ShandsCair Communication Specialist | Part-Time

Overview

The Communications Specialist is responsible for coordinating incoming requests for both routine and emergency air and ground medical transport services. Working as part of a collaborative team, this role manages multiple rotor-wing, fixed-wing, and ground ambulance assets to ensure timely and efficient patient transportation.

 

Using computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, the Communications Specialist identifies the closest and most appropriate transport resource and dispatches the appropriate team using various radio and telephone communication systems. Once dispatched, the Communications Specialist monitors the asset's progress throughout the mission, providing ongoing support as needed to help ensure a safe and successful operation.

 

As part of the communications team, this position also receives and processes patient advisory reports for all EMS units transporting patients into the UF Health Shands System. Additionally, the Communications Specialist handles activation requests for emergency hospital alerts—including stroke, STEMI, and trauma alerts—from a variety of internal and external clinical decision-makers.

 

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and remains calm while managing multiple priorities. Exceptional attention to detail is essential, as is the ability to multitask while maintaining continuous awareness of all aircraft in flight.

 

This position requires successful completion of mandatory Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Crew Resource Management (CRM) and flight emergency training. The Communications Specialist must also comply with all Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) standards applicable to Communications Specialists.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.
• Functional understanding of communications equipment, including telephones, radios, and recording systems.
• Knowledge of navigational terminology is preferred, but not required.
• One year of dispatching experience in an EMS, 911, or aviation environment is preferred, or one year of work experience in a 911 or hospital setting.

Motor Vehicle Operator Designation

Employees in this position will not operate vehicles for an assigned business purpose.

 

Licensure, Certification & Registration

Candidates must possess one of the following current certifications:

• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
• Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator
• Florida EMT-Basic
• Florida Paramedic

In addition, the International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialists (IAMTCS) Certified Flight Communications Specialist certification is required within one year of hire.