Communications Specialist-Casual

UPMC; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

UPMC's Community LifeTeam EMS seeks a Communications Specialist (Casual) to act as a critical link among EMS resources, hospitals, and patients. You will manage service requests, gather vital information, and ensure resources deploy promptly across the service region.

This role involves prehospital notifications, liaison with Medical Command, and supporting field crews with communications tools to uphold high standards of patient care. Shift schedules include days and nights as required.

Qualifications

• Must have EMT, EMD license or NREMT certificate.
• Experience coordinating EMS resources and hospitals preferred.
• Ability to work days and nights to meet department needs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate communications between transport teams, faculty physicians, and hospitals.
• Document and retrieve patient care information on time in dispatch systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Provide support to field crews with communications tools and resources.

Skills

Effective communication

Calm under pressure

Coordination and teamwork

Multitasking in fast-paced environment

Tools

Radio equipment

Telephone systems

Job description

Join Our Team: Communications Specialist (Casual) - Community LifeTeam EMS

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where every interaction has the potential to impact patient care and emergency response? Are you a skilled communicator who excels under pressure and enjoys being at the center of coordinated healthcare operations? If so, Community LifeTeam EMS is looking for you.

Must have a valid EMT, EMD, license or NREMT certificate to qualify for this position.

Schedule: hours will be scheduled on days and nights to meet department needs

As a Communications Specialist, you will serve as a vital link between healthcare providers, EMS resources, and patients across our service region. Working within our Communications Center, you will coordinate and process service requests, gather critical information, and ensure the right resources are deployed at the right time.

This role is more than dispatching calls. Communications Specialists facilitate prehospital notifications, connect EMS providers with Medical Command physicians, and support field crews with the communication tools and resources they need to deliver exceptional patient care. Every shift offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping ensure seamless coordination between hospitals, EMS agencies, and frontline responders.

Responsibilities:

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