Emergency Medical Services Director - Limited Service

at State of Vermont in Waterbury, Vermont, United States

Job Description

The Vermont Department of Health is recruiting a transformational leader to direct the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system for the State of Vermont. This position offers the opportunity to develop and implement a vision for excellence within a rapidly evolving EMS system. 

The State EMS Director works at the crossroads of public health and public safety; health care and emergency management.  While the challenges associated with this position are far from simple, the right candidate will have a track record of system management, collaboration and coalition building, and is familiar with the challenges faced by EMS leaders today.  EMS is an integral component of the healthcare system; the State EMS Director is uniquely positioned to provide a vision for 21st century prehospital emergency medical care across the state. Furthermore, the position will oversee numerous initiatives that expand the role of community EMS to include induction of buprenorphine and Mobile Integrated Healthcare, an initiative of the Rural Health Transformation program.  

Reporting to the Director of Preparedness, Response, and Emergency Medical Services, the State EMS Director is responsible for leading the Office of EMS, as well as the management and ongoing improvement of the state EMS regulatory system.  The Office of EMS is responsible for personnel, vehicle and service licensing; inspections and investigations; data management and data request fulfillment; EMS initial certification and ongoing education programs; federal grant program supervision such as EMS for Children; and the administration of the EMS Special Fund.  The State EMS Director represents the Health Department with a wide range of stakeholder groups such as the EMS Advisory Committee, the Vermont Ambulance Association, and the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. Other examples of partner stakeholders interactions include internal Agency of Human Services (AHS) Departments, the Department of Public Safety, individual hospitals and hospital systems, EMS districts and EMS agencies. This position is expected to be an active member of the National Association of State EMS Officials and work collaboratively with representatives of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.  The State EMS Director is regularly called upon to provide expert advice, recommendations, and perspective to local and state government leaders, elected officials, and the public.      

The Preparedness, Response, and Emergency Medical Services (PRE) Division is often called upon to lead and or coordinate the Health Department's response to public health emergencies and natural disasters.  The State EMS Director is a member of the department's incident management team and may be assigned to the State Emergency Operations Center or Health Operations Center when needed.   

A qualified candidate will possess the ability to lead a team of dedicated staff and inspire stakeholders toward a collaborative vision. Excellent candidates will combine an extensive work history in EMS with prior leadership experience. Understanding of the challenges of rural EMS and experience working in a volunteer system are also favorable attributes.

Duties are performed in settings ranging from an office to accident sites. Meetings and speaking engagements before a variety of local groups with diverse and conflicting points of view require tactful handling of issues and people. Duties regularly include weekends and evenings. Private means of transportation must be available for travel.