12/11/2000 39430

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is professional and administrative work in the field of emergency medical services.

An employee in this class plans, develops and coordinates, on a statewide basis, one or more specialized activities such as EMS communications, disaster training and certification of EMS emergency medical services personnel; accrediting training institutes and continuing education sponsors; licensing and inspection of ambulance services, public education and rescue training programs and service recognition processes; accreditation of medical command physicians and facilities; and system quality improvement and evaluation. Work involves collaboration with the medical community, the regional EMS councils, the State Advisory Council, the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Fireman's Legislative Association, the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation and surrounding states' Emergency Medical Services Offices to assure a comprehensive statewide emergency health services system. The focus of the work is statewide responsibility for an assigned specialty area, including leading regional staff to ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory and policy requirements and consistency in regional operations. Work also involves analyzing emergency health service data in order to revise current or propose new regional and statewide Emergency Medical Services Plans; working with physicians, attorneys, state and national emergency medical services and other stakeholders to ensure the operational delivery of the assigned EMS programs and emergency health services throughout the state; and working closely with regional personnel developing plans of action, reviewing applications for funding, conducting investigations, and preparing reports germane to the full range of emergency health services activities. Work assignments are received from an administrative superior located in the central office, or are developed in cooperation with the administrative superior. Work is reviewed upon completion by an administrative superior to ensure compliance with division and departmental strategy, strategic plans and budgets.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Provides guidance and assistance to regional council staff for the purpose of leading and managing components of the emergency medical services program.

Prepares EMS plans for a program or population, such as emergency medical coverage needed in a particular area, resource allocation, quality assurance and integration and coordination with non-EMS age cies' program components.

Trains regional EMS staff using technology or traditional methods such as workshops, institutes and seminars to improve quality and evaluates training activities.

Prepares written reports to assist in policy-making decisions and makes recommendations regarding changes in programs or systems allocations.

Educates consumers, providers or regulators.

Manages and supports program implementation, evaluates existing programs or systems allocations, and develops grants and contracts.

Monitors compliance with procedures and policies and the implementation of programs through regional EMS councils, ambulance services, physicians, hospitals or disaster response organizations and proposes corrective action plans to the Director.

Represents the Emergency Medical Services Office at regional and state meetings for the purpose of assuring consistency of program implementation, congruence with state health and EMS improvement plans and compliance with contracts.

Develops and establishes EMS program procedures and policies to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

Provides assistance to EMS systems components and other health and safety organizations concerning implementation of EMS policies and procedures.

Manages specific databases relevant to EMS specialty, including preparing data collection instruments, developing collection processes and assuring uniformity among regions.

Analyzes data and information regarding instructor accreditation, training, facilities, licensure registries or patient admitted to facilities through medical departments, trauma centers, etc., to determine whether EMS programs are in compliance with standards and regulations.

Plans, coordinates and conducts analytical studies; prepares surveys and deficiency reports which identify differences between educational and performance standards and EMS goals.

Develops, organizes and conducts specialized training programs on EMS systems components such as quality assurance, information management, communication systems, disaster response, licensing and certification, etc., to achieve improvements in systems and patient care.

Proposes improvement plans for Emergency Medical Service System pertaining to assigned program specialty.

Prepares correspondence and reports pertaining to emergency health services activities for Secretary and public distribution or in response to legislative inquiries.

Reviews regional EMS annual work plans and makes recommendations relative to the validity of the specific goals or tasks presented.

Develops and maintains procedural manuals pertinent to the assigned specialty area for statewide distribution.

Coordinates activities of physicians, the legal community, legislators and representative of state and national emergency medical service organizations relative to the assigned specialty area.

Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles, practices and standards related to the delivery of emergency medical services and systems operations.

Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, procedures and regulations impacting on emergency medical services programs.

Knowledge of educational techniques, tools and materials for use in emergency medical services programs.

Knowledge of the principles and methods applicable to collecting, reviewing and analyzing EMS System data.

Ability to effectively apply operational knowledge when working with other branches of state government, regional EMS council personnel, community organizations and other stakeholders.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and with public and private groups.

Ability to plan, coordinate and conduct analytical studies, surveys and reports in the assigned specialty area for the emergency medical service program.

Ability to conduct training in specific EMS System subjects.

Ability to prepare accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Ability to represent the Emergency Medical Services Office in a competent and professional manner before applicable agencies, vendors and consumers.

Ability to travel to conduct on-site surveys, studies and investigations; identify and address priorities; and manage multiple major projects simultaneously.

Ability to use basic computer software applications.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of professional experience planning, developing, evaluating or operating an emergency medical services program, or providing EMS certified training or administering a college EMS training program; and a bachelors degree in health policy and administration, economics, statistics, public or business administration, emergency medicine, nursing or a related medical field;

or

Three years of professional experience planning, developing, evaluating or operating an emergency medical services programs, or providing EMS certified training or administering a college EMS training program; and an associate degree in health policy and administration, economics, statistics, public or business administration, emergency medicine, nursing or a related medical field;

or

Four years of professional experience planning, developing, evaluating or operating an emergency medical services program or providing EMS certified training or administering a college EMS training program; and 30 credits in health policy and administration, economics, statistics, public or business administration, emergency medicine, nursing or a related medical field;

or

Five years of professional experience planning, developing, evaluating or operating an emergency medical service program or providing EMS certified training or administering a college EMS training program.