APCO International is hiring: Communication Specialist I in Roanoke

Employment Status: Full time
Shift: Variable Hours (United States of America)
Facility: 2301 Brambleton Ave SW – Roanoke
Requisition Number: R160798 Communication Specialist I - Ambulance Dispatch - FT (Open)

Job Overview
How You’ll Help Transform Healthcare: The Communication Specialist I works in the call center for Carilion Clinic Patient Transport (CCPT) department. The Communications Specialist is a central link in the safe transfer and transport of patients throughout the region and is one of the first points of contact for patients, prospective patients, discharge planners, insurance companies/brokers, physicians, facilities, 911 dispatch centers, and other Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies with Carilion Clinic. #EMSHeroes

Successful candidate must be certified as an EMT-Basic, EMT-Advance, EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic in the State of Virginia.

Communication Specialist I rate starts at $20.10, with credit for EMS experience. A $7,500.00 sign-on bonus is available for external candidates who meet eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

Maintains proficiency in all CCPT Communications Center Coordinator responsibilities and serves as a resource for the Coordinator's when needed.

Primarily used for staffing the ground ambulance dispatch pods in the Communication Center; develops and matures professional relationships with the Transfer Center staff to facilitate synergies and communication between departments.

Receives and screens calls efficiently to minimize delays; identifies and prioritizes emergency calls, routinely dispatching units in less than two minutes from the time of the initial call; escalates flight requests to the appropriate pod for immediate assistance.

Determines the level of care required and the mode of transport needed based on CCPT scope of practice for basic life support, advanced life support, and critical care; anticipates projected patient needs during transport based on clinical condition and history and projected out‑of‑hospital time; uses this information in decision‑making as an advocate for quality and patient safety.

Schedules trips and dispatches ground ambulances, using all available tools to identify the closest, most appropriate resource, time‑stamps units, monitors ambulance response times, and intervenes with clinical teams to address concerns or delays; provides updates on arrival time to the requestor when the unit will be more than 10 minutes early or late for a scheduled pick‑up.

Demonstrates sustained proficiency in multi‑tasking and prioritizing work; operates specialized computer software and computer systems in a timely and accurate manner; minimizes delays by direct data entry into the system while the caller is on the line.

Reviews electronic medical records for demographic information, clinical information, or prior transport information to ensure an appropriate match of resources to patient need; actively works to ensure the protection of private health information during the process.

Cancels and reschedules appointments in the dispatch software program, using attention to detail to ensure the right patient and the right cancellation reason.

Works closely with the lead pod to assist other team members as directed.

As a team member, demonstrates respect, dignity, kindness, and empathy in every encounter with patients, peers, leadership, and external parties.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Prior experience in a call center, 911 dispatch center, or as an Emergency Medical Services provider required.

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration: Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services certification required as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT‑B).

American Heart Association Basic Life Support – Health Care Provider (AHA BLS‑HCP): required within 3 months of hire.

Other Minimum Qualifications: Must be proficient with keyboarding/typing and use of software applications, including Windows; must demonstrate sustained proficiency in multi‑tasking and effective communication skills focused on customer service.

Compensation
$20.10 - $28.14. Employee pay is based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, credentials, education, and prior work experience. The compensation range does not include benefits or pension plan.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Employer Funded Pension Plan, vested after five years (Voluntary 403B)

Paid Time Off (accrued from day one)

Onsite fitness studios and discounts to our Carilion Wellness centers

Access to our health and wellness app, Personify Health

Discounts on childcare

Continued education and training

Carilion Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or veterans status. Carilion is a Drug‑Free Workplace. For more information or for individuals with disabilities needing special assistance with our online application process contact Carilion HR Service Center at 800‑599‑2537, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information on E‑Verify: https://www.carilionclinic.org/eoe-e-verify-and-right-work-policies

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