Article 34 Community Paramedic

writing, with at least three (3) months advance notice, its decision, the rationale for its decision, and the savings the City expects to enjoy as a result of subcontracting. If the City will be accepting Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) for fire-rescue services, the Union will be given six (6) months’ notice prior to the scheduled opening of an RFP and will be given the opportunity to reply to the RFP.

After the matter has been discussed publicly with the City Commission, City agrees that Union representatives may attend all public and staff meetings at which discussions take place regarding sub-contracting or merger. Attendance at staff meetings will be limited to two members that will attend in an observing capacity only.

The City agrees that it will require as a condition of subcontracting or merging that the subcontractor or governmental entity shall hire all employees, they require from bargaining unit members for a period of not less than one year. These employees will receive the same salary and equivalent benefits as provided in this agreement. Should the subcontractor or governmental entity not agree to follow this provision, the City shall not engage that subcontractor or governmental entity.

Both parties acknowledge that the subcontractor or governmental entity may dismiss an employee for cause during this one-year period.

ARTICLE 34 COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC

The parties agree that in order to serve the special needs of the Community, The Fire Department may maintain a position titled Community Paramedic. Any change in the current duties to be performed by the Community Paramedic will be agreed upon by the City and the Union.

Should the City/Fire Department discontinue the Community Paramedic program, the employee currently in the Community Paramedic position will be permitted to return to the position the employee held prior to accepting the Community Paramedic position.

Minimum Base requirements for Community Paramedic shall include:

1. Served three (3) years in the Coral Springs Fire Department as a Firefighter Paramedic or higher rank who has been State Certified as a Paramedic for three (3) or more years as of the closing date of the posting; and

2. Completion of a nationally recognized Community Paramedic Program. a. The cost of the course will be covered; however, the member will have to secure their own time off to attend.

3. Possession/Maintenance of any/all Federal, State and Local requirements.

The City and the Union agree on the following process for filling an opening for the position of Community Paramedic, the following are the minimum requirements:

1. Posting the open position for fourteen (14) days. 2. A letter of interest to the Fire Chief or Designee. 3. An Oral Interview.

The Community Paramedic work schedule shall consist of a forty (40) hour work week with duties that may need to be performed on weekends and after hours for special events. All hours worked in excess of forty (40) shall be compensated in accordance with Article 20, Overtime.

In an attempt to continuously provide this service to the community, a Community Paramedic Stand-In position may be utilized and when utilized will consist of a minimum of one (1) Stand-In position per shift.

Minimum Base requirements for Stand-In positions shall include:

1. Served three (3) years in the Coral Springs Fire Department as a Firefighter Paramedic or higher rank who has been State Certified as a Paramedic for three (3) or more years as of the closing date of the posting; and

2. Completion of a nationally recognized Community Paramedic Program, (may be obtained within one (1) year after accepting the position at the Fire Chief’s discretion). a. The cost of the course will be covered; however, the member will have to secure their own time off to attend. 3. Possession/Maintenance of any/all Federal, State and Local requirements.

The City and the Union agree on the following minimum process for filling an opening for the position of Community Paramedic Stand-In:

1. Posting the open position for fourteen (14) days. 2. A letter of interest to the Fire Chief or Designee. 3. An Oral Interview, (If more than one employee per shift shows interest).

Employees who occupy a Community Paramedic Stand-In position will not be utilized for that position while performing their regularly scheduled shift duties unless their services are warranted during a 911 response and they are currently on duty.

When performing Community Paramedic Stand-In Duties off duty, employees will be compensated in accordance with Article 20, Overtime.

Duties and hours will be divided between Stand-Ins as equally and fairly as possible.

Community Paramedics duties may need to be performed on weekends and after hours for special events.