What are the responsibilities and job description for the Emergency Communications Manager - LifeForce Communications - Full-time position at Erlanger?
Job Summary:
The Emergency Communications Manager is responsible for complete system management of the EROC Regional Emergency Medical Communications Center, including Life Force Flight Operations, Chattanooga MedComm, Erlanger and regional EMS disaster communications, the Mobile Communications Center, helicopter radio systems, radio communications infrastructure and end-user public safety radio equipment for Erlanger Health System. Emergency Communications Manager has responsibilities to include financial management, human resource management (hire, discipline, evaluate and fire), aviation safety, leased-spaced management and operational performance for the EROC, project team members and communications technicians from vendor services. Additionally the Manager - Emergency Communications is responsible for implementation and oversight of various information systems including but not limited to Rave Mobile Safety mass notification system, Emergin Messenger enterprise messaging platform, Motorola MCC Communications network, Golden Hour Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and SkyTrack Satellite Flight Following system.
The Manager - Emergency Communications serves as part of the Emergency Management and Safety team for Erlanger Health System, working with regional emergency services, emergency management agencies, Homeland Security and the Regional Healthcare Coalition for disaster planning, emergency preparedness and emergency response. The Manager - Emergency Communications will function as liaison with the State of Tennessee Department of Health and Emergency Medical Services for regional response, compliance, system and grant development, and consultation.
The Manager - Emergency Communications must prepare operational and capital-improvement budgets for maintaining and developing the regional communications operation for EROC and Erlanger. As the system leader for regional medical communications, the position will be responsible for State and Federal grant development for the Health System's emergency communications pre-hospital response systems.
The Manager - Emergency Communications must manage resources for large and small scale projects and maintenance efforts, both internally and externally based, in developing contract services and insuring vendor compliance.
Education:
Required:
Bachelor's degree in business administration, health administration or related discipline, or a minimum of 16 years equivalent work experience to include emergency management, public safety communications management, professional staff development, maintenance of radio communications systems and budget responsibility.
Preferred:
MBA or MHA
Experience:
Required:
Must have at least ten (10) years experience in public safety communications system design, installation, maintenance and support, with a minimum of three (3) years of senior system management or project management responsibility.
At least three (3) years field experience in public safety response (Fire, EMS, Emergency Management and/or law enforcement)
Must have experience with Computer Aided Dispatch systems, including data integration to Records Management Systems, clock sync management and records retention;
Experience with networked radio communications, specifically ASTRO and P25 networks and digital logging recorder networks required.
Experience with large scale, server-centric computer systems environment, implementing new systems.
Experience with a network documentation application (i.e.; MS Visio) required.
Experience with customer service delivery in a public safety communications operation.
Experience with transmitter site management, real estate leases, licensure compliance (local and FCC) and frequency coordination.
Comprehensive knowledge of business principles and techniques of administration, organization, and management to include an in-depth understanding of the key business issues that exist in the health care industry, particularly related to pre-hospital care and transport systems, physicians, medical schools, and medical education. These include, but are not limited to, knowledge of strategic and operational planning, health care economics, personnel administration, federal, state, and local laws, financial management, and trends in the health care industry.
Knowledge of business office operations, particularly pertaining to air medical transport systems.
Knowledge of process analysis and design.
Knowledge of applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements and their application to CMS participating providers, emergency medical transport systems and helicopter air ambulance operations.
Proven skills in interpersonal relationships, planning, organizing, and follow-up, budget preparation and monitoring, and management and leadership.
Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, be a team member and educate others, relate to all levels of the organization, comprehend complex and technical subjects, create and motivate behavior changes, translate financial and technical language to lay audiences, and plan, implement, and monitor processes in a complex health care environment.
Preferred:
At least 15 years experience in Public Safety communication systems management and support, including interoperability planning and implementation, with at least 5 of those in the air medical / aviation environment.
At least five (5) years field experience in EMS, preferably in supervisory capacity.
Experience in emergency management at the county or state level, preference to experience in healthcare emergency management.
Knowledge of HIPPA and HITECH rules and applicable enforcement requirements for covered entities and business associates.
Experience and proficiency in public speaking with ability to represent the Health System to industry professionals in local, state and regional audiences for public safety, aviation and healthcare communications and operations.
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Current licensure to practice as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) in the State of Tennessee
Current BLS certification completed prior to going to unit/department and maintained going forward
Current Tennessee VKF and Emergency Vehicle Operations Course certification
Valid Driver's License
Preferred:
Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP)
Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)
Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP)
Certified Flight Communicator (CFC)
FEMA ICS Communications Unit Leader (COML)
Department Position Summary:
Provides strong leadership and direction in establishing a regional medical communications center for Air and Ground EMS operations within the EROC, which meets or exceeds national quality standards for emergency medical services, air medical communications and public safety.
Ensures compliance with hospital and pre-hospital accreditation including, Joint Commission, CAMTS, NFPA and other regulatory authorities having jurisdiction.
In collaboration with system leadership, will assist in facilitation and coordination of system wide initiatives involving emergency medical transports, emergency preparedness and emergency communications.
Creates a culture of safety, high clinical and professional standards, excellence and service to internal and external customers.
Leads and facilitates the effort to integrate all aspects of EROC, including those outside of direct reporting relationship, into a single, comprehensive service line.
Plans, organizes, develops, and implements operations to meet the needs of air medical transport patients, their families and physicians throughout the full continuum of care.
Meets corporate and departmental goals while directing, coordinating, and developing policies, procedures, and processes for the EROC.
Works with state and federal agencies for facilitation of grant funding applications and administration for regional emergency preparedness and communications system development.
Prepares and administers an annual expense budget, capital request budget, and human resource utilization plan for hospital services.
Participates in business plan development processes for new programs and services.
Works directly with the Business Development team to grow market share locally and regionally.
Promotes and builds strong professional and collegial relationships with Medical Staff, ancillary departments, and other internal and external partners.
Provides support on administrative (contractual, legal, financial) matters for EROC Co-Managers, Health System Staff and Management. Advocate for the needs of the EROC and Regional Communications Center with EHS Administration, our air medical aviation partner, and regional providers.
Operationally responsible for various EROC, EMS and Emergency Preparedness areas as assigned.
The Manager - Emergency Communications must possess the necessary communication, leadership and technical skills to:
Provide supervision and leadership for 24/7/365 emergency communications center operations and response, healthcare facilities operation and medical transport systems operations.
Insure constant operational readiness of the Erlanger Regional Operations Center (EROC) for emergency medical and regional communications;
Insure operational readiness of the Mobile Regional Communication Center for rapid activation / deployment throughout the region for medical communications;
Insure operational readiness and security of all RF equipment and ancillary equipment, at all Health System campuses and remote sites, through redundant and diverse system design, scheduled preventative maintenance (PM), routine and unscheduled maintenance, consistent with the Communications Management Plan of the Environment of Care;
Provide 24/7 on-call and response package to automatic and reported alarms on all regional incidents, localized emergencies, communications infrastructure or aviation system needs;
Manage a large scale, complex radio communication services network - knowing and utilizing all tools and resources at his/her disposal to meet our service level objectives.
Maintain and continually develop the hospital's communications network, including evolving to continue to exceed the expectations of our service level requirements.
Provide redundancy and diversity in system design to prevent any single point of failure from causing out-of-service conditions for mission-critical infrastructure throughout the Health System;
Maintain FCC Compliance for all RF equipment and transmitter site installations including prevention of harmful interference of systems through diligent system design and strict adherence to FCC and RF industry standards and through frequency coordination of all RF equipment within the Health System;
Insure RF Site compliance with EPA, NFPA and OSHA guidelines for safety and operation including appropriate documentation to support regulatory compliance, interoperability and system operational readiness
Insure compliance in radio system operation as defined by administrative policies 8316.097 and 8316.117;
Manage contract services agreements for communication systems and support systems with vendors and system partners including but not limited to the City of Chattanooga for Tennessee Valley Regional Communications System, the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network;
Establish and maintain contract purchase and service agreements with vendors of specialized equipment utilized within the RF Communications infrastructure;
Insure vendor compliance with purchase requests and service contract execution;
Works closely with Erlanger's Engineering, Security and Planning & Construction departments to ensure appropriateness of communications coverage in areas of new construction, renovations and occupancy changes.
Manage Erlanger's communications facilities with respect to HVAC, power and infrastructure requirements and readiness.
Provide support and analysis of existing communications systems and procedures, and recommend changes where appropriate, involving end-users in the process.
Participate in evaluating, analyzing and selecting new communication systems technologies through collaboration with staff and competitive purchasing practices of the Health System.
Demonstrates problem solving skills by identifying the root cause of a problem (not the symptom), analyzing alternative solutions, and recommending the best course of action.
Manage projects, including development of realistic project budget, work plans, schedules, resource requirements and performance objectives.
Ensure/foster open communication among and between project team members, end-users and management.
Work closely with LIFE FORCE and EROC Managers to address intra-departmental issues, improve internal communications and develop/maintain a culture of safety and operational readiness.
Prepare operational and capital improvement budgets;
Develop strategic plans for growth and development of infrastructure and services in concert with the vision and mission of the Health System;
Develop and maintain operational procedures for emergency medical communications and operations within the EROC, including but not limited to air medical communications, aviation safety, regional medical control and EMS operations;
Develop and maintain operational procedures for emergency communications system infrastructure and support;
Develop and maintain operational procedures for wireless paging system operation,
Maintain emergency response vehicles to operational readiness and mechanical standards and comply with Administrative policy 8316.055 and departmental policies;
Provide project management for communications-related development projects across the Health System in concert with departmental requirements and funding;
Serves as a member of various Health System committees, including but not limited to the Environment of Care Committee, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee, Information Security Committee; Region 3 MCC Advisory Committee.
Represents the Health System on local, regional and state level committees and workgroups, including but not limited to the Local Emergency Planning Commissions of local counties within the service area, Southeast Tennessee Regional Healthcare Coalition Executive Board RMCC Representative, Tennessee Valley Regional Communications System Advisory Committee (Exec Commission appointment), Tennessee Advanced Communications Network Advisory Committee (Commissioner appointment); State of Tennessee EMS Communications Committee; FCC Region 39 Planning Committees;
Erlanger Baroness Hospital Chattanooga, TN
Emergency Communications Mgr
Standard Hours
Regular
The Emergency Communications Manager is responsible for complete system management of the EROC Regional Emergency Medical Communications Center, including Life Force Flight Operations, Chattanooga MedComm, Erlanger and regional EMS disaster communications, the Mobile Communications Center, helicopter radio systems, radio communications infrastructure and end-user public safety radio equipment for Erlanger Health System. Emergency Communications Manager has responsibilities to include financial management, human resource management (hire, discipline, evaluate and fire), aviation safety, leased-spaced management and operational performance for the EROC, project team members and communications technicians from vendor services. Additionally the Manager - Emergency Communications is responsible for implementation and oversight of various information systems including but not limited to Rave Mobile Safety mass notification system, Emergin Messenger enterprise messaging platform, Motorola MCC Communications network, Golden Hour Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and SkyTrack Satellite Flight Following system.
The Manager - Emergency Communications serves as part of the Emergency Management and Safety team for Erlanger Health System, working with regional emergency services, emergency management agencies, Homeland Security and the Regional Healthcare Coalition for disaster planning, emergency preparedness and emergency response. The Manager - Emergency Communications will function as liaison with the State of Tennessee Department of Health and Emergency Medical Services for regional response, compliance, system and grant development, and consultation.
The Manager - Emergency Communications must prepare operational and capital-improvement budgets for maintaining and developing the regional communications operation for EROC and Erlanger. As the system leader for regional medical communications, the position will be responsible for State and Federal grant development for the Health System's emergency communications pre-hospital response systems.
The Manager - Emergency Communications must manage resources for large and small scale projects and maintenance efforts, both internally and externally based, in developing contract services and insuring vendor compliance.
Education:
Required:
Bachelor's degree in business administration, health administration or related discipline, or a minimum of 16 years equivalent work experience to include emergency management, public safety communications management, professional staff development, maintenance of radio communications systems and budget responsibility.
Preferred:
MBA or MHA
Experience:
Required:
Must have at least ten (10) years experience in public safety communications system design, installation, maintenance and support, with a minimum of three (3) years of senior system management or project management responsibility.
At least three (3) years field experience in public safety response (Fire, EMS, Emergency Management and/or law enforcement)
Must have experience with Computer Aided Dispatch systems, including data integration to Records Management Systems, clock sync management and records retention;
Experience with networked radio communications, specifically ASTRO and P25 networks and digital logging recorder networks required.
Experience with large scale, server-centric computer systems environment, implementing new systems.
Experience with a network documentation application (i.e.; MS Visio) required.
Experience with customer service delivery in a public safety communications operation.
Experience with transmitter site management, real estate leases, licensure compliance (local and FCC) and frequency coordination.
Comprehensive knowledge of business principles and techniques of administration, organization, and management to include an in-depth understanding of the key business issues that exist in the health care industry, particularly related to pre-hospital care and transport systems, physicians, medical schools, and medical education. These include, but are not limited to, knowledge of strategic and operational planning, health care economics, personnel administration, federal, state, and local laws, financial management, and trends in the health care industry.
Knowledge of business office operations, particularly pertaining to air medical transport systems.
Knowledge of process analysis and design.
Knowledge of applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements and their application to CMS participating providers, emergency medical transport systems and helicopter air ambulance operations.
Proven skills in interpersonal relationships, planning, organizing, and follow-up, budget preparation and monitoring, and management and leadership.
Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, be a team member and educate others, relate to all levels of the organization, comprehend complex and technical subjects, create and motivate behavior changes, translate financial and technical language to lay audiences, and plan, implement, and monitor processes in a complex health care environment.
Preferred:
At least 15 years experience in Public Safety communication systems management and support, including interoperability planning and implementation, with at least 5 of those in the air medical / aviation environment.
At least five (5) years field experience in EMS, preferably in supervisory capacity.
Experience in emergency management at the county or state level, preference to experience in healthcare emergency management.
Knowledge of HIPPA and HITECH rules and applicable enforcement requirements for covered entities and business associates.
Experience and proficiency in public speaking with ability to represent the Health System to industry professionals in local, state and regional audiences for public safety, aviation and healthcare communications and operations.
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Current licensure to practice as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) in the State of Tennessee
Current BLS certification completed prior to going to unit/department and maintained going forward
Current Tennessee VKF and Emergency Vehicle Operations Course certification
Valid Driver's License
Preferred:
Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP)
Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)
Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP)
Certified Flight Communicator (CFC)
FEMA ICS Communications Unit Leader (COML)
Department Position Summary:
Provides strong leadership and direction in establishing a regional medical communications center for Air and Ground EMS operations within the EROC, which meets or exceeds national quality standards for emergency medical services, air medical communications and public safety.
Ensures compliance with hospital and pre-hospital accreditation including, Joint Commission, CAMTS, NFPA and other regulatory authorities having jurisdiction.
In collaboration with system leadership, will assist in facilitation and coordination of system wide initiatives involving emergency medical transports, emergency preparedness and emergency communications.
Creates a culture of safety, high clinical and professional standards, excellence and service to internal and external customers.
Leads and facilitates the effort to integrate all aspects of EROC, including those outside of direct reporting relationship, into a single, comprehensive service line.
Plans, organizes, develops, and implements operations to meet the needs of air medical transport patients, their families and physicians throughout the full continuum of care.
Meets corporate and departmental goals while directing, coordinating, and developing policies, procedures, and processes for the EROC.
Works with state and federal agencies for facilitation of grant funding applications and administration for regional emergency preparedness and communications system development.
Prepares and administers an annual expense budget, capital request budget, and human resource utilization plan for hospital services.
Participates in business plan development processes for new programs and services.
Works directly with the Business Development team to grow market share locally and regionally.
Promotes and builds strong professional and collegial relationships with Medical Staff, ancillary departments, and other internal and external partners.
Provides support on administrative (contractual, legal, financial) matters for EROC Co-Managers, Health System Staff and Management. Advocate for the needs of the EROC and Regional Communications Center with EHS Administration, our air medical aviation partner, and regional providers.
Operationally responsible for various EROC, EMS and Emergency Preparedness areas as assigned.
The Manager - Emergency Communications must possess the necessary communication, leadership and technical skills to:
Provide supervision and leadership for 24/7/365 emergency communications center operations and response, healthcare facilities operation and medical transport systems operations.
Insure constant operational readiness of the Erlanger Regional Operations Center (EROC) for emergency medical and regional communications;
Insure operational readiness of the Mobile Regional Communication Center for rapid activation / deployment throughout the region for medical communications;
Insure operational readiness and security of all RF equipment and ancillary equipment, at all Health System campuses and remote sites, through redundant and diverse system design, scheduled preventative maintenance (PM), routine and unscheduled maintenance, consistent with the Communications Management Plan of the Environment of Care;
Provide 24/7 on-call and response package to automatic and reported alarms on all regional incidents, localized emergencies, communications infrastructure or aviation system needs;
Manage a large scale, complex radio communication services network - knowing and utilizing all tools and resources at his/her disposal to meet our service level objectives.
Maintain and continually develop the hospital's communications network, including evolving to continue to exceed the expectations of our service level requirements.
Provide redundancy and diversity in system design to prevent any single point of failure from causing out-of-service conditions for mission-critical infrastructure throughout the Health System;
Maintain FCC Compliance for all RF equipment and transmitter site installations including prevention of harmful interference of systems through diligent system design and strict adherence to FCC and RF industry standards and through frequency coordination of all RF equipment within the Health System;
Insure RF Site compliance with EPA, NFPA and OSHA guidelines for safety and operation including appropriate documentation to support regulatory compliance, interoperability and system operational readiness
Insure compliance in radio system operation as defined by administrative policies 8316.097 and 8316.117;
Manage contract services agreements for communication systems and support systems with vendors and system partners including but not limited to the City of Chattanooga for Tennessee Valley Regional Communications System, the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network;
Establish and maintain contract purchase and service agreements with vendors of specialized equipment utilized within the RF Communications infrastructure;
Insure vendor compliance with purchase requests and service contract execution;
Works closely with Erlanger's Engineering, Security and Planning & Construction departments to ensure appropriateness of communications coverage in areas of new construction, renovations and occupancy changes.
Manage Erlanger's communications facilities with respect to HVAC, power and infrastructure requirements and readiness.
Provide support and analysis of existing communications systems and procedures, and recommend changes where appropriate, involving end-users in the process.
Participate in evaluating, analyzing and selecting new communication systems technologies through collaboration with staff and competitive purchasing practices of the Health System.
Demonstrates problem solving skills by identifying the root cause of a problem (not the symptom), analyzing alternative solutions, and recommending the best course of action.
Manage projects, including development of realistic project budget, work plans, schedules, resource requirements and performance objectives.
Ensure/foster open communication among and between project team members, end-users and management.
Work closely with LIFE FORCE and EROC Managers to address intra-departmental issues, improve internal communications and develop/maintain a culture of safety and operational readiness.
Prepare operational and capital improvement budgets;
Develop strategic plans for growth and development of infrastructure and services in concert with the vision and mission of the Health System;
Develop and maintain operational procedures for emergency medical communications and operations within the EROC, including but not limited to air medical communications, aviation safety, regional medical control and EMS operations;
Develop and maintain operational procedures for emergency communications system infrastructure and support;
Develop and maintain operational procedures for wireless paging system operation,
Maintain emergency response vehicles to operational readiness and mechanical standards and comply with Administrative policy 8316.055 and departmental policies;
Provide project management for communications-related development projects across the Health System in concert with departmental requirements and funding;
Serves as a member of various Health System committees, including but not limited to the Environment of Care Committee, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee, Information Security Committee; Region 3 MCC Advisory Committee.
Represents the Health System on local, regional and state level committees and workgroups, including but not limited to the Local Emergency Planning Commissions of local counties within the service area, Southeast Tennessee Regional Healthcare Coalition Executive Board RMCC Representative, Tennessee Valley Regional Communications System Advisory Committee (Exec Commission appointment), Tennessee Advanced Communications Network Advisory Committee (Commissioner appointment); State of Tennessee EMS Communications Committee; FCC Region 39 Planning Committees;
Erlanger Baroness Hospital Chattanooga, TN
Emergency Communications Mgr
Standard Hours
Regular
