MEDCOM Communications Specialist

MEDCOM Communications SpecialistWhen seconds matter and coordination saves lives, MEDCOM is the nerve center that keeps care moving. As an Emergency Medical Transport Dispatcher at UVA Health, your clinical background and operational judgment directly support safe, timely patient movement across one of Virginia's most advanced academic health systems. This is a role for experienced EMTs and Paramedics who want to extend their impact beyond the field, applying clinical insight, calm decision making, and system level thinking in a high-reliability command environment.The Role MEDCOM serves as the centralized hub for emergency and nonemergency medical transport coordination across UVA Health. As a dispatcher, you translate clinical urgency into precise action, ensuring the right resources move at the right time for the right patient. Your work blends clinical awareness with operational control and includes:Coordinating medical transport requests across inpatient, emergency, and specialty services for multiple hospitals.Applying EMT or Paramedic clinical knowledge to prioritize transport needs and assess acuityCommunicating clearly and professionally with EMS crews, hospital teams, and external partnersManaging multiple requests simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and situational awarenessDocumenting transport activity and decisions in real time using established systems and protocolsSupporting patient safety through effective handoffs, escalation, and problem resolutionWhat an average day looks like You will work in a fast paced communications center where conditions shift quickly. Calls vary from routine transfers to time sensitive; high-acuity movements requiring decisive coordination. The pace is steady, the expectations are high, and the impact of your decisions is immediate and measurable across the care continuum. This role rewards professionals who remain composed under pressure, think several steps ahead, and understand how operational excellence supports clinical outcomes.Why UVA Health UVA Health is a nationally recognized academic medical center where complex care demands seamless coordination behind the scenes. MEDCOM plays a strategically vital role in ensuring patients receive the right level of care at the right location, without delay. Why do experienced EMS professionals choose UVA Health for this work:Practice within a large, integrated health system that includes a Level I Trauma Center and highly specialized inpatient servicesBe part of a mission driven organization committed to patient safety, reliability, and clinical excellenceWork in a role where EMS expertise is respected and essential, not secondaryGain exposure to systemwide operations that broaden career pathways beyond traditional field rolesCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams who rely on MEDCOM as a trusted operational partnerAdditional highlights include:Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidatesCompetitive compensation and comprehensive benefitsA stable, professional environment designed for long-term career sustainabilityThe opportunity to influence care delivery at a systems level while remaining clinically connectedMinimum QualificationsEducation: High School diploma/GED requiredExperience: Communications center experience and/or basic dispatcher course/dispatch experience preferred.Licensure/Certifications: Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the Commonwealth of Virginia required. AHA Health Care Provider BLS CPR certification required.Physical Demands - Job requires sitting for prolonged periods, frequently typing/traveling and multi-tasking activities. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull > 20lbs. May be exposed to fumes, heat, noise, high-stress environment and environment prone to high-capacity sensory stimulation.Onboarding Requirements Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment. All safety-sensitive positions with direct patient interaction also require a drug screen. The pay range for this role is $18.00 - $30.14 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.BenefitsComprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision InsurancePaid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement SavingsHealth Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending AccountsCertification and education supportGenerous Paid Time OffUVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.