EMS Provider/EMT (Single Role)

EMS Provider/EMT (Single Role) performs responsible technical work in the administration of and response to emergency and/or non-emergency medical care, providing basic life support treatment and transport of patients, under established policies, protocols, and guidelines. Work also involves operating emergency equipment; as well as maintaining and cleaning all appropriate EMS apparatus and equipment. Work is performed under general supervision of and reports to a Fire Captain.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is $53,289.60 annually, which includes built-in overtime and holiday pay, based on 2,184 annual hours.  Lateral hires from career Fire/EMS or EMS agencies may qualify for a higher starting pay.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.  

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system which offers both a defined benefit and a defined contribution option.  While the City does not participate in VRS, the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description.  The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Responds to incidents requiring emergency and/or non-emergency medical care.
• Provides basic life support following established policies, protocols, and guidelines as authorized by the Operational Medical Director.
• Administers appropriate treatment on arrival at the scene and/or enroute to destination.
• Moves, removes, or assists with moving/removing, individuals needing medical care from scene of incident.
• Interprets patient signs and symptoms and reacts appropriately.
• Thoroughly documents all aspects of the emergency scene including, but not limited to, assessment results, patient complaints, treatment plans and treatment results.
• Focuses on performing as a patient care advocate, always performing in a manner that is in the best interest of the patient.
• Drives, maintains, and operates all assigned EMS apparatus and vehicles in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
• Inspects assigned apparatus daily to ensure efficient operation and readiness; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment as necessary after completion of emergency response operations.
• Performs general custodial duties in the required upkeep of the rescue facilities assigned; makes minor repairs as needed.
• Presents various safety programs to community groups and school systems on personal safety and emergency medical services.
• Maintains positive, professional interactions with personnel and the public.
• Participates in classes in emergency medical services, as well as quality improvement and management programs.
• Prepares and maintains activity records and forwards same to appropriate supervisor.
• Participates in daily physical fitness training programs.
• Ensures protection of privacy of patient information in accordance with department, state, and federal laws, policies, and procedures.
• Subject to be called back to work to the City in emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.   
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance. 

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience:  Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• High school diploma or GED equivalency required AND at least one (1) year of 911 transport experience is required.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Must obtain and maintain by employment start date:
  • Virginia EVOC (Class II or III) as recognized by the Virginia Department of OEMS or the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
  • VA EMT-B or A-EMT.
  • CPR certified.
  • NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800.
  • Valid Virginia Driver’s License and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
  • Any other certifications required by applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, fingerprinting per VA OEMS, pre-employment drug screen, and pre-employment physical.

Preferred:

• 3 or more years of 911 transport experience.
• VA State Firefighter I & II.
• Hazmat Awareness or Operations.
• Virginia EVOC (Class III).
• Bilingual abilities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
Job Knowledge

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of EMS.
• Knowledge of applicable local, State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of emergency care methods, techniques, systems, and equipment, including appropriate medical terminology, patient assessment, and medication effect and appropriate dosages.
• Knowledge of the operations and maintenance of applicable apparatus, tools, and equipment. Follows EMS and safety guidelines independently and recognizes and reports potential hazards.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of area geography.

Reading

• Intermediate: Ability to read and understand written materials such as newspapers, magazines, journals, multi-step instructional manuals, medical protocols, and reference materials.

Writing

• Intermediate: Ability to organize data, keep records, and write clear and concise reports, documents, business letters, summaries and explanations with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Math

• Intermediate: Ability to work with and understand number systems, general knowledge of elementary physics, chemistry and mechanics applying formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurement.

Communication Skills

• Intermediate: Provides and receives complex information orally and in writing, clearly explains concepts and issues. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, employees, volunteers, management, external agencies, vendors, and the public. Understands and maintains safeguards for sensitive and confidential information. May include interactions that involve stressful, negative situations requiring high levels of tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding. Demonstrates group presentation skills, answering audience questions.

Independence and Decision-Making

• General Direction: Exercises judgement in an emergency situation, responding to changing conditions. Knowledge of and ability to research and apply code and statutes while performing fire safety inspections independently. Normally performs the job duties by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies.

Technical Skills

• Skilled: Knowledge of technical EMS principles and techniques with use of analytical judgement and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Demonstrated proficiency with specialized emergency and medical tools and equipment. Intermediate skill in Microsoft Office applications and/or departmental software.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• Basic: Requires collecting/maintaining receipts for purchases made for the City for auditing purposes.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

Other Characteristics

• Ability to function as a part of a team and work closely with others, during high stress incidents.
• Exercises good judgement in emergency settings, sometimes under strict time pressure.
• Work effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information.
• May perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• May be required to work an irregular or non-traditional work schedule.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include weekends, nights, or holidays as needed.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Demands:

• Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 25 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to walk, run, sit, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl; handle, grasp, or operate objects, tools, or controls; talk, taste, and smell; reach and stretch with hands and arms with a full range of motion.
• Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including driving an ambulance, two-way radio, etc.; and emergency medical equipment such as suction units, immobilization equipment, oxygen delivery systems and defibrillation equipment.
• Must possess the ability to wear and/or use personal protective equipment without obstruction to prevent exposure to diseases.
• Ability to perform duties effectively during emergencies, training, or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods.

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Requires the operation of appropriate EMS apparatus or emergency services machines, tools, and equipment.
• Requires the need to wear or utilize department assigned clothing and equipment (personal protective equipment and other specialty equipment) during appropriate situations.
• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the working environment is usually moderate, except during certain EMS activities when noise levels may be loud.
• Regularly works in outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, traffic/roadways, in high precarious places, and confined spaces.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electric shock and vibration.
• Work may be performed in extreme temperatures and temperature changes.
• Work may be performed in challenging terrain, tight or confined spaces, remote settings, and unprotected heights.
• During an emergency situation the work may be performed with other environmental conditions such as, working under rioting conditions, sporting events (some in excess of 50,000 participants) and musical concerts in excess of 12,000 participants.

Salary : $46,628 - $51,482