EMS Planning & Research Specialist

JOB CODE: 1950

PAY GRADE: 2230

SALARY RANGE: $45,329 - $76,968

LOCATION OF WORK
Emergency Medical Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the EMS Administrator, performs a variety of research, evaluation, and planning functions for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Work involves compiling statistical information related to administrative operations, business office functions, fiscal support, purchasing processes, billing compliance, system utilization, and departmental performance measures to improve operating efficiency and adapt to new requirements. Work also involves supporting administrative operations, including research, reporting, compliance tracking, and working with the business office, as well as overseeing system-related functions. Employees of this class supervise EMS training personnel in utilizing assigned computer systems and coordinating their maintenance on a daily basis. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Compiles statistical information regarding time performance, ambulance utilization, staffing patterns, workload trends, purchasing activity, business office operations, billing compliance support, and other administrative performance metrics. Conducts research on current local and national studies, including ambulance status management, response time profiles, ambulance utilization reports, vehicle placement, and other operational methods; assesses and provides suggestions for enhancing existing procedures, systems, and methods focusing on administrative efficiency, operational support, and resources management. Performs statistical research on manpower distribution and resource allocation for short and long-term financial planning for the department; assists with administrative reports on expenditures, fiscal trends, and operational planning. Researches and evaluates hardware and software for the EMS department in conjunction with the Information Services Department. Supervises and trains all technical personnel in the use of all systems including the inputting of data and generating and analyzing statistical reports in order to formulate recommendations. Acts as liaison between Information Services Department and EMS departments on all technical matters regarding the EMS Reporting System, EMS Billing System, and EMS Computer System, regarding the resolution of programming, design problems, and the day-to-day operation and maintenance of all computer systems. Monitors, evaluates, and recommends upgrades of the data processing capabilities of the EMS department. Assists the business office and administrative staff with research, reporting, process evaluation, and related activities involving fiscal responsibilities, purchasing procedures, vendor management, and departmental administrative tasks. Provides billing compliance support by reviewing documentation trends, identifying administrative issues that may impact claim submission or reimbursement, and assisting in process improvements with relevant staff. Trains City-Parish employees, EMS staff, and external medical providers on Protected Health Information (PHI) and confidentiality regarding PHI. Writes, revises, and updates the EMS HIPAA Compliance Manual; develops the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training programs and materials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the theory of EMS mechanics and basic statistical analysis. Knowledge of programming operations and maintenance of computer systems and associated software and hardware. Knowledge of basic mathematics and statistics used to make moderately complex computations. Knowledge of state and local rules and laws regulating Emergency Medical Services in relation to relate to administrative operations, records management, privacy, compliance, and departmental support functions. Knowledge of administrative support functions, business office practices, fiscal processes, purchasing procedures, and billing compliance support activities. Knowledge of business English used to prepare brief narrative reports. Ability to perform complex operations and adjustments on mainframe computer systems and peripheral equipment. Ability to prepare clear, detailed programs of instructions for efficient machine utilization. Ability to instruct personnel in the proper use of computer equipment and systems. Ability to compile and prepare written reports from statistical research. Ability to analyze administrative data, identify trends, and develop recommendations to improve business processes, reporting, resource utilization, and operational support functions. Ability to work effectively with the business office, Information Services, EMS staff, vendors, and other internal or external stakeholders on administrative and systems-related matters. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS