Lead Communications Specialist, Medical Communication Center; MEDCOM

Position: Lead Communications Specialist, Medical Communication Center (MEDCOM)
Emergency communications professionals know that every decision matters.

This role offers the opportunity to  
** lead critical communication and coordination efforts
** that support emergency medical response, patient transport operations, and around-the-clock service delivery within UVA Health's Medical Communication Center.

As the Lead Communications Specialist, you will serve as the primary operational resource during your assigned shifts, helping ensure seamless communications, staffing coordination, and escalation management in a dynamic, high-acuity environment. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced emergency communications professional to step into a  
** high-impact leadership role
** where expertise, sound judgment, and operational excellence directly influence patient care and transport operations.

** The Role*
* This  
** night-shift leadership position
** functions much like a communications center "charge" role, providing operational oversight while serving as a trusted resource for staff throughout the shift. You'll work in a fast-paced environment where multitasking, prioritization, and decisive problem-solving are essential to success.

On a typical day, you will:

+ Serve as the primary on-site operational lead during assigned shifts.

+ Coordinate staffing coverage and respond to schedule changes and call-outs.

+ Provide guidance and support to communications specialists during complex situations.

+ Act as the first point of contact for operational escalations, concerns, and complaints.

+ Maintain oversight and administrative access within the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

+ Review workflow and work assignments to support efficient operations and consistent service delivery.

+ Collaborate with supervisors and leadership to ensure continuity of communications operations.

+ Support onboarding, training, continuing education, and staff development activities.

+ Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement initiatives.

+ Make real-time operational decisions to support emergency response and transport coordination.

This position is ideal for professionals with experience in  
** 911 dispatch, helicopter dispatch, EMS communications, interfacility transport coordination, or other emergency communications settings
** who are ready to leverage their expertise in a leadership capacity.

** Why UVA Health*
* UVA Health is one of the nation's leading academic health systems, bringing together exceptional clinical care, innovation, education, and research. As part of the Medical Communication Center, you will play a critical role in supporting the operational infrastructure that helps connect patients, providers, emergency responders, and transport resources.

What makes this opportunity stand out:

+  
** Rare external leadership opportunity
** within a role that has historically been filled through internal advancement.

+  
** Significant operational influence
** during assigned shifts with meaningful leadership responsibilities.

+ Opportunity to serve as a recognized  
** subject matter expert
** within a highly specialized emergency communications environment.

+ Direct involvement in  
** training, onboarding, education, quality initiatives, and operational improvement efforts.*
* + Ability to contribute to accreditation-related activities and support ongoing operational excellence.

+ Collaboration with highly skilled EMS, transport, and healthcare professionals across the organization.

+ Exposure to complex communications and coordination challenges that promote continued professional growth.

+ Work that directly supports emergency medical operations and patient transport services throughout the region.

For experienced communications professionals who are passionate about leadership, quality, and emergency operations, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact while continuing to develop professionally within a nationally recognized healthcare system.

** Why People Love Living in Charlottesville*
* Nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life with the amenities of a vibrant college town and the charm of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking, cycling, vineyards, music venues, farmers markets, and nationally recognized dining, while remaining within driving distance of Washington, D.C., Richmond, and the Virginia coast. For healthcare professionals, Charlottesville provides an ideal balance of career opportunity and…