Job Title: Watch Commander, MEDCOM
Department: MEDCOM
Reports To: Division Director, MEDCOM
FLSA Status: Nonexempt/ Full Time
Hourly Rate: $45.00 – $50.00/ hr
Prepared By: Division Director, MEDCOM
Approved By: Chief of Staff
Last Modified: 2025-01-06
Job Summary
The MEDCOM Watch Commander is responsible for the daily operation of the regional communications center (MEDCOM) during their assigned 12hr shift. MEDCOM communication center operates 24/7/365 and the Watch Commander rotates between days and nights to maintain coverage. The MEDCOM Watch Commander functions under the supervision of the MEDCOM Division Director and the STRAC Executive Director, providing operational management and oversight of personnel providing clinical communication support and facilitation of the Regional Trauma Transfer plan through the MEDCOM process, gathering real-time situational medical awareness on key components of the emergency healthcare system and ensuring distribution of a common operating picture to STRAC leadership and key members. MEDCOM serves as the coordination point for hospitals throughout the region and across the state, as well as serving as the point of contact for the STRAC Regional Rescue Team and the Emergency Medical Task Force programs. The MEDCOM Watch Commander gathers, analyzes and disseminates real time information and medical intelligence to STRAC Leadership, Emergency Health Care Providers, Trauma Surgeons, and key partners to ensure the efficient operation of the Emergency Healthcare System within Trauma Service Area P. Serves as a clinical expert and immediate point of contact for disaster response, healthcare executive leadership protocol activations, complex clinical transfers and other urgent/emergent issues as they arise.
Job Qualifications
- Education:
- Required – Certified or Licensure as a Paramedic or Registered Nurse and completion of ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, ICS 700 and ICS 800 within the first year of employment (training provided) Preferred-Bachelors Degree or higher in Emergency Health Science Communications or related field is preferred.
- Experience:
- Minimum of eight years’ experience in EMS or Emergency/CriticalHealthcare with relevant management experience required. Project management experience is preferred. Comprehensive knowledge of clinical management of complex patients, EMS coordination, emergency department management, disaster response, air medical coordination, mental health referral, patient navigation and disaster response coordination.
Competencies
- Leadership – Exercises judgment and initiative in managing day-to-day operations of complex clinical coordination center. Providing mentoring and guidance to assigned staff and ensuring the efficient and effective operation of MEDCOM. Willingness to take responsibility for all aspects of assigned area.
- Public Relations – Demonstrating excellence in customer service, meeting the needs of regional members, leadership, customers and staff.
- Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems time efficiently; Gathers and analyzes information; Develops solutions; Uses reason.
- Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively; Listens and gets clarification when necessary; Responds informatively to questions.
- Multi-Tasking – Able to accomplish more than one task simultaneously. Able to prioritize several concurrent issues and follow through until completion.
- Calm Under Pressure – Provides medical communication coordination and support during chaotic incidents or disasters. Gathers necessary information quickly and relays to team members for action and resolution.
- Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently and effectively; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives.
- Professionalism – Approaches others in a polite and tactful manner; Maintains composure and reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments; Maintains professional relationships with member agencies.
- Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Fiscal Oversight – Assist in the development, implementation, management and tracking of the operating budget for the MEDCOM Division, to include development of new initiatives within the division.
- Personnel management – Participates in review of applications, hiring processes, personnel evaluations and administrative activities relating to assigned personnel. Assist in the mentoring and the professional development of all staff.
- Develops and presents timely and accurate performance/quality improvement reports.
Abilities
- Ability to take initiative and problem solve
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent phone skills
- Working knowledge of radio communications and dispatch systems
- Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills
- Ability to present oneself as well as the organization in a professional manner
- Proficient in the use of a computer and corresponding programs, internet literate
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills and customer service skills required
- Extensive knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Outlook.
- Proficient in the use of both PC and Apple products and devices.
Code of Conduct:
Employee follows the STRAC Code of Conduct, which are rules to guide us in our work to assure the highest standards of business ethics and compliance as follows:
- Legal Compliance: comply with federal/state laws
- Business Ethics: accurately & honestly represent the Organization and not defraud anyone of money, property or service.
- Confidentiality: protect confidential information
- Conflict of Interest: do not use position to profit personally
- Business Relationships: business transactions are free from offers or solicitation of gifts/favors
- Protection of Assets: preserve assets by using resources prudently and effectively
- Patient Rights: respect and support patient rights to privacy & treatment
