Lead Communications Specialist, Medical Communication Center (MEDCOM)

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Generous PTO

Retirement Savings

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Plan

Education Support

Job summary

The University of Virginia (UVA Health) seeks a Lead Communications Specialist to lead critical communications and coordination in the Medical Communication Center during night shifts, driving rapid, accurate information flow for emergency medical response and patient transport.

You will serve as the on-site operational lead, supervise staff, guide complex situations, and manage escalations to ensure seamless service delivery in a high-acuity environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in Emergency Response or Emergency Communications.
• Certification as Advanced EMT or higher in Virginia.
• AHA Health Care Provider ALS CPR certification required.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary on-site operational lead during assigned shifts.
• Coordinate staffing coverage and respond to schedule changes and call-outs.
• Provide guidance and support to communications specialists during complex situations.
• Act as the first point of contact for operational escalations, concerns, and complaints.
• Maintain oversight and administrative access within the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Review workflow and work assignments to support efficient operations and consistent service delivery.
• Collaborate with supervisors and leadership to ensure continuity of communications operations.
• Support onboarding, training, continuing education, and staff development activities.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Make real-time operational decisions to support emergency response and transport coordination.
• This position is ideal for professionals with experience in 911 dispatch, helicopter dispatch, EMS communications, interfacility transport coordination, or other emergency communications settings for leadership.

Skills

Emergency communications

Leadership

Staffing coordination

Quality improvement

Operational decision-making

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Emergency communications professionals know that every decision matters. This role offers the opportunity to lead critical communication and coordination efforts that support emergency medical response, patient transport operations, and around-the-clock service delivery within UVA Health's Medical Communication Center.

As the Lead Communications Specialist, you will serve as the primary operational resource during your assigned shifts, helping ensure seamless communications, staffing coordination, and escalation management in a dynamic, high-acuity environment. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced emergency communications professional to step into a high-impact leadership role where expertise, sound judgment, and operational excellence directly influence patient care and transport operations.

The Role

This night-shift leadership position functions much like a communications center "charge" role, providing operational oversight while serving as a trusted resource for staff throughout the shift. You'll work in a fast-paced environment where multitasking, prioritization, and decisive problem-solving are essential to success.

On a typical day, you will:

• Serve as the primary on-site operational lead during assigned shifts.

• Coordinate staffing coverage and respond to schedule changes and call-outs.

• Provide guidance and support to communications specialists during complex situations.

• Act as the first point of contact for operational escalations, concerns, and complaints.

• Maintain oversight and administrative access within the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

• Review workflow and work assignments to support efficient operations and consistent service delivery.

• Collaborate with supervisors and leadership to ensure continuity of communications operations.

• Support onboarding, training, continuing education, and staff development activities.

• Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement initiatives.

• Make real-time operational decisions to support emergency response and transport coordination.

This position is ideal for professionals with experience in 911 dispatch, helicopter dispatch, EMS communications, interfacility transport coordination, or other emergency communications settings who are ready to leverage their expertise in a leadership capacity.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health is one of the nation's leading academic health systems, bringing together exceptional clinical care, innovation, education, and research. As part of the Medical Communication Center, you will play a critical role in supporting the operational infrastructure that helps connect patients, providers, emergency responders, and transport resources.

What makes this opportunity stand out:

• Rare external leadership opportunity within a role that has historically been filled through internal advancement.

• Significant operational influence during assigned shifts with meaningful leadership responsibilities.

• Opportunity to serve as a recognized subject matter expert within a highly specialized emergency communications environment.

• Direct involvement in training, onboarding, education, quality initiatives, and operational improvement efforts.

• Ability to contribute to accreditation-related activities and support ongoing operational excellence.

• Collaboration with highly skilled EMS, transport, and healthcare professionals across the organization.

• Exposure to complex communications and coordination challenges that promote continued professional growth.

• Work that directly supports emergency medical operations and patient transport services throughout the region.

For experienced communications professionals who are passionate about leadership, quality, and emergency operations, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact while continuing to develop professionally within a nationally recognized healthcare system.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life with the amenities of a vibrant college town and the charm of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking, cycling, vineyards, music venues, farmers markets, and nationally recognized dining, while remaining within driving distance of Washington, D.C., Richmond, and the Virginia coast. For healthcare professionals, Charlottesville provides an ideal balance of career opportunity and personal well-being, making it one of the most desirable places to live and work in Virginia.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School Graduate or Equivalent required.

Experience: 3+yearsexperiencewithinanEmergency Response or EmergencyCommunications required.

Licensure: Certification as an Advanced EMT or higher in the Commonwealth of Virginia required. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider ALS 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.

The pay range for this role is $26.00 - $37.48 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off

• Retirement Savings

• Long-term and Short-term Disability

• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts

• Certification and Education Support

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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.