Captain - Shift Training Officer

The Shift Training Officer (STO) is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly Paramedic who serves at the rank of EMS Captain and is assigned to a specialized training role by the Chief of Emergency Services. The STO functions as both a field Paramedic and a frontline command resource while carrying additional responsibilities related to training, credentialing, and provider development. The STO serves as the primary liaison between the Training Division and field personnel for assigned training initiatives, competency verification, and provider development efforts. The STO has a focused responsibility to ensure operational readiness, clinical competency, and compliance with Cole County EMS policy across their assigned shift. In addition to providing direct patient care and operational leadership, the STO coordinates, delivers, and monitors shift-based training, collaborates with Battalion Chiefs and other Captains on performance improvement initiatives, and supports the Training Division in maintaining high standards of clinical excellence. The STO may also assume the responsibilities of a Battalion Chief in their absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational effectiveness.

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent. Associates degree strongly preferred. Bachelor's degree preferred. One (1) year experience as a full-time paramedic.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Valid Missouri Class "F" driver's license. Valid Missouri Paramedic license. NAEMSE Instructor Level I (40 hour) or equivalent preferred. Position requires formal instructor certification as a foundation. Personnel accepting promotion who do not meet this qualification must acquire this instructor certification within 12 months of promotion and maintain instructor certification while holding this position. Must maintain continuous AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) audit within six (6) months of hire. Instructor certifications in two (2) of the following certifications - AHA

BLS, AHA

ACLS, PHTLS and/or

AHA PALS.

Position requires instructor certification in at least two (2) of the above disciplines within twelve (12) months of promotion and maintain instructor certifications while holding this position. Maintain certification through a standard Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC), or similar standard as approved by the Chief of Emergency Services. Must have the following National Incident Management System certifications:

ICS100, ICS200, IS700, IS800.

Obtain ICS 300 within two (2) years of hire. Completion of an approved critical care training course within one (1) year of hire. Ability to obtain and maintain Cole County Pre-Hospital Provider Certification. Skills Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows with ability to use specialized EMS computer applications. Skilled at developing effective working relationships with all partnering agencies, adjunct public safety entities, and emergency hospital personnel. Ability to use good judgment and to operate equipment and emergency vehicles in high stress and adverse conditions. Must be proficient in oral and written communication, including documentation of patient assessment and care. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work independently and as a team member, employ discretion and confidentiality in sensitive areas, read, interpret, and follow instructions. Ability to organize and prioritize work daily. Ability to interview patients and bystanders and to document all relevant information according to departmental policy. Persuade others and negotiate solutions to conflicts and problems. Listen and integrate the ideas of others. Identify and resolve problems. Administrative Responds to EMS calls and assists with coordination of patient care and manage on scene EMS operations. Functions as the "officer in charge" when assigned as a member of an ambulance. Assists in the development and implementation of guidelines, protocols, policies, and procedures for training, field practice, and medical standards. Continually evaluates EMS operational readiness and effectiveness of our service, keeping the Battalion Chiefs apprised of important developments or recommendations for improvement. Inspects assigned stations, crews, and vehicles to ensure operational readiness. Communicate with crews, Battalion Chiefs, and other Captains to keep all abreast of any changes. Participates in call critiques with crews as needed or assigned. Provide in-service training on new equipment and procedures to Cole County EMS personnel in coordination with the Training Division. Participates in staff meetings, as assigned. Serves as an "Acting Battalion Chief" as needed. Assumes other duties as assigned by the Chief of Emergency Services, or their designee. Performs all required duties as outlined in the FTEP and Policies/Procedures manual. Perform QA functions, as needed, per Cole County EMS QA guidelines. Personnel Assists with the training, mentorship, and evaluation of Cole County EMS patient care staff. Assists with pre-employment testing and orientation. Instructs or monitors on-duty in-service training, assists the Training Division with coordination of class material and assists with the orientation of new personnel. Facilitates learning to ensure employees acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become successful Cole County EMS employees. Mentors and evaluates new and probationary employees including, but not limited to, station activities, clinical performance, vehicle operation, and administrative paperwork/procedures. Responsible for ensuring assigned employees perform in accordance with established treatment protocols, standards, policies, and guidelines. Physical activities required on the job include: Regularly (over 70% of the time) sitting, talking, and hearing (i.e., meetings, public speaking engagements, etc.). Frequently (41% to 70% of the time) grasping, standing, walking, and driving. Occasionally (1% to 40% of the time) feeling attributes of objects, reaching with hands/arms, stooping and kneeling, climbing, or balancing, and repetitive wrist, hand and/or finger movement. Job requires ability to lift and/or exert force as follows: Regularly (over 70% of the time) lifts up to 25 pounds. Frequently (41% to 70%) lifts up to 75 pounds. Occasionally (15% to 40%) lifts up to 100 pounds. Rarely (less than 15%) lifts over 100 pounds. Visual activities required on the job include: Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more and 20 inches or less. Three-dimensional vision—ability to judge distance and space relationships. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus. Ability to see up and down or to right or left while fixed on point. Mental activities that are required during a typical workday are: Concentrated attention with regards to writing and preparing various written communication. While on a call the job requires exposure to any of the following environmental conditions: Frequently (50% to 75%) exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Rarely (5% to 10%) exposed to extreme cold (non-weather), extreme heat (non-weather), subject to oils (mechanical or food). Occasionally (25% to 40%) work in hazardous traffic. The noise that is experienced on the job is a moderate noise level (i.e., office with computers and/or computer printers and clinical equipment).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. This role requires the ability to maintain a high level of physical fitness to carry out essential EMS and rescue functions. Duties involve sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing, balancing, crawling, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching in a variety of environments and situations. The employee may be required to lift, carry, drag, push, or pull individuals and equipment weighing up to 180 pounds with assistance, and occasionally more during emergency operations. Essential tasks include performing continuous chest compressions, moving patients in confined or hazardous spaces, and operating stretchers, gurneys, and other transport devices over uneven terrain and obstacles. The position requires work in hazardous and unpredictable environments, including the ability to wear and operate in personal protective equipment such as turnout gear and respiratory protection for extended periods of time. Sufficient cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditioning is necessary to perform rescues, climb ladders, and manage heavy tools or equipment under physically and emotionally stressful conditions. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus in low light, smoke, or other reduced visibility conditions. Hearing must be adequate to distinguish radio traffic, alarms, and verbal instructions in high-noise environments.