Deputy Chief - EMS

OPENING DATE: 04-08-2024

CLOSING DATE:  05-03-2024

POSITION OVERVIEW:  The City of Altoona, Iowa is accepting applications for Deputy Chief-EMS in the Fire Department.  

Interested candidates need to complete a City of Altoona resume, cover letter, and employment application. 

Assessment Center 05-16-2024 with an anticipated start date in June 2024.

REPORTS TO: Fire Chief

DIRECT REPORTS: Fire Lieutenant and Fire Administrative Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Fire Chief, plans and directs the functions of the EMS division. Exercises supervisory control over full time Firefighter/Paramedic-EMT’s, recruits, and Fire Officers during all training sessions and emergency scene operations, as assigned. Responsible for the general management of the EMS Division. Serves as part of the department’s senior management team. Assumes command of the department in the absence of the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief of Operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists with policy and procedure development.
• Develops a budget for assigned division and assists with overall budget administration.
• Assists with the selecting, orientation, training, performance management, and discipline of employees in the Fire Department in accordance with City policy.
• Acts as the AFD liaison with the Medical Director.
• Monitors medical quality assurance.
• Ensures that the EMS Division meets all mandatory requirements set by the Iowa Department of Health.
• Manages the EMS billing process including but not limited to compliance with insurance processing policies (Medicare and Medicaid) and billing schedules including collections.
• Administers the department’s medical evaluation program.
• Supervises administrative aspects of department including internal and external communications, scheduling records, management systems, and other essential services.
• Supervises and monitors scheduling and attendance for duty crew personnel.
• Manages division equipment, personal protection equipment, turnout gear and radios.
• Monitors and ensures medical supply inventories, department’s equipment and vehicles are maintained at required levels for distribution and safety.
• Participates in the On-Call rotation and is available for off-hour meetings, phone calls and special assignments.
• Works as a team leader and/or incident commander.
• Serves as the HIPPA Compliance Officer.
• Assists with and monitors the department safety program.
• Keeps regular and punctual attendance.

PERIODIC JOB DUTIES:

• Assist the Fire Chief in preparing and presenting staff reports and other necessary correspondence and department information to council, administration, staff and public.
• Acts as alternate for Fire Chief to interact and assist the public by answering inquiries or explaining procedures relating to city permits, codes, inspections and nuisances, to resolve needs or complaints.
• Coordinates, develops, and delivers CPR, first aid and other public education programs and initiatives.
• Assists the Fire Chief in management of the ISO rating process.
• Assist in development and maintain disaster mitigation plans, procedures, and coordination factors with Federal, State, County and City representatives.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Business, or related field. Additional years of experience at a supervisory level, beyond the minimums may be recognized in lieu of an Associates’ degree, at the discretion of the Fire Chief, however, the Associates Degree must be attained within two years of employment.
• Experience – eight (8) to ten (10) years in related work experience in Fire and EMS operations, at least three (3) years of supervisory role in fire or EMS.

SKILLS:

• Ability to take initiative and work efficiently in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication and listening skills including, but not limited to: tact, diplomacy and professionalism when dealing with members of the public and staff.
• Problem-solving, sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
• Ability to perform invasive advanced medical and fire command procedures in stressful situations.
• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to mediate disputes between subordinates.
• Ability to model leadership skills to promote confidence in decision-making.
• Ability to climb up to rooftops, crawlspaces, etc. in order to perform job requirements.
• Ability to operate a personal computer using various software programs for word processing, billing, reports, email, database, training, fire service management systems, etc.
• Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set for by the administration and/or supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge and excellent understanding of incident command principles; as well as the ability to organize, deploy, and manage Fire department resources in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Knowledge of local geography and special hazards within the community.
• Knowledge of budget processes.
• Knowledge of office equipment, including telephone, photocopier, laser printers, personal computers, etc.
• Must be knowledgeable of Altoona Fire Department Rules and Regulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Knowledgeable of the emergency medical operations and protocols.
• Knowledgeable of appropriate training standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Combination normal office environment and frequent outside working conditions.
• Ability to consistently lift, carry, push and pull up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push and pull up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally, lift, carry, push and pull up to 200 pounds.
• Occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Intermittent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and reaching in tight spaces.
• Periodic exposure to inclement weather and extreme weather conditions (cold and/or heat; wet and/or humid conditions)
• Periodic exposure to high intensive noise levels, vibrations, darkness and poor lighting, dirt/dust, odors, toxic chemicals and other environmental conditions.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Iowa Driver’s license
• Establish residency within forty-five (45) minutes or less to drive to the facility within the first three (3) months of employment with the city.
• Fire Officer I certification and or EMS instructor endorsement. (Fire Officer II within 24 months of employment)
• Fire Instructor I certification (Instructor II within 24 months of employment)
• EMT-Paramedic Certification with 5 years Paramedic Experience
• American Heart Association (AHA) Instructor in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within six months of employment
• NIMS/ICS: ICS 100, ICS 700 & ICS 800 (ICS 300 and 400 within first year).
• All licenses and certifications listed must be valid and be maintained throughout employment.
• Must be insurable.

The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time. The list of duties is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a medical exam including a drug and alcohol screen and complete background check prior to beginning work.

The City of Altoona is located in Polk County, Iowa about five miles from Des Moines. Altoona houses approximately 20,000 residents and is one of the lowest city tax rates in the metro area.  We offer many large city amenities but with small town quality and convenience. Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails, parks, an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and our entertainment is renown.

The City of Altoona is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.