County.

• Overse the daily operations of the Emergency Medical Services Division in accordance with Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Overse the ordering of inventory and record keeping of controlled dangerous substances according to standards set by the federal code and the State of Maryland.

• Supervises and evaluates performance of full-time and part-time staff.

• Establishes, implements and monitors departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures.

• Provides leadership, planning direction and develops long and short-range goals for Charles County's EMS Division.

• Establishes policies and procedures to ensure compliance with licensing and certification requirements for the County's Emergency Medical Service Division employees.

• Participates as a working member of the County's Incident Management Team.

• Assists the Director of Emergency Services in emergency response and mutual aid negotiations.

• Analyzes and interprets statistical data to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness of the County’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. Researches grant opportunities for the Department of Emergency Services.

• Assists in the preparation of and administration of budgets for the Emergency Medical Services Division.

• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions, as needed.

• Investigates complaints against personnel, makes determinations and provides recommendations to the Director of Emergency Services and the Director of Human Resources on disciplinary actions.

• Responds to citizen questions and inquiries in a courteous and timely manner.

• Coordinates with local law enforcement agencies on various issues concerning Emergency Medical Services.

• Coordinates with State and Local Health Departments on various health concerns/issues.

• Staffs the Emergency Operations Center in the event of natural and/or man-made disasters.

• Coordinates EMS requests/activities with various civilian and governmental agencies.

• Serves on various state and local EMS committees, as requested and/or needed.

• Coordinates all activities associated with the EMS Fee for Service Program (to include but not limited to: third party Billing Agency, Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and other insurance carriers.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree with a major in Fire, EMS, Public or Educational Administration, or Business Administration with a strong focus in leadership and five years of management experience within the field of Public Safety or an equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training.

Licenses or Certifications:

Valid driver's license.

Must obtain CPR Certification within the first 6 months of employment.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-100, IS-200, I C S 300, I C S 400, I S 700, I S 800, I S 2200.

Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) or Certified Emergency Vehicle Operations (CEVO) within the first 6 months of employment.

Hazardous Materials Awareness certificate.

Charles County Government Leadership Academy certificate of completion within two years.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

Must be familiar with and able to use the language/codes/jargon of various public safety agencies.

Must successfully pass a background investigation.

Must attend educational sessions as required.

Must be available on an on-call basis.

Must wear a uniform and safety equipment at times.

Must be able to travel, if required.

May work outside in inclement weather, including undesirable and hazardous conditions.

May work alone or in a large group under stressful or dangerous conditions.

May be subject to attend various meetings and events after normal business hours and on the weekends.

May work beyond the normal scheduled hours of work and in a stressful environment.

May work irregular duty assignments including nights, holidays, and weekends if necessary.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the methods and procedures of managing Emergency Medical Services and Special Operations.

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, safety practices and regulations governing the operation of Emergency Medical Services.

• Knowledge of effective methods of supervision.

• Knowledge of the Incident Management System used at the Federal and State levels.

• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities for the effective operations of an Emergency Operations Center.

• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures for dealing with confidential and patient sensitive information.

• Ability to prepare work schedules and manage staff effectively.

• Ability to handle emergent and non-emergent situations safely and effectively and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and technology.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work environment.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing using both technical and non-technical language.

• Ability to work under extremely stressful situations which result from a building fire, emergency medical and hazardous materials responses, including the responsibility for remaining calm and carrying out all duties with the recognition of the threat to life and property.

• Ability to use logical and creative thought process to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions.

• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard and customized software applications appropriate for assigned tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is primarily sedentary, with occasional periods of moderate physical activity. Employees may be required to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds; and perform activities such as climbing stairs, bending, reaching, handling objects, and grasping. The position requires the ability to use standard office equipment and computer technology, including keyboards and other input devices. Employees must be able to communicate effectively and have the visual and auditory capabilities necessary to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment. Occasionally, work may be performed indoors or outdoors in emergency situations that may expose the employee to a variety of dangerous conditions, including inclement weather, hazardous materials, chemicals, smoke, and weakened or unstable structures. The employee may also be exposed to physically and mentally stressful situations, including trauma, illness, contagious diseases, extreme temperatures, and other hazardous environments.

Department/Division: Department of Emergency Services/Emergency Medical Services

Pay Grade: 17E

FLSA Status: Exempt

Telework Eligible: Situational depending on needs in division

Reports To: Deputy Director of Emergency Services

Supervises: Assistant Chief of EMS

Assistant Chief of Special Operations

Assistant Chief of Training and Professional Development