Review Vacancy
TitleState EMS Paramedic Communications Specialist (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic) - Multiple
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $53764 to $68630 Annually
Duties Description The Paramedic Communications Specialist (Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic) serves as a frontline clinical operations specialist within the State Medical Operations Coordination Center (SMOCC). This position integrates paramedic-level clinical judgment with operational coordination to support patient movement, system situational awareness, and resource allocation during health emergencies, disasters, and large-scale incidents across New York State.
Operating in a 24/7, high-tempo environment, the Paramedic Communications Specialist monitors healthcare system status, facilitates interfacility patient transfers, and communicates directly with EMS agencies, hospitals, and response partners to support timely and effective medical care. The position bridges clinical insight and operational coordination, ensuring that patient care needs and system capabilities are effectively aligned during emergencies and periods of healthcare strain.
Work involves continuous monitoring of dynamic data sources, complex coordination among healthcare facilities and EMS agencies, and real-time decision-making in alignment with established medical protocols and operational guidelines. The position requires advanced clinical knowledge, strong situational awareness, and rapid judgment to balance competing priorities where errors could directly impact patient outcomes or system performance.
MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND ASSOCIATED DUTIES
Call Intake and Initial Triage: Receives and triages incoming notifications from health care facilities, EMS agencies, and the Department’s emergency duty officer line; collects and documents essential clinical and incident information; determines response pathways and communicates with Duty Officers and partner agencies to initiate appropriate actions.
Situational Awareness and Analysis: Monitors statewide data systems, facility reports, and resource tracking platforms to identify system disruptions, capacity issues, and emerging incidents; validates and synthesizes operational information into concise updates supporting leadership and response coordination.
Interfacility Patient Transfer Coordination: Facilitates patient transfers when regional capacity is exceeded; applies paramedic-level clinical judgment to match patient needs with appropriate destination facilities; collaborates with hospitals, transport agencies, and regional coordination centers to ensure timely and appropriate transfers.
Emergency Medical Support and Advisory: Provides operational and clinical guidance to EMS responders and health care facilities during incidents; supports resource prioritization, EMS Task Force coordination, and participation in training and exercises to strengthen statewide readiness.
Operational Communications and Readiness: Maintains reliable communication and information systems within the SMOCC; verifies operational data, ensures equipment readiness, documents all actions in case management systems, and contributes to continuous improvement and after-action review processes.
Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive Candidates: New York State Health Department certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic) and the appropriate NYS driver's license for the type of vehicle operated.
Preferred Qualifications: Certifications / Licenses: Current New York State Department of Health Paramedic certification; Completion of FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, IS-700, and IS-800; NFPA 1061 or APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I/II certification (or equivalent) preferred; Additional certifications such as ICS-400 or FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS) preferred.
Experience: Minimum two years of experience providing prehospital care as a practicing paramedic; Experience in EMS operations, emergency response coordination, or interfacility patient transfer coordination preferred.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: Expert knowledge of prehospital care systems, EMS operations, and interfacility transfer logistics; Understanding of hospital capacity management and medical surge principles; Ability to interpret clinical and operational data to support patient distribution decisions; Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills for high-stress environments; Proficiency with emergency communication systems, databases, and operational software; Ability to effectively collaborate with healthcare facilities, EMS agencies, and governmental partners.
Additional Comments Health Emergency Management Statement: All Division of State Emergency Medical Services staff are expected to participate in emergency management activities as part of their roles. While not all positions require regular deployment to disaster sites, all employees may be subject to 24/7 recall for emergency operations. This may involve irregular work hours, duties outside of the official position description, and assignments at locations other than the designated duty station. Travel in support of emergency operations may be extensive (lasting from days to weeks), with little advance notice, and may involve relocation to sites with physically demanding and challenging operational conditions.
This position is part of the NYS HELPS program. No examination is required.
This position may require travel throughout New York State including overnights to areas not served by public transportation.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
The NYS Department of Health is committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Understanding health equity, social determinants of health and health disparities is critical to accomplish our goal of eliminating health disparities. For more information on the NYS Department of Health’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/index.htm
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact by phone 518-486-1812 or email doh.sm.reasonable.accommodation@health.ny.gov to make a request.
NYS Department of Health does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Human Resources Management Group
Email Address resume@health.ny.gov
Address
Street RM 2217, Corning Tower Building, ESP
Notes on ApplyingPlease submit your resume and cover letter through the online portal using the link below:
https://apps.health.ny.gov/pubpal/builder/survey/EMS020.2511
Alternatively, resumes and cover letters may also be submitted by:
Email to: Resume@health.ny.gov using PC/EMTP/MULTI in the subject line.
Mail to: Human Resources Management Group, PC/EMTP/MULTI, Rm 2217, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0012
Fax to: (518)473-3395