Education/Training Manager (Department of Emergency Services)

About the role

The Training and Education Manager (TEM) assists the Deputy Director of Emergency Services by managing the training and education functions of the Berks County Department of Emergency Services. This includes managing the department's training staff, ensuring efficient operations of department training facilities, and overseeing public safety communications training and a continuing education program in accordance with state and federal statutes. The TEM is responsible for performance review and quality assurance programs, and works with the Special Operations and Projects Officer to coordinate training for the Special Operations Group and emergency management training. The position requires access to restricted facilities and secure information, with strict confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development, administration, and coordination of a comprehensive training program for all staff, including delivering training, directing training officers, and coordinating third-party training.
• Supervise and manage the workload of employees assigned training functions within the department.
• Provide classroom, group, 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 related to training.
• Manage the telecommunicator mentor program, including determining mentor status and ensuring effective training for new hires.
• Develop or update programs of instruction to ensure alignment with current needs, trends, and best practices.
• Evaluate Quality Assurance and Training Programs to ensure compliance with state requirements and county desires.
• Perform all functions of radio, telephone, and other positions in the communications center, remote sites, and backup facilities.
• Develop a continuing education plan focused on staff development in coordination with the SWO.
• Develop training and scenarios to regularly test continuity of operations plans for the communications center.
• Ensure all employees maintain minimum certifications for their positions.
• Maintain certification as the department's Emergency Medical Dispatch Manager and coordinate with the Medical Director as needed.
• In a backup role to the Technical Services Manager, prepare official records including audio recordings and maintain files in conformance with 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 preferred.

Requirements

• 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 technical writing; OR an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• 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 (1st Responder, EMT, or higher).
• US Environmental Protection Agency certified hazardous materials technician or certification meeting or exceeding NFPA 472/1072 JPRs with documented hazardous materials incident management experience.
• Certified to the National Incident Management System 400, 700, and 800 levels with instructor certification preferred.
• Must obtain NFPA 472 Technician level certification within one year of appointment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough working knowledge of laws and standards relating to emergency response in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.