County of Berks POSITION DESCRIPTION FORM Position Title Special Operations Group Responder Department Department of Emergency Services, Division of Emergency Management Services Reports To (Title) Special Projects & Operations Officer Effective 08/12/2015 Revision 08/12/2015 Wage Category: Exempt Non-Exempt EEO-1 Category Union Classification POSITION SUMMARY: The Special Operations Group Responder is a part-time emergency responder serving on the Berks County Special Operations Group. These individuals work irregular, and often spontaneous, schedules to train for and respond to emergencies (primarily chemical in nature) as the operations arm of the Division of Emergency Management Services in the Berks County Department of Emergency Services. SOG Responders are sub-classified based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Individuals are recognized for their competency in the following areas: 1. Responder Technicians Individuals approved for operation in the hot zone at chemical incidents. 2. Medically trained Responders and Responder Technicians Individuals possessing training in an allied medical field. 3. Team Leaders Individuals possessing experience and leadership skills that allow them to be recognized in a leadership role beyond the rank and file responder.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions 1. Attends training and exercise programs as directed by the DDEMS or the OTO to ensure personal competency in program areas of responsibility. 2. Maintains and carries department provided PPE, communication, and notification equipment to ensure readiness to respond to call-outs when they happen. 3. Responds to emergency and routine call-outs of the team as requested. 4. Operates at the scene of emergency incidents in the capacity directed by supervisors to ensure successful mitigation of the incident. 5. Participates in the restoration of equipment at the termination of an incident. 6. Quickly responds to requests for information and scheduling in order to maximize the opportunity for training and exercising related to job functions. Non-Essential Functions 1. Opportunities for additional work hours may become available occasionally to assist full-time staff in the preparation and delivery of training or in the maintenance of equipment and apparatus. 2. Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 1. High school diploma or GED with ability to read and interpret technical documents. 2. Valid Pennsylvania driver s license with Class B preferred. 3. Certified Hazardous Materials Operations Level NFPA 472 4. PA Department of Health certification as an emergency medical services practitioner (1 st Responder, EMT, or higher) desired. 5. Certified Hazardous Materials Technician Level NFPA 472. 6. Pennsylvania certified Radiological Response Team member. 7. Must be certified to the National Incident Management System 200, and 700 levels.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 1. Thorough working knowledge of all laws and standards relating to emergency response in the Commonwealth of PA including, but not limited to: a. PA Act 165 b. PA Title 35 c. OSHA 29CFR1910.120, 134, 146 d. 49CFR Department of Transportation Code e. National Incident Management System 2. Must possess basic computer skills, including all components of MS- Office, along with an ability to learn other computer applications utilized by the SOG. 3. Must possess a thorough knowledge of emergency management principles and practices. 4. Familiarity with general principles of emergency response and recovery, especially policies and procedures as they relate to the Berks County emergency response community. 5. Must have a working knowledge of general principles of radiation safety and emergency response. 6. Must have a working technical knowledge of chemistry concepts and terminology. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift and carry 100 lbs. while wearing protective clothing weighing approximately 50lbs. Must be capable of working for extended periods in extreme environmental conditions (hot, cold, heavy winds, snow, and rain). Must be able to work for extended periods, both long hours during emergency calls, as well as periods of rotating 12 hour shifts during EOC activations. Must be willing to accept potential exposure to hazardous materials including known carcinogens, molds, and other environmental contaminants. Must be capable of passing comprehensive biannual physical examinations and respiratory protection fit tests to ensure fitness for duty. Must operate large vehicles (response trucks) including the towing of large trailers. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Emergency response and recovery operations will necessitate completing work tasks in field locations or at remote sites as the situation dictates. Some job functions may need to be executed in personal protective clothing including respiratory protection of various levels. The employee must be capable and willing to operate in protective clothing up to and including Level A as defined under 29 CFR 1910.120. This position requires the SOGR to reside within Berks County or 30 minutes by car of the Department of Emergency Services offices and/or Fire Training Center due to emergency response responsibilities.
Position may require travel to training locations outside of Berks County; overnight travel may be necessary. Occasional attendance at evening and weekend classes and meetings is part of this position s responsibilities. This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF POSITION DESCRIPTION Signature of Employee Signature of Supervisor Number of positions supervised: Exempt Non-Exempt Total Operating Budget: Revenue Expenses Direct or Indirect Impact
Organization: Your Job Title: Other Jobs Reporting to Your Immediate Supervisor Titles of jobs Reporting to You and Number of Incumbents