Position: Commander of Performance and Development
Start Date: As soon as possible
Employment Status: Full-time
Reporting To: Deputy Chief of Program Development
Union Affiliation: Non-union
Posting Date: November 13, 2026
Closing Date: November 27, 2026 at 4:30pm
Position Summary: The Commander of Performance and Development will be responsible for providing leadership, direction and oversight for ongoing program activities, including the organization, operation and continuous evolution of the program. They will conduct regular needs assessments and gapping analysis along with developing and leading service related training, monitor medical outcomes, performance of techniques and quality of clinical service. The position will be accountable for forecasting, developing, organizing and the delivery of system-wide education programs to Paramedics through collaboration with the Operational Commanders and Field Training Paramedics and the Deputy Chief of Program Development. The Commander of Performance and Development will continuously refine short and long-term goals to ensure that the program is cost-conscious, effective and outcome driven.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Supervises, monitors and assigns work to assigned staff; provides leadership to staff on all aspects of education and quality practice.
- Manages the investigation of all public complaints and major complaints, including the investigation of circumstances, customer contact and satisfaction, evidence development, and court/inquest services. Where necessary, directly conducts investigations such as high-risk or high-profile matters. Involves other operational areas of the program in investigations as appropriate.
- Liaises with external stakeholders to coordinate clinical interviews and release of documents for investigations in compliance with PHIPA, MFIPPA and legislative requirements.
- Coordinates service review/accreditation program activities and ensures paramedic service delivery and operations meet regulatory compliance requirements.
- Writes reports, develops and revises training/education curriculum and resources, educational bulletins, and draft policies and procedures.
- Research, analytical, organizational, and continuous improvement skills to evaluate paramedics in the field to ensure compliance with regulations; conducts and applies scientific research/literature and best practices to assess investigation reports and makes recommendations to supervisor; keeps knowledge current related to best practices and developments in paramedicine; and coordinates annual paramedic certification with base hospital.
- Conducts reviews/audits and evaluation of clinical patient care and patient care documentation for compliance with applicable legislation.
- Participates in return to work and orientation programs for new staff.
- Ensures the education section’s policies, procedures and objectives are uniformly understood and properly interpreted, implemented and administered by all assigned staff.
- Promotes a service-oriented culture and focus within Paramedic Services based on continuous learning and growth.
- Develops and empowers staff by giving regular feedback, providing development opportunities and strategic direction, and encouraging staff’s participation in key decision-making processes, where appropriate, while addressing concerns and issues escalated from direct reports.
- Assists with regular performance appraisals for immediate reports.
- Coordinates staffing decisions for immediate reports.
- Recommends priorities and core services to the Deputy Chief and other members of the Paramedic Leadership Team based on regular internal and external environmental assessments.
- Supports the corporate and departmental education and staff training plan. Provides input recommendations as training plans are developed.
- Alternate Community Emergency Management Coordinator under the deputy Chief of Program Development within the Regional Emergency Management Program.
Education
- Develops, coordinates and delivers comprehensive medical and non-medical training and educational activities, including Continuous Medical Education (CME) remedial training, regular in-service training programs, County training needs, Ministry of Health and Long-term Care designated training requirements and ad hoc in-service programs as required for the service. Examples include, but are not limited to, education related to the annual certification process (CME), in class driver training and health and safety training.
- Supervises Paramedics during any training or educational session.
- Provides expert advice to other commanders and managers in the program as it relates to medical practice, delegated medical acts and conduct of Paramedics as it relates to the delivery of patient care and conduct based on the legislation and the BLS/ALS Standards of Care.
- Works annually with Community Colleges to coordinate and plan for the placement of Paramedic college students involving coordination of students, orientation of students, assignment of preceptors and schedule placement. Monitors issues identified by Paramedics related to student performance and addresses concerns with colleges.
- Monitors outcomes and success of educational sessions, simulation training programs, clinical quality programs and continuing quality improvement programs. Evaluates and monitors participants at post training intervals to confirm success of training program.
- Develops processes for field-testing new equipment or procedures which may require coordination with other agencies and groups.
- Develops content and curriculum, prepares training manuals, ensuring program content is consistent with Standard Operating Procedures, Base Hospital protocols and provincial legislation.
- Conducts regular evaluations including ride-out / field audits with new hires to directly observe skills and provide immediate one to one coaching.
Quality
- Provides detailed information to management relating to employee performance for the purpose of conducting performance evaluations. Provides expert advice to management to create individual development plans for each employee to enhance the capabilities of the workforce.
- Conducts assessment of employee gaps and develops individuals learning plans to assess gaps in knowledge and training to ensure clinical and operational excellence.
- Oversees regular system-wide skills audits and provides analysis and recommendations on closing any identified gaps with a goal of continuously raising the minimum standard of practice.
- Oversees the maintenance of current and accurate records of educational programs including initial and ongoing staff certification as required by the Program, Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care and the Base Hospital.
- Monitors local Base Hospital activities and provincial legislation changes. Interprets changes in legislation to forecast implications to existing policies and procedures. Advises on operational and administrative policies and procedures to ensure effective and efficient delivery of paramedic services.
- Active participation in quality and regulatory working groups, emergency management exercises and program meetings and education related committees.
- Assists in providing recommendations and implementing departmental or external research.
- Assists in designing, measuring, and reporting on key deployment, health and performance metrics as it relates to paramedic services.
Purchasing Authority
- In accordance with the level of authority delegated by the CAO and County by laws.
Other
- Other duties as assigned.
- Leaders and Supervisors are responsible under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers. This includes ensuring the Occupational Health and Safety Act and County of Perth policies and procedures are adhered to. Leaders and Supervisors are accountable for providing job specific training including awareness of job hazards and instructions on methods of control and for monitoring workers for compliance.
Qualifications:
- AEMCA certification, certified in good standing with a base hospital within Ontario and able to certify with the South West Regional Base Hospital Program. Compliance with qualifications as an Ontario paramedic under the Ontario Ambulance Act.
- Experience working in a management/supervisory capacity or adult education considered an asset.
- Professional understanding of Basic Life Support Standards, Advanced Life Support Standards, provincial legislation, regulations and occupational health and safety that govern Paramedic Services along with the provincial health care system.
- Strong verbal and written communication, presentation, and organizational skills, with the ability to be an effective team player.
- Proficient in multiple computer software applications including Microsoft Windows, Articulate 360, Microsoft Office Suite, social media, electronic ambulance call reporting (Imedic eACR), Learning Management Systems and scheduling software.
- Additional post-secondary education in Adult Education, Paramedic Leadership, Quality Improvement, or a related field, and experience in adult education, training, curriculum design, delivery, and evaluation, are considered assets.
- History of supervisory and leadership experience in Paramedic Services or equivalent considered an asset.
- Must possess Class “F” drivers license and all other qualifications as specified in the Ambulance Act of Ontario, including a valid CPR certificate.
- Ability to take education program such as Teaching and Training Adults as assigned by the Deputy Chief.
- High computer literacy including solid working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, social media and learning platforms (Including I Medic).
- Client service oriented with an ability to effectively work with staff at all levels.
- Ability to motivate staff and foster a co-operative and harmonious team environment. Excellent presentation skills and strong, motivating and effective teaching methods
- Thorough working knowledge of policies, practices and procedures related to Paramedic Services in Ontario.
- Assumes the role and responsibilities of both an Operations Commander and an operational Paramedic when required to ensure service delivery.
Shift: Monday-Friday, 42-hour work week. May be required to work outside or regular working hours to accommodate operational needs.
Salary Range: $55.57-$65.00 (based on Perth County’s 2026 salary grid). This position is eligible to participate in the County’s Pay for Performance compensation structure.
Our Benefits:
- Health and dental benefit coverage
- Career development and training
- Employee and family assistance program
- Tuition assistance program
Those interested may submit their application online at www.perthcounty.ca/employment by November 27, 2026 at 4:30 pm. Interviews may commence as qualified applications are received. Interviews may be conducted virtually.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support the recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made and reviewed by a human decision-maker. This posting reflects an existing vacancy that we are actively seeking to fill.
We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected under MFIPPA and is used to determine eligibility for potential employment. The County of Perth is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
