The Inside Scoop: Application Review

ATCEMS receives 200+ applications during each hiring process. With a small staff, it takes time and attention to detail to ensure the review process is done timely and accurately. Applications will not undergo review until both a full application and all required documents have been submitted. Once they are received, Recruiting will begin the review process. This step in the process can take up to 2 weeks to complete. This consists of:

Application Verification

Recruiting will confirm that each Cadet-Field applicant meets the requirement of at least one of the following minimum qualifications by the application deadline:

• Have 1 year of full-time (FT) experience working as an EMT in one of the following areas: Pre-Hospital, Emergency Room, and/or First Responder
  We add all experience — FT and part-time (PT) — to calculate the total amount of years of experience. (PT experience is counted as half-time so applicants with PT experience would need to have two years of PT employment to meet the 1 year FT), OR
• Have 2 years active U.S. military service and hold an EMT- B or higher certification.
  We review the DD-214 to verify years of service and discharge status, OR
• Certified as a Paramedic or Licensed Paramedic, OR
• Be a recommended member of the ATCEMS Explorers post with an EMT-B or higher certification
  We will request recommendation from the Lead Explorer post instructor to meet this requirement.

Recruiting will confirm that each Cadet-Communications applicant meets the following required minimum qualification by the application deadline:

• Have certification as an Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B) or higher

Employment Verification

All employment history will be reviewed and verified. If there are any gaps in employment longer than 6 months, an explanation is required.

• If applicable, verification of any employment with the City of Austin (COA)
  If a candidate has been a COA employee, we will contact employee records to ensure that the candidate left the COA in good standing and is eligible for re-hire.
• Verification of all employment
• Length of employment
• Employment gaps are explained
• Reasons for leaving
• Disciplinary actions

Supporting Documents & Verification of Certification

• EMT Certification State and/or National Registry
• Level of certification and status
• Issued and expiration dates of certification
• Office of Inspector General verification to ensure certification has not been suspended or revoked

Driver’s License Review

• 10 year Certified Driving Record (DR)
• Verify if the candidate has one or multiple states to review
• Verify current DR is dated within 30 days

Review for the following disqualifications:

• The DR does not have more than 6 DR violation points within the last 3 years.
  All points will be compared to Texas Standards. Example: 2 speeding tickets will equal 6 DR violation points (in this example you would just meet the qualifications)
• The DR does not have any type of suspension within the last 5 years
• The DR does not have a DUI/DWI within the last 10 years

Military Discharge Review

Veterans will need to submit a DD214 and Recruiting staff will review the following:

• Verify years of service
• Verify discharge status and reason

At any point of this process you may be contacted by a Recruiter to provide more information. All communication is conducted through email, so please add iCIMS to your list of Approved Senders and always check your spam folder. Once verified that you meet all of the minimum qualifications and your supporting documents are in good standing, you will be invited to attend our hiring process. For Field, the first phase is the Structured Oral Interview (SOI). For Communications, you will be invited to take the CritiCall multitasking exercise first. If you are successful in CritiCall testing, you will then be invited to the SOI.

Interested in a career with ATCEMS? Contact our Recruiting team at EMSRecruiting@austintexas.gov or give us a call at 512–974–1098. You can find dates for the hiring process elements here.

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This publication features ATCEMS work culture and the lives of our medics. *Readings from other publications posted to Medium do not necessarily reflect the views or position of Austin-Travis County EMS, the City of Austin, or Travis County*

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. ADA Office: (512) 974–3256 TDD (512) 974–3303.

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974–3210 or TTY (512) 974–2445.