Firefighter (Paramedic)

Description:

Employee serves as a Firefighter - Paramedic for the Veterans Health Administration in Martinsburg, WV, adjacent Federal agencies, and designated mutual aid partners; maintains readiness for potential emergencies that call for the provision of advanced life support. Responds to emergencies as directed by supervisory staff and works within scope of all Standard Operating Guidelines and other applicable protocols.

Requirements:

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.

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SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS (SCREEN-OUT) - Selective Placement Factors (SPF) have been identified for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration.

The SPFs for this position are listed below and r equires ALL of the following ( Copy of Professional Board and/or State Certifications must be provided with your application materials to receive credit ):

1. Valid State Driver's License
2. Firefighter I and Firefighter II Certification
3. Hazardous Material Operations Level Certification
4. Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT - P) Certification
5. Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator

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SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) in the Federal service that demonstrated the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes: (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention; and (7) providing emergency medical first responder (Paramedic) pre-hospital patient assessments by conducting systematic physical examinations to determine patient's condition and treatment. In addition to the above Professional Board and/or State Certifications, the hiring facility also prefers applicant(s) to possess a Fire Inspector certification.. (Resume(s) must clearly support the required experience to be creditable. See the duties section of this announcement for clear details. We will not make assumptions regarding experience.)

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MAXIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: This position requires a maximum entry age for an initial appointment; applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment. Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit, but who have previously served as a federal employee in a covered position, may be eligible to re-enter the fire service provided that they: (1) meet all applicable qualifications for the position and (2) will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered and creditable Federal fire service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR A FIREFIGHTER - PARAMEDIC: As per the Office of Personnel Management qualification standards, includes : Requirements for Motor Vehicle Operation; Mechanical Equipment Operator; Performance Test; and Medical Requirements. (Explanations provided via External link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/ )

You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:

• Communications
• Emergency Care
• Fire Management
• First Response
• Hazardous Materials

IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Physical Requirements: Moderate to heavy physical effort is required when reaching, bending, climbing, turning, or moving hands, arms and feed in the performance of firefighter duties. Employee is required to participate in a physical fitness program. Employee is required to work both inside and outside, frequently being exposed to adverse weather conditions and extreme heat while performing firefighting duties. Employee may be called upon to work in environments that are classified as immediately dangerous to life or health and, in some cases, may be required to work long hours under severe, stressful conditions.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ .