City and County of San Francisco

Under general administrative direction, performs managerial responsibilities for a designated program in the Emergency Medical Services Division of the San Francisco Fire Department, which include administration, special operations, training, EMS academy and operations; develops, implements and evaluates program policies, procedures and practices; and performs other related duties as required.

The Section Chief is the management level in the EMS classification series. It reports to the EMS Chief. Section Chief is distinguished from EMS chief by its responsibility for the management and accountability of a designated unit. It is further distinguished from Fire/Paramedic Captain by the latter’s responsibility for the daily operation and supervision of subordinate Firefighter/Paramedics and Fire Rescue Paramedics.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Supervises and participates in development, implementation and evaluation of a range of designated EMS programs and activities, including ALS and BLS operations, continuous quality improvement, risk management, research, management information systems, medical records, continuing education, recertification and remedial training, and the paramedic academy program.
2. Meets with the EMS Chief, Medical Director, section managers, subordinate staff to establish goals and objectives, review program progress, resolve problems and issues, and establish action plans; maintains section performance standards and evaluation; participates in financial management activities; reviews reports and prepares budget for submission to the EMS Chief.
3. Applies departmental policies and procedures in administering the designated program; develops performance standards and work plans; monitors and appraises subordinate job performance; initiates appropriate remedial actions or commendations.
4. Interacts with representatives of agencies, organizations, departments or other entities to share information, engage in joint planning, problem solving and quality improvement activities.
5. Responds to emergencies, Multi-Casualty Incidents (MCI), and special or complex prehospital care situations during the day, night or as needed.

Knowledge of: Federal, State and Local regulations governing EMS and paramedic scope of practice; detailed familiarity with vehicle deployment and strategies; management principles and supervisory techniques; principles and methods of governmental organization; field operations in a busy 911 Advance Life Support (ALS) ambulance service, Advance Cardiac Life Support and Advance Trauma Life Support; methods and techniques in firefighting; procedures and practices in fire rescue; fire prevention, housing and building codes; training techniques and automated emergency communications systems.

Ability or Skill to: Effectively manage and supervise an EMS unit; assess unit needs and address problems and issues through an effective action plan; quickly evaluate situations and take command of emergencies, disasters or multi-casualties; develop and implement training and continuing education programs; coordinate community education and public information programs; timely deliver a quality medical response, care and transportation service; communicate tactfully, clearly, concisely and logically both in written and oral form.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Experience:
Permanent status and successful completion of probationary period in Class H033 EMS Captain.
Two years of experience supervising in an Emergency Medical Services system.

License and Certification:
Possession and maintenance of a valid Paramedic license issued by the State of California EMS Authority; valid ambulance license and California Driver’s License restricted class 3.

Substitution: