Education/Training Manager (Department of Emergency Services)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Training and Education Manager (TEM) assists the Deputy Director of Emergency Services (DD) by managing the training and education functions of the Berks County Department of Emergency Services. This is accomplished through efficient management of the department’s training staff and ensuring efficient operations of department training facilities. The TEM is responsible for the oversight of the public safety communications training and a continuing education program in accordance with state and federal statutes. The TEM is responsible for the oversight of a performance review and quality assurance program in accordance with state and local statutes and ascertains the operational standards that are needed to ensure 911 centers consistently provide the best possible emergency communications service to the citizens of Berks County and the Commonwealth. With guidance from the DD, the TEM will also be responsible for the oversight of all aspects of training and certification among the communications center, emergency management and administrative staff. The TEM, will, when necessary, work with the Special Operations and Projects Officer (SOPO) to coordinate training for the Special Operations Group (SOG) team employees and with members of the emergency management group to coordinate internal and external emergency management training. The employee in this position will have access to restricted facilities/emergency incident scenes and information that is classified as secure and for law enforcement use only. As such, the employee must understand the importance of confidentiality and the severity of breaching this confidentiality. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Essential Functions

• Manage the development, administration, and coordination of a comprehensive training program for all staff. This function will be executed by personally delivering training, as well as directing the training provided by the Quality Assurance and Training Officers, other departmental staff, and by coordinating the delivery of training by third parties.
• Supervise and manage the workload of all employees’ assigned training functions within the department.
• Provide classroom training, group training, and one-on-one training in all Telecommunicator functions.
• Attend meetings trainings and public outreach outside of normal work hours as required. 
• Assist in the planning and preparation of department budgets, particularly in areas directly related to the incumbent’s areas of responsibility.
• Manage the telecommunicator mentor program which includes determining employee status as a mentor and ensuring mentors are providing effective training to new hires.
• Develop or update programs of instruction as necessary to ensure that available materials address current needs and trends and incorporate best available statistics and facts.
• Continually evaluate the Quality Assurance and Training Programs to ensure they are maintained in accordance with state requirements and county desires.
• Proficiently perform all functions of all radio, telephone, and other positions in the communications center, at remote sites, and any back-up facilities.
• Develop, in coordination with the SWO, a continuing education plan that focuses on staff development.
• Develop training and scenarios to regularly test continuity of operations plans for the communications center.
• Ensure that all employees maintain the minimum certifications for their positions.
• Maintain certification as the department’s Emergency Medical Dispatch Manager and coordinates with the department’s Medical Director as needed.
• In a backup role to the Technical Services Manager;
  • Prepare official records including audio recordings requested for a variety of purposes.
    1. Properly maintains all files and records related this this task, and ensures records are produced in conformance with the law, regulation and departmental policy.
• Participate as a technician on the department’s Special Operations Group.
• Maintain necessary qualifications and licensing to operate emergency vehicles (class C motor vehicles) in compliance with departmental, county and state policy and regulations. Class B is preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree plus five years of experience in emergency services, 911 telecommunications, or related field with demonstrated emphasis in adult education, emergency management, or some other relevant technical writing OR an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Experience as a 911 telecommunicator, manager, and educator is highly desired. 
• Must obtain PEMA County Basic Emergency Management Staff certification within one year of appointment and Professional Certification within three years.
• Experience as a Telecommunicator or Watch Officer is necessary with experience in this role in Berks County highly desired. 
• Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Non-Suppression, Suppression, or Master Instructor Certification.
• APCO, EMD, and PEMA public safety telecommunicator and public safety telecommunications supervisor and instructor certification.
• PA Department of Health certification as an emergency medical services practitioner (1^st Responder, EMT, or higher) required.
• US Environmental Protection Agency certified hazardous materials technician or other certification which meets or exceeds the JPRs of NFPA 472/1072 with documented hazardous materials incident management experience. 
• Must be certified to the National Incident Management System 400, 700, and 800 levels with instructor certification preferred.
• Obtains certification at NFPA 472 Technician level within one year of appointment.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough working knowledge of laws and standards relating to emergency response in the Commonwealth of PA including, but not limited to:
  • PA Acts 147, 227, and Act 17-1998
  • PA Title 35
  • 44CFR Emergency Management Services Code
  • National Incident Management System
• Must possess excellent computer skills, including mastery of all components of MS-Office (including MS-Access), along with an ability to learn other computer applications utilized by DES. 
• Must possess demonstrated professional quality administrative, verbal and writing skills with a strong emphasis in the production of technical writings and communication of ideas and concepts to individuals with widely varying levels of education.
• Must possess a thorough knowledge of 911 telecommunications and emergency management principles and practices.
• Familiarity with general principles of emergency response and recovery, especially policies and procedures as they relate to the Berks County emergency response community.
• Maintain Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) Limited Local Access Certification including successful completion of an extensive initial and every 60-day criminal background check through the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems.
• Ability to pass work-related physical examination and drug screening.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Be able to sit, stand and speak for long periods of time. Use a computer daily for extended periods of time. Must be able to carry and lift 50 lbs. to a height of 72 inches. Must be capable of climbing ladders while carrying equipment and tools and bending to work under consoles and equipment. Must be capable of manipulating small hand tools. Must have color vision and good hearing to permit the detection of visual and audible alarms. Must be able to operate in austere conditions with limited access to restroom facilities and climate control (remote tower sites). Must be able to lift and carry 100 lbs. while wearing protective clothing weighing approximately 50 lbs. Must be capable of working for extended periods in extreme environmental conditions (hot, cold, heavy winds, snow, and rain). Must be able to work for extended periods, both long hours during emergency calls, as well as periods of rotating 12 hour shifts during EOC activations. Must be willing to accept potential exposure to hazardous materials including known carcinogens, molds, and other environmental contaminants. Must be capable of passing comprehensive biannual physical examinations and respiratory protection fit tests to ensure fitness for duty. Must operate large vehicles (response trucks) including the towing of large trailers. This position is considered mission critical, and as such, is not subject to liberal leave or other work limitations during emergency operations.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Many of the responsibilities of this position will be executed in a normal office or classroom environment. However, emergency response and recovery operations will necessitate completing work tasks in field locations or at remote sites as the situation dictates. This could require the employee to operate in harsh conditions not typical for an office worker. Some job functions may need to be executed in personal protective clothing including respiratory protection of various levels. The employee must be capable and willing to operate in protective clothing up to and including Level A as defined under 29 CFR 1910.120. Additionally, the position has responsibilities that require live fire exposure both in structural and outdoor environments. These tasks will require the employee to be comfortable in wearing structural firefighting ensembles and making entries into live fire conditions with temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees F. These are conditions that have a high likelihood of causing minor injuries including heat related illnesses, burns, and respiratory exposures. While all possible safeguards are engineered into the environment, serious injuries and even death have resulted during similar evolutions at other facilities. Position will require travel to training locations outside of Berks County; overnight travel may be necessary. Regular travel throughout Berks County is also required. Occasional attendance at evening and weekend classes and meetings is part of this position’s responsibilities. Position will be assigned communication devices (pager/phone/radio) which must be carried in accordance with department procedure to assist in reaching the employee in emergencies. Due to the need for rapid availability to address community emergencies and departmental issues, the incumbent must maintain residence within 30 minutes travel time to the County Emergency Operations Center. This position is considered mission-critical, and as such, is not subject to liberal leave or other work limitations during emergency operations.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.