I'm so frustrated with work right now, really at a loss as to how to fix it.
My career path has sort of lacked focus, I have experience working in Police, Fire, EMS, Emergency Management, Self Employment (Electrician and data cabling), a little EMS Instructing as well.
About 2 years ago I even took a pay cut and jumped into a supervisory position with a hospital in order to solidify my supervisory/managers credentials. I have an AS degree in Emergency Medical Services, a Bachelors in Organizational Leadership/Health Care, and will complete my online MBA by the end of this year.
...with all that I can't seem to break the 30K/year barrier....I feel like a huge failure. Resume's and applications don't even get acknowledged...I never even get calls for interviews, my attempts to network are usually met with a shrug and a statement to the effect "your lucky to have any job in this economy".
I feel like I'm playing by the rules...yet missing some significant piece of the puzzle.
To make matters worse, my direct manager went out in March on FMLA leave and will be gone through January at the minimal (I actually doubt he will ever return)...I've been running the department of some 30 people since he left...without any compensation for it. when I breach the subject with administration they promise to take the matter up with HR...and nothing ever gets done. I would leave in a flash except I can't find anywhere to go.
I would even go back out on my own, but I lack the most basic of start up funds (and I now have a nearly grown daughter entering college herself)...I'm at the end of my rope!
Things have sort of boiled over today as I've been working with the career adviser at my school on my resume and she basically took a look, told me "you have a great skill set" and recommended I go work through a bunch of "career tools' on the college website, things like "what to do with your MBA" and "what's your entrepreneurial aptitude" quizzes (says I'm moderate if you want to know). I'm not mad at her, but damn, it doesn't really help to hear that I just gotta keep plugging away.
It's funny because other than career I live a rather mustachian lifestyle. Paid for house, we're pretty careful with our spending (there is room for improvement but its nothing like "typical American" overspending). Both cars are paid for, daughter is attending a rather prestigious University on academic scholarship/PELL grant....and it's primarily online. I mean the corners are pretty damn trim...
Here is the essence of my resume:
QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY
Dynamic Management Professional, Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Expert, with verifiable year-after-year success managing emergency response structures, activities and personnel that reduce the amount and severity of injuries, illnesses, morbidity and mortality. Ensures effective communication connectivity among public health departments, healthcare organizations, law enforcement organizations, public officials, and other emergency response personnel to strengthen emergency management systems. Identifies resource requirements and develops and manages yearly budgets and expenditures in keeping with program goals and achievements. Extensive background in teaching and instruction, including training stakeholders on safety and emergency preparedness and response, and EMS students and firefighters on emergency medical services. Assesses community-wide all hazard vulnerability. Demonstrated ability to hire, train, mentor and evaluate employees with a manner that results in productivity increases and emergency response improvements.
• Emergency Management • Course Developement • Regulatory Compliance
• Classroom Instructor/Teacher • Strategic Planning • Business Optimization
• Supervision and Motivation • Medical Disaster Prep. • Budget Creation & Management
• Emergency Medical Services • Project Management • Supervision / Management
• HAZ-MAT Paramedic • Firefighting • Safety & Security
• OSHA Compliance • The Joint Commission • ASPR Grant Administration
EDUCATION & CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), (Graduate: December 2013)
• Bachelor of Science, Health Care Management & Organizational Leadership,
• Associate of Science, Emergency Medical Services,
• Professional Certifications:
Critical Care Paramedic, University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus
Professional Development Series Certificate, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA PDS)
FEMA CDP Framework for Emergency Response
EMS Level A Instructor
Firefighter 1, State of Florida
National Registry Paramedic (NREMPT), Florida Paramedic
HAZ-MAT Paramedic
ACLS, PALS, BLS, HAZWOPER, EVOC
Multiple FEMA Courses including IS 100,200,700,800
NIMS, ICS 300 and 400
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
HOSPITAL
ACTING PROTECTIVE SERVICES MANAGER/DIRECTOR
SAFETY & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Maximize operations of the Emergency Response Program and Hazardous Materials Team (HERT), Call Center and Courier Programs, by training, supervising and mentoring personnel, and enforcing compliance with local, state, federal and accrediting body rules and regulations, including the Joint Commission Guidelines. Develop, implement, review and revise policies, procedures and programs necessary to maintain a safe and healthy environment and to provide an adequate response to critical incidents and emergencies. Managed a staff of 30 employees, a budget in excess of $500,000.00 (Payroll and Operations), and various grant funding initiatives.
• Cultivated community partnerships by inviting local fire and police to train alongside the hospital HERT team.
• Increased worker safety in hazardous situation response due to creating improved protocols and methods.
• Improved compliance at all levels through extensive staff training on Incident Command, NIMS, and HICS; recognized for excellence in training by senior management.
• Enhanced productivity and efficiency of the Courier Program by redesigning the workflow and tracking system.
• Redefined service excellence by improving the performance and perception of the hospital Call Center.
PARAMEDIC
Delivered aid to the seriously ill when responding to calls for medical assistance at accidents, emergencies and other related incidents in Western Orange County Florida by making diagnoses and giving emergency treatment to patients; worked to maintain patient cardio-pulmonary performance, administered drugs, assessed and treated patients as team lead. Assisted with patient care in the hospital and wrote case notes to report patient's history, condition and treatment to hospital staff and coroners' offices.
• One of only three paramedics retained due to performance excellence after hospital downsizing.
• Promoted to Safety & Emergency Management Coordinator as a result of strong leadership abilities.
PARAMEDIC, CRITICAL CARE
Cared for and transported patients with severe illness or injury who required advanced measures such as defibrillator, EKG monitor, ventilators, IV pumps, Hemodynamic monitoring devices, advanced airway adjuncts, oxygen and suction devices, intravenous fluids, CPR and other procedures, equipment and medications. Communicated with receiving facility to receive medical direction and provide critical information.
• Selected to serve as a member of the new Critical Care Program due to performance excellence.
• Achieved the distinction of Field Training Officer for new hire orientation within a few months of hire date.
EMS INSTRUCTOR
Taught lab and didactic portions of instruction on emergency medical services; paramedic curriculums, instruction, supervision and evaluation of student skills in the laboratory setting.
• One of two instructors selected by students to complete the final paramedic class at the Orlando campus as a result of teaching excellence.
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER & EMS OPERATIONS CAPTAIN
Served as command officer for emergent firefighting and medical calls for service, and department liaison to the County Emergency Operations Center in times of crises.
• Facilitated timely and proper response to emergencies by developing and coordinating team training and drills.
• Ensured a successful city-wide all hazard vulnerability assessment through comprehensive team preparation.
SELF EMPLOYED
SECURITY CONTRACTOR & CONSULTANT
Owned and operated a low voltage contracting firm dedicated to securing personal and assets through vide, alarm, and access control measures. As project manager for multiple local companies, specialized in hardening targets from natural and manmade threats. Wrote and executed contracts on behalf of companies.
• Grew sales by recruiting, hiring, training and supervising qualified team members.
• Effectively managed accounting and finances by creating and maintaining a budget and tracking expenses.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Managed all facets of the highly successful Tactical Robbery Apprehension Program that targeted violent criminals. Grew and maintained the program by collaborating with the general public and internal stakeholders.
• Instrumental in the capture and conviction of numerous violent felons due to playing a key role in the program.
• Recognized by management for commendable performance and personal initiative.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), Google Docs Suite, and Internet.