Purpose
The Accelerated Recruitment Initiative is designed to fill a position that become suddenly vacant outside of the regular hiring windows. This process allows for the inclusion of previous applicants who fell off the last hire list due to time constraints and potential paramedics who did not previously apply.
Eligibility
- Previous Applicants: Applicants from the previous hiring list who passed the written exam, swim test, and ladder climb, and have submitted an application for this process, are only required to participate in the interview stage.
- New Paramedic Applicants: Paramedics are exempt from the written cognitive exam but must complete the ladder climb and swim test if they were not on the previous list. A current CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) card is required for all applicants.
Process Overview
- Scoring and Evaluation
- The initiative will be scored in the same manner as all previous hiring processes, with weight given to previous experience, military service, and fire-related experience.
- In the rare event of a tie in scoring between a repeat applicant and a new applicant, the repeat applicant will be ranked higher due to their demonstrated dedication and interest in the department.
- Interview and Testing Day
- All interviews and required tests (ladder climb and swim test) will be conducted on a single day to streamline the process.
- Integration with Regular Hiring Process
- Applicants who are not immediately hired through this initiative will be integrated into the regular fall hiring list by score, as if they had participated in the normal fall process.
- The scores from this initiative will apply directly to the November hiring list, ensuring a seamless transition for applicants.
- Merit Board and Ranking Release
- Upon completion of the merit board’s evaluation and scoring, the ranking from this initiative will be released in a public merit meeting.
- The highest-scoring applicant will be notified the next business day for hire.
- All other applicants will be informed of their placement on the list and notified that they will be included in the November hiring list.
Conclusion
The Accelerated Recruitment Initiative ensures that the Portage Fire Department maintains its staffing levels efficiently and fairly, while recognizing the dedication of repeat applicants and accommodating new paramedics. This process upholds the department’s commitment to transparency and professionalism in all hiring practices.
This entire process will occur on October 19th. More information to follow.
