HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem C04 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE Mayor Michelle Lincoln,District 2
The Florida. Keys Mayor Pro Tem David Rice,District 4
p Craig Cates,District I
James K. Scholl,District 3
Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
Regular Meeting
May 20, 2026
Agenda Item Number: C4
26-6299
BULK ITEM: Yes DEPARTMENT: Fire Rescue
TIME APPROXIMATE: N/A STAFF CONTACT: R.L. Colina, Fire Chief
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of the new Employment Agreement between Monroe
County and Sicong "Leah" Fennessey for the position of Fire Rescue EMS Billing & Claims
Specialist with an increase in annual salary from the existing agreement ($55,000 to $60,500) funded
through Fund 101, for a period of two (2) years commencing on June 24, 2026 and expiring on June
23, 2028; acknowledging the Fire Chief s concurrence, and authorizing the Mayor to execute the
Employment Agreement.
ITEM BACKGROUND: The existing employment agreement for the EMS Billing Specialist
position expires on June 23, 2026. Based on employee performance and to ensure continuous services,
Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) is requesting approval by the BOCC of a new Employment
Agreement depicting a new job title and an updated job description, with an increase in annual salary
from $55,000 to $60,500 for a period of two (2) years to commence on June 24, 2026 and expire on
June 23, 2028 at 11:59pm EST. The new Employment Agreement describes the terms and conditions
of the individual's position as a contract employee, and same will be funded exclusively through Fund
101.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
07/14/24: BOCC and BOG approved an Employment Agreement with Sicong "Leah" Fennessey to fill
a vacancy for the position of EMS Billing Specialist.
INSURANCE REQUIRED: No.
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: This Employment Agreement for Sicong "Leah"
Fennessey is a new agreement between the parties. It will commence on June 24, 2026 and expire on
June 23, 2028 (11:59pm EST) and provide an increase in annual salary from $55,000.00 to
$60,500.00.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
DOCUMENTATION:
Employment Agreement for Leah Fennessey 05.06.2026.pdf
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date: 06.24.2026
Expiration Date: 06.23.2028
Total Dollar Value of Contract: $60,500
Total Cost to County: $60,500
Current Year Portion: $30,250
Budgeted: Yes
Source of Funds: 101-11001 Medical Air Transport
CPI: N/A
Indirect Costs: N/A
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: N/A
Revenue Producing: N/A If yes, amount: N/A
Grant: N/A
County Match: N/A
Insurance Required: No
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AND
SICONG"LEAH"FENNESSEY
FOR THE POSITION OF EMS BILLING & CLAIMS SPECIALIST
THIS AGREEMENT is entered into on day of w w..wwww........ _ .ri 2026 by and between
Monroe County, Florida, acting through its Board of County Commissioners ("BOCC"), a political
subdivision of the State of Florida, whose main address is 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida 33040
(hereinafter"County"), and Sicong"Leah" Fennessey(herein after"Employee").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, in 2024, the County and Sicong "Leah" Fennessey ("Employee") formed an original
employment contract ("Original Agreement") for Employee to perform certain functions on behalf of the
Monroe County Fire Rescue Department, with specifically assigned duties within the emergency medical
services ("EMS") billing division, for a twenty-four (24)-month term commencing on June 24, 2024 and
ending at 11:59pm EST on June 23,2026; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to continue the engagement, and desire to start a new Employment
Contract that contains updated terms and conditions, as further set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, to ensure clarity and continuity of services, this new Employment Contract will
become effective on June 24, 2026, after the natural expiration of the Original Agreement, and provide the
new term of employment commencing on June 24, 2026 and terminating on June 23, 2028 at 11:59pm EST,
for a new employment term of twenty-four (24) months under the new title of"EMS Billing & Claims
Specialist" and updated project specific duties and functions; and
WHEREAS, the parties agree that upon the natural expiration of the Original Agreement it will
have no further force or effect, and that this new Employment Contract will be the controlling agreement
between the parties.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein,the sufficiency of
such is hereby acknowledged, the County and Employee mutually agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT: Employee is hereby employed as an EMS Billing & Claims Specialist as a
Contract Employee as that term is defined in Section 2.03 of the Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual
("PPP Manual").
2. FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT&DUTIES: The County and Employee agree that the position
of EMS Billing& Claims Specialist will be a full-time position. Employee agrees to work under the direct
supervision of the EMS Billing & Claims Supervisor, or designee (as designated in writing). Duties of the
EMS Billing &Claims Specialist Employment Contract (Leah Fennessey)
Page 1 of 10
Employee will be as set forth in the Job Description attached hereto as"Exhibit A,"the provisions of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
A. The Employee shall not disclose to any person,party,or entity any confidential,proprietary,
time-sensitive,or non-public(including HIPAA)information relating to the County or its operations
unless required by law to do so.
B. The Employee will follow all Standard Operating Procedures established by Monroe County
Fire Rescue("MCFR"),and all other Monroe County policies and procedures relevant to her duties,
including but not limited to, the County's Administrative Instructions (or such other similar
documents under nomenclature that may change from time to time).
C. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Employee agrees to immediately surrender all
documents, information, property, and assets (both physical and electronic) to MCFR. The
documents prepared by the Employee hereunder belong to the County, and may be reproduced and
copied without acknowledgement or permission of the Employee.
D. Employee is required to be physically present at the MCFR Headquarters (EMS Billing
Office)located at 7280 Overseas Highway,Marathon,FL 33050 for a minimum of forty(40)hours
per week. At the discretion of the EMS Billing Supervisor, and only with concurrence by MCFR
Fire Chief,Employee may be permitted alternative arrangements as may be consistent with the PPP
Manual.
3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: County and Employee agree that the position of EMS
Billing&Claims Specialist will be a full-time position deemed non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards
Act. Work hours performed, annual leave, personal leave, and sick leave hours taken will be documented,
and subject to review and approval/denial,on forms to be provided by the County,as necessary or applicable.
A. Base Pay: In return for performance of the duties set forth in"Exhibit A,"including but not
limited to specific duties assigned by MCFR from time to time, Employee shall receive an annual
salary in the amount of$60,500.00.
B. Financial Incentive: In lieu of any annual merit or cost-of-living adjustment,the Employee
will be eligible for a financial lump sum incentive based upon billing and collections performance
in accordance with Monroe County Resolution No. 222-2019, as may be amended from time to
time. After the conclusion of each measurement period as set forth in the Bonus Program resolution,
a determination of whether the supplemental lump-sum payment is warranted for increased
revenue receipts will be conducted. A bonus payment may be administratively processed
consistent with the resolution. Same shall not to exceed ten percent (10%) of base salary. This
Bonus Program will be the method of evaluating work performance, in lieu of the general annual
employee evaluation program provided in the PPP Manual.
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist Employment Contract(Leah Fennessey)
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C. Benefits: Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Employee shall also receive all benefits set
forth in the PPP Manual as said Manual may be amended from time to time.
4. SOLE EMPLOYMENT: The Employee agrees to abide by Section 1.03, "OUTSIDE
EMPLOYMENT,"as set forth in the PPP Manual, and any updates thereto.
5. TERM OF AGREEMENT; TERMINATION; CANCELLATION; GENERAL
RELEASE; ABOLISHMENT OF POSITION:
A. Normal Term of Agreement. The normal term of this Agreement will be a period of twenty-
four (24) months commencing June 24, 2026 and terminating on June 23, 2028 (at 11:59pm
EST).
B. Extension of Normal Term. This Agreement may be renewed for additional periods by
written agreement executed by all parties. If Employee does not wish to extend the agreement,
or otherwise is not interested in holding the position of EMS Billing&Claims Specialist beyond
the natural end of the existing term, Employee must provide the County written notice of intent
not to renew or continue no less than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date.
C. Termination of Agreement:
i.By entering into this Agreement, the Employee understands that she serves at the
pleasure of the BOCC, the County Administrator, and MCFR; and that the Employee
can be terminated at any time, with immediate effect for cause or breach of this
agreement,or upon thirty(30)days written notice by MCFR without cause,or otherwise
on the basis of convenience pursuant to this agreement.
ii. By entering into this Agreement, the Employee also understands that she can be
terminated at any time with up to twenty-four(24)hours written notice by MCFR for
cause. As used in this paragraph, the term "for cause" will mean (a) dishonesty with
respect to the business and operation of the County; (b) confirmed violation of the
County's drug policy; (c)refusal to cooperate in an investigation regarding any aspect
of the business or operation of the County,including but not limited to an investigation
which is conducted by or at the express direction of the BOCC; (d) arrest of a crime
which is classified as a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (e) gross neglect
or willful and intentional misconduct; (f) conviction of a crime; (g) violation of a
provision of the Monroe County Code; or(h)breach of any material term or condition
of this Agreement by the Employee.
iii. The Employee further understands that in the event of termination,the Employee is
free to apply to the County for any other position then-currently open and the County
is free to consider the Employee for any open position, but that County has no
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist Employment Contract(Leah Fennessey)
Page 3 of 10
obligation to place the Employee in another position, and specifically has no
obligation to place the Employee in a position of equivalent or comparable salary,
grade,or benefits. By entering into this Agreement,the Employee specifically waives
the right to utilize the grievance procedure referred to or set forth in Sections 9 and
10 of the PPP Manual,nor the grievance procedure set forth in Chapter 69-1321,Laws
of Florida, establishing the Monroe County Career Service Council, and all
subsequent amendments to the special law thereafter.
D. General Release: Upon timely payment by the County of the sums required for cancellation
without cause, and upon request of County,the Employee agrees to execute a general release in
favor of all officers, members, and employees of the BOCC relating to any cause or causes of
action the Employee has,had, or may have related to the Employment Agreement and the work
described herein.The general release will encompass all applicable federal,state,and local laws
and ordinances in relation to claims of illegal discrimination,intentional and unintentional torts,
whistle blower rights,and all other types of claims whether known or unknown through the date
of cancellation. To the extent that it is prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law, this
provision or parts hereof, will be severed from the remainder to the extent determined void by
a court of competent jurisdiction.
E. Abolishment of Position of EMS Billing & Claims Specialist: If the BOCC takes such
action as to lawfully abolish or remove the position of EMS Billing&Claims Specialist during
the term of this Agreement,the abolishment of the position for the purposes of this Agreement
shall be deemed to be a termination of this Agreement by cancellation for convenience by the
County(BOCC).
F. Subject to Appropriation. The County's performance and obligation to pay under this
Employment Contract is contingent upon an annual appropriation by the Board of County
Commissioners. In the event that the County funds on which this Agreement is dependent are
withdrawn, this Agreement is terminated, and the County has no further obligation under the
terms of this Agreement to the Contractor beyond that already incurred by the termination date.
6. SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY: Nothing contained herein is intended, nor may it be construed, to
waive County's rights and immunities under the common law or Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, as
amended from time to time; nor will anything included herein be construed as consent to be sued by any
third parties in any matter arising out of this Agreement. This section will survive the expiration of the term
of this Agreement or any earlier termination of this Agreement.
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist Employment Contract (Leah Fennessey)
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7.ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS: In the event of any litigation initiated by either party,the
prevailing party shall receive reasonable attorneys'fees, costs of litigation,and related expenses,both at the
trial and appellate levels.
8. GOVERNING LAW; ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS; VENUE: This Agreement is
made in the State of Florida and will be governed by Florida law. This Agreement may be signed in more
than one counterpart,in which case each counterpart will constitute an original of this Agreement.Paragraph
headings are for convenience only and are not intended to expand or restrict the scope or substance of the
provisions of this Agreement. Wherever used herein, the singular will include the plural, the plural will
include the singular,and pronouns will be read as masculine,feminine,or neuter as the context requires.The
parties waive the privilege of venue and agree that all litigation between them in the state courts will take
place exclusively in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County,Florida, and that all litigation
between them in the federal courts will take place exclusively in the United States District Court in and for
the Southern District of Florida, or United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida,
whenever applicable. This Agreement is not subject to arbitration.
9. OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
A. Except as set forth herein,the Employee is subject to all terms and conditions set forth in
the PPP Manual as may be amended from time to time. To the extent there is a conflict
between the terms of this Agreement and the PPP Manual, the terms of this Agreement
shall prevail.
B. If any provision, term, or portion of this Agreement shall be held to be unconstitutional,
illegal, invalid, or enforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining terms,
conditions, and portions shall remain in full force and effect as if originally agreed to
without the term, condition, or portion that has been determined to be unconstitutional,
illegal,invalid or unenforceable.
C. The waiver by either the County or the Employee of a breach or violation of any term or
provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver
of any subsequent breach or violation by the other parry.
D. The County and Employee acknowledge that each has shared equally in the review of this
Agreement and, accordingly, no court or administrative hearing officer shall construe any
provision of this Agreement more strictly against one party over the other party,and every
term, condition, covenant, and provision of this Agreement shall be construed simply
according to its fair meaning. Employee further acknowledges that she or he has had the
Agreement reviewed by an attorney, or has been given the opportunity to do so and has
waived that opportunity.
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist Employment Contract(Leah Fennessey)
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E. This Agreement incorporates and supersedes all prior negotiations, correspondence,
conversations, agreements, and/or understandings applicable to the matters contained
herein. It is further agreed that there are no commitments, agreements, inducements, or
understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement that are not contained
herein, and no deviation from the terms hereof shall be predicated upon any prior
representations,offers,promises,inducements,or agreements,whether oral or written,and
by whomever made.
F. The County reserves all rights available to recuperate monies paid under this Agreement,
including the right to sue for breach of contract and including the right to pursue a claim
for violation of the County's False Claims Ordinance,located at Section 2-721 et al. of the
Monroe County Code.
G. Florida Ethics Laws Apply & Prohibition on Conflict of Interest, Gratuities, Kickbacks,
and Collusion. The statements contained in this paragraph are true and correct, and made
with the full knowledge that Monroe County relies upon the truth of the statements
contained herein.
i. Florida Ethics Laws for Public Employees. Chapter 112, Part III, "Code of
Ethics for Public Officers and Employees," Florida Statutes, as may be
amended from time to time, applies to the Employee, and Employee expressly
agrees to be bound by same.
ii. Conflict of Interest. The Employee covenants that she presently has no interest
and will not acquire any interest that would conflict in any manner or degree
with the performance of services required hereunder.
iii. Gratuities. The Employee hereby certifies that she has not offered, given, or
agreed to give any Monroe County employee a gratuity, favor, or anything of
monetary value in connection with any decision, approval, disapproval,
recommendation,preparation of any part of this agreement.
iv. Kickbacks. The Employee certifies that she has not given payment, gratuity, or
offer of employment to any person associated with Monroe County, as an
inducement of the award of this employment contract.
V. Non-Collusion Statement. By signing this Agreement, the Employee certifies
under penalty of perjury that the Employee has not engaged in collusion,
consultation, or communication for the purpose of restricting competition for
this position; and no attempt has been made to induce another person to apply
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist Employment Contract(Leah Fennessey)
Page 6 of 10
relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability; 10) Monroe County Code Chapter
14, Article II, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion,
national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status
or age; 11) The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act(PWFA)pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2000gg et
seq.;and 12)Any other nondiscrimination provisions in any Federal or state statutes which
may apply to the parties to,or the subject matter of,this Agreement.
J. E-Verify Requirements. Effective January 1, 2021, both public and private employers,
including the County must register and use the E-verify system in order to verify the work
authorization status of all newly hired employees. Employee acknowledges and agrees to
comply with the County's requests consistent with those required to utilize the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify System to verify the employment eligibility
of the Employee.
K. Public Records. County is a public agency subject to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, as
amended from time to time. To the extent Employee is acting on behalf of the County
pursuant to Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes, as amended from time to time, Employee
must comply with all public records laws in accordance with Chapter 119,Florida Statutes.
In accordance with state law, Employee agrees to:
i. Keep and maintain all records that ordinarily and necessarily would be required by
the County in order to perform the services.
ii. Upon request from the County's custodian of public records, provide the County
with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copies
within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the costs provided in Chapter
119,Florida Statutes,or as otherwise provided by law.
iii. Ensure that public records that are exempt,or confidential and exempt,from public
records disclosure are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of
the Agreement term and following completion of the Agreement if the Employee
does not transfer the records to the County.
iv. Upon completion of the services within this Agreement, at no cost, either transfer
to the County all public records in possession of the Employee or keep and maintain
public records required by the County to perform the services. If the Employee or
transfers all public records to the County upon completion of the services, the
Employee must destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt,or confidential
and exempt, from public records disclosure requirements. If the Employee keeps
and maintains public records upon completion of the services, the Employee must
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist Employment Contract(Leah Fennessey)
Page 8 of 10
for the position, or not apply, for the purpose of restricting competition in the
award of this employment contract.
H. Monroe County Ethics Clause pursuant to Monroe County Ordinance No. 010-1990. By
signing this Agreement, the Employee warrants that she has not employed, retained or
otherwise had act on her behalf any former County officer or employee in violation of
Section 2-149,Monroe County Code of Ordinances,or any County officer or employee in
violation of Section 2-150, Monroe County Code of Ordinances. For breach or violation
of this provision the County may, in its discretion, terminate this Agreement without
liability and may also, in its discretion, deduct from the value of the Agreement, or
otherwise recover, the full amount of any wage, fee, commission, percentage, gift, or
consideration paid to the former County officer or employee pursuant to Subsection 2-
152(b),Monroe County Code of Ordinances.
I. Nondiscrimination Covenant. The Employee and County agree that there will be no
discrimination against any person,and it is expressly understood that upon a determination
by a court of competent jurisdiction that discrimination has occurred, this Agreement
automatically terminates without any further action on the part of any party, effective the
date of the court order. Employee agrees to comply with all Federal and Florida statutes,
and all local ordinances,as applicable,relating to nondiscrimination.These include but are
not limited to: 1) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (PL 88-352) which prohibits
discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin;
2) Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, as amended (20 USC ss. 1681-1683,
and 1685-1686),which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; 3) Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended(20 USC s. 794), which prohibits discrimination
on the basis of disability; 4) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 USC
ss. 6101-6107) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; 5) The Drug Abuse
Office and Treatment Act of 1972(PL 92-255),as amended,relating to nondiscrimination
on the basis of drug abuse; 6) The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (PL 91-616), as amended, relating
to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism; 7) The Public Health
Service Act of 1912, ss. 523 and 527 (42 USC ss. 690dd-3 and 290ee-3), as amended,
relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; 8) Title VIII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 USC s. 3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to
nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing; 9) The Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC s. 12101 Note), as may be amended from time to time,
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist Employment Contract(Leah Fennessey)
Page 7 of 10
meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored
electronically must be provided to the County, upon request from the County's
custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information
technology systems of the County.
IF THE EMPLOYEE HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION
OF CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE EMPLOYEE'S DUTY
TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT,
CONTACT THE COUNTY'S CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS AT
PHONE: 305-292-3470, EMAIL: I ' C S� M N EC Ul -
" .. ", OR C/O MONROE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, P.O. BOX
1026, KEY WEST, FL 33040.
If Employee does not comply with this section, the County will enforce the Agreement provisions
in accordance herewith and may unilaterally cancel this Agreement in accordance with state law.
L. The text herein constitutes the entire agreement between the Employee and the County,and this
agreement cannot be amended except by a written document mutually agreed to and executed
with the same formalities as this Agreement. The rights and obligations of this Agreement are
personal to the Employee and cannot be assigned or transferred.
[Signatures to follow]
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist Employment Contract(Leah Fennessey)
Page 9 of 10
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties have set their hands and seals, in the County of Monroe,
Florida on the dates appearing next to their respective signatures.
EMPLOYEE
y'Iti
Date
-5.1�C0Qg—,'Lcah".Eg.n!1g y-
Print Name
STATE OF_F r
COUNTY OF
The foregoing instrument was sworn to/affirmed and acknowledged before me
by means of 5(physical presence or 0 online notarization,this &iy of' 20P by
......................
in her individual capacity. She il EEE n to me )r has produced
....... (type of identification) as identification,
CARA JOHNSON
3rn t 0 2NII�1;
'N Signature ure f N ,try Public
Notary Public-State of Florida
Commission#HH 669986 Ju 10 0
. 2029
,� �
ow r My Comm.Expires Jun 10,2029
'I Notary
Assn.
ded through National Notary Assn.
(Print& Stamp-Notary Public)
MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
Digitally signed by R.L.Coina
By: R.L. Colina Date:2026.05.06 08*5541l-04'00'
R.L. Colina,Fire Chief Date
(SEAL) BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Attest: Kevin Madok, Clerk OF MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA
By:
As Deputy Clerk Date Michelle Lincoln,Mayor Date
Approved as to legal form& sufficiency:
S Digitally signed by Eve M.Lewis
Eve M. pp Digitally Date:2026.05.05 09:34:48-04'00'
--—11111...............I'll,.................
Eve M. Lewis,Assistant County Attorney
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist Employment Contract(Leah Fennessey)
Page 10 of 10
'`
� I I- b i /k of
MONROE COUNTY
Job Description
To perform this job successfully,an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential job functions. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein.
Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein,employees may be required to perform duties
not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental to the
performance of their duties,just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
Job Title: EMS Billing & Claims Specialist, Fire Rescue
Department: Emergency Services
Pay Grade: Contract
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
JOB SUMMARY
The primary function of this position is to oversee report review, data entry,data retrieval, and records
maintenance for an air and ground EMS billing program,as well as perform complex administrative work
within the Emergency Services Division.'
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Reviews ePCR reports to ensure complete and accurate patient demographics,trip details,billing,
and insurance information; refers incomplete or inaccurate records to EMS Quality Assurance.
• Applies extensive knowledge of medical terminology,CPT,HCPCS,ICD 10,and CMS 1500 revenue
codes, modifiers, billing rules, and payer recommendations for government and commercial
insurers.
• Verifies or assigns condition codes,modifiers, levels of service,and other relevant claim data.
• Scans and attaches biomedical and supporting trip records to electronic patient care reports.
• Greets customers in person and by telephone, receives account payments, and assists with
completion of insurance forms,Air Resident(Trauma Star)waivers,and records requests.
• Initiates pre-authorization for air ambulance transportation as required by specific insurers.
• Assists the Billing and Claims Supervisor with collection actions, including contacting patients by
phone and arranging payments.
• Reduces aging accounts by consistently following up on unpaid claims to maintain workflow
efficiency.
• Processes and posts Medicare, Medicaid, ACH payments, wire transfers, checks, and credit card
payments on a daily basis; reviews and processes refunds as needed.
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist,Fire Rescue Page 2
• Reviews and follows up on accounts before transferring to an outside collection agency once
collection timeframes are met.
• Processes Air Resident(Trauma Star)waivers.
• Processes legal records requests for patient care reports and response records.
• Performs monthly EMSTARS data extraction and submission to the Florida Department of Health
and State EMS Division, to ensure compliance with mandatory pre-hospital reporting
requirements.
• Reviews, processes,and responds to correspondence accordingly.
• Accurately posts payments and denials.
• Maintains multiple spreadsheets for billing reconciliation.
• Scans and maintains accurate day-to-day posting documentation and correspondence in
OneDrive for audit and compliance purposes.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and adheres to all HIPAA regulations and County/Department
policies and procedures.
• Stays informed of regulatory changes and adapts to evolving claim reimbursement and denial
processes.
• Possess strong written communication skills to generate appeal letters tailored to the patient's
condition, quality of service, reason for denial, and capacity against which the denial was
prompted.
• Processes RFPs, contracts, renewals, purchases, agenda items, and special projects; maintains
associated records.
• Participates in meetings, conference calls, and webinars to address/process claim rejections,
acquires information about appeals processes, and stays current with regulations and payer
contract requirements.
• Assists with budget preparation and monitors expenses.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.
• In the event of special, emergency, or disaster situations, employee may be required to work
schedules other than those for which they are regularly scheduled in any capacity deemed
appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
High school Diploma or GED required. Three (3) years minimum of prior related work experience
preferred.
Special Qualifications:
Certified Ambulance Coder within one year of employment.
Knowledge,Skills,and Abilities:
• Ability to work from a general outline of duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to perform entry-level professional work, including basic data analysis and synthesis,
report creation, process performance, and regulatory or compliance activities.
• Ability to follow basic guidelines for operational activities.
• Ability to work with less than ten co-workers who are mostly engaged in the same activities as
me.
Monroe County,FL EMERGENCY SERVICES Updated:04/09/2026
EMS Billing&Claims Specialist,Fire Rescue Page 3
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is sedentary and requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible
amount of force frequently or constantly to lift,carry,push,pull,or otherwise move objects,including the
human body.Additionally,the following physical abilities are required:
• Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather
than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Mental Acuity:Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Repetitive Motion:Substantial movements(motions)of the wrist, hands,and/or fingers.
• Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, including the ability to
convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, including those activities
in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately,
loudly,or quickly.
• Visual Acuity: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data
and figures;transcribing;viewing a computer terminal;and/or extensive reading.
• Walking:Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks,particularly for long distances or moving from
one work site to another.
WORK ENVIR+QNMENT
Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity and responsiveness to changes that
include goals,priorities,and needs of the organization and position.
Monroe County has the right to revise this job description at any time.
This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
Employee Signa re Date
54ned by R.L. C o l i n a r + fN2 t149 1R:33 39 ColAna
Supervisor or Director Signature Date
'11Bryan Cook 2 26,04. 9 Bryan Cook
CYa[e:��26.G�4.CN9 72:42:53
-Q4' ' _
Director of Employee Services Signature Date ..
Christine HurleyD.al2 . 4 nH40y
County Administrator Signature Date
F.O.E. Monroe County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age,
disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.
Monroe County,FL EMERGENCY SERVICES Updated:04/09/2026