Emergency Medical Services Division Head

Onslow County Government, which operates under a Commissioner-Manager form of government, is seeking an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division Head to oversee the Onslow County Division of Emergency Medical Services under the Department of Emergency Services. The successful candidate for this role will have a commitment to innovative quality emergency medicine and the health and wellbeing of the Onslow County citizens. The EMS Division Head answers to the Emergency Service Director.

Onslow County: The City of Jacksonville is the County seat, and the areas surrounding the City constitute the major population centers and growth areas in the County. The County has a population of more than 213,000 people and includes the incorporated towns of Holly Ridge, Richlands, Swansboro, North Topsail Beach, a portion of Surf City and unincorporated Sneads Ferry.

Onslow County is proudly the home of Camp Lejeune, the United States Marine Corps' largest installation on the east coast. Located on the coast of Eastern North Carolina, Onslow County enjoys a temperate climate and access to beautiful beaches.

The EMS Division Head oversees 108 full-time employees, including 13 supervisory positions. The division operates from six stations, with eleven responding ambulances during the day and seven at night. The EMS division responded to over 28,000 calls for service in 2023 and the FY23/24 annual budget is $17,284,104.

Upon their appointment, the EMS Division Head will prioritize the following tasks:

Assessment of Current Resources: Assess the current resources available within the

department. This includes personnel, equipment, facilities, and financial resources.

Review of Operational Procedures: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing operational procedures and protocols to identify any inefficiencies or areas for improvement. This includes response protocols, dispatch procedures, patient care protocols, and inter-agency coordination procedures.

Training and Skill Development: Prioritize the training and skill development of EMS personnel to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques. This may include providing training on new medical procedures, technologies, and response tactics.

Community Outreach and Education: Develop strategies for community outreach and

education initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness about emergency medical services, promoting preventive healthcare measures, and providing information on how to access emergency medical assistance.

Collaboration with Stakeholders: Foster collaboration and partnerships with other healthcare providers, emergency response agencies, local government authorities, and community organizations.

Staff Wellness: Prioritize the health and well-being of EMS personnel by implementing programs to support mental health, stress management, and work-life balance. Foster a culture of support and resilience within the organization.

Recruitment and Retention: Evaluate and refine recruitment and retention strategies based on feedback from division personnel, industry best practices, and evolving workforce trends.This position is responsible for the overall direction and coordination of all County owned EMS resources throughout county; directs and coordinates daily work of Paramedic level EMS shift supervisors and Community Paramedic supervisors; directs and manages personnel, equipment, vehicle and facility purchases, maintenance and repairs, and financial files and records. This position is also:

Directs and coordinates agency and EMS system response to emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance; analyzes agency and EMS system response and methods to increase efficiency and effectiveness of all services.

Directs and manages commanders, coordinators and team leaders for all special teams that

operate under the Division of EMS and the ESF 8 function.

Position Responsibilities (cont'd)

• Performs as the Onslow-Camp Lejeune EMS System Plan Administrator.

• Coordinates with the agency, State and EMS System Medical Director, Assistant and Associate Medical Directors; interacts with various public safety agencies.

• Prepares and administers division annual operating and capital budgets; prepares and submits annual budget proposals; controls and approves purchases and expenses from division budget.

• Writes grant applications/proposals and administers expenditures of grant funds.

• Manages, coordinates, and controls EMS billing operations to include North Carolina Debt Setoff, credit reporting, and insurance.

• Supervises personnel through monitoring radio communications, inspections, quality improvement reviews, reports, statistical analysis and on scene management of incidents; conducts performance evaluations, sets, and monitors goals for continuous improvement of personnel performance; recommends individuals for hire, promotions, and disciplinary actions.

• Answers and resolves complaints regarding the EMS Division.

• Develops and implements community information and community relations activities.

• Performs the duties of a paramedic, as required; operates a County/emergency vehicle in the course of employment.

• Represents the Agency and/or division at meetings; serves on committees as requested.

• Answers questions and provide information to the public including letter writing, proposal development, and making formal presentations.

• Provides information and assistance to other departments, outside agencies, and the public on assigned functions.

• Recommends, develops, and implements program and policy changes relating to EMS.

• Assist, represent and advise the Director on issues related to EMS.

• Performs assigned functions as a Disaster Ready Team (DRT) member.

• Performs related tasks as required.

A successful candidate will have:

• Emergency Medical Services knowledge and expertise in program oversight including broad knowledge of up-to-date trends, technology, regulations, and laws.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency medical services, public sector organization, program operations, and budgeting.

• Experience in applying the principles and practices of project management, contract, and grant administration, including research, development and implementation of projects/programs, vendors, contractors, and user agency coordination.

• An in-depth understanding of general medical services, terminology, equipment, and systems.

• Experience in modern administrative methods and procedures, business correspondence and report preparation, statistical analysis, and evaluations.

• The ability to apply and interpret agency policies and procedures as well as local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the program area.

• Effective research and record keeping methods and techniques.

• Leadership skills to effectively facilitate meetings to achieve consensus.

• Resolution skills to respond, resolve and coordinate difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries.

• Critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative approaches to improving program services.

• Analytical skills to analyze situations thoroughly, identify potential problems, and find effective solutions.

• The ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with managers, other agency staff, other governmental jurisdictions, vendors, and the public.

• Effective communication skills and the ability to express ideas both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree with course work in EMS or related field

Extensive experience as a responding paramedic to out of hospital emergency calls

Considerable supervisory experience (more than six years)

Must obtain NC Paramedic certification from the State of North Carolina within six months of hire date.

Must obtain Rapid Sequence Intubation certification from the Onslow County Medical Director

within 24 months of hire date.

Valid driver's license.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for the position is $76,643.11 - $122,628.87. Competitive salary will be determined

based upon education and experience.

The chosen candidate may qualify for a relocation package if applicable.

This full-time position also qualifies for an excellent benefits package.