ER Tech Lead at Saint Anthony Hospital – Chicago, Illinois

ER Tech Lead

About Us

Saint Anthony Hospital is a mission-driven, community-focused organization where your career can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the health and wellness of families in our neighborhood. We take pride in our diverse workforce and the collaborative spirit that drives our team to deliver exceptional patient care and customer service every day.

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare, we are excited to be building a new, state-of-the-art hospital that will serve as the cornerstone of the Focal Point Community Campus. This transformational project reflects our dedication to innovation, equity, and long-term investment in the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Emergency Department Lead Technician (ED Lead Tech) is a senior frontline role within the Emergency Department that combines direct patient care with operational leadership and team oversight. Under the supervision of the Clinical Nurse Coordinator (CNC) and/or the Director of Emergency Services, the ED Lead Tech provides daily guidance and coordination to Emergency Department Technicians (ERTs), ensures department readiness, and serves as a resource and escalation point for clinical and operational issues during assigned shifts. This is a non-exempt, hourly position with an expanded scope of responsibility beyond the standard ERT role.

Leadership & Coordination

• Serve as the primary operational resource and point of contact for all ED Technicians during assigned shifts.
• Assign and monitor tech responsibilities to ensure adequate coverage across all department zones (Fast Track, Psych, Greeter, Triage, and main ED).
• Communicate directly with the CNC and charge nurse regarding staffing adjustments, workflow issues, and patient needs.
• Provide hands-on support during high-acuity events including codes, traumas, and rapid response activations.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professionalism among all technicians.
• Participate in daily huddles and department meetings; relay updates and expectations to the team.
• Assist with orientation, onboarding, and ongoing competency checks for ERT staff, including:

• Emergency Department protocols and procedures (Intubation, Code Stroke, Cardiac Arrest, Central Line Setup, etc.)
• Core clinical skills (Splinting, EKGs, Blood Culture Collection, IV Insertion, Point-of-Care Testing, etc.)

Clinical Support

• Perform and assist with clinical procedures within scope of practice, including EKGs, blood draws, splinting, wound care, patient transport, vital signs, and point-of-care testing.
• Ensure all clinical documentation—including EKG results and point-of-care testing—is accurately completed and entered into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) in a timely manner.
• Support RNs and providers in patient care and flow to reduce delays in treatment or disposition.
• Respond promptly to codes, urgent patient needs, and emergency requests.
• Serve as a resource during code activations and EMS arrivals.
• Perform basic nursing care based on patients’ age-related needs, including activities of daily living, vital signs, simple dressings, and other tasks as delegated by the nurse. Care is provided safely, effectively, and efficiently.
• Observe patients’ conditions and report changes to the nurse. Demonstrate sensitivity to patient comfort and privacy.

Operational Oversight

• Coordinate with the laboratory to ensure all point-of-care equipment is properly calibrated and functional.
• Coordinate with EVS, Nutrition, Maintenance, and Central Supply to maintain cleanliness and orderliness in patient care and EMS areas.
• Ensure all equipment and supply carts (trauma, OB, pediatric, airway, crash carts) are checked, stocked, and documented daily.
• Communicate promptly when items are running low or equipment is malfunctioning; facilitate timely replacement or repair.
• Support the ED leadership team with supply orders and deliveries; confirm items are received, logged, and stored correctly.
• Accurately order supplies for the department; assure par levels are adequate and communicate recommended changes.
• Oversee the EMS Room: ensure supplies, snacks, and beverages are organized, properly stocked, and restricted for EMS use only.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all ED Technicians are current and compliant with Point-of-Care Quality Control competencies, including urinalysis, glucometer operation, and rapid strep testing.
• Reinforce infection control practices and ensure work areas and patient rooms are cleaned and disinfected appropriately after each use.
• Monitor adherence to departmental policies, hospital safety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Address and document concerns regarding contamination, unsafe practices, or non-compliance; escalate to department leadership as appropriate.
• Participate in departmental audits, inspections, safety rounds, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist with review of incidents, charting discrepancies, and equipment checks as directed by leadership.
• Adhere to the Hospital’s confidentiality norms and standards, including compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Safeguard all patient health information (PHI) and report any suspected breach immediately to the supervisor and Privacy Officer.
• Fulfill obligations as a mandated reporter under the Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) and the Illinois Adult Protective Services Act. Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals to the appropriate authority immediately.

Administrative Duties

• Communicate effectively between shifts to ensure continuity of care and awareness of outstanding issues.
• Document and report daily updates regarding supply par levels, equipment issues, or staff concerns to department leadership.
• Maintain supply inventory lists, EMS room check logs, and equipment maintenance records.
• Collaborate with other departments and represent the ED tech team in staff meetings and improvement projects.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to leadership regarding workflow efficiency and department improvement.
• Perform clerical duties related to order entry, registration, and discharge as assigned in the absence of coordinators.

Marginal Functions

• Performs both essential and marginal job functions in a safe manner as identified by Saint Anthony Hospital and the respective department while adhering to the Hospital’s confidentiality norms and standards. Actively and consistently demonstrates the core values of Saint Anthony Hospital in all interactions with others.
• Assumes responsibility for knowing and maintaining established hospital and departmental objectives, policies/procedures including general sanitation, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Participates in performance activities including problem identification, data collection, solution selection, implementation and evaluation. Also, assists in the care and maintenance of departmental equipment and supplies as appropriate.
• Participates in staff meetings and other in-service meetings or committees as required.
• Functions in a cost-conscious manner (i.e., conserving supplies, caring for and maintaining equipment, appropriate billing and charges, etc.).
• Performs other duties as assigned after demonstrating required competency or completing requisite training.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an accredited EMT, Paramedic, Nursing Assistant (CNA), or Medical Assistant (CMA/RMA/CCMA) program required.

Note: A High School Diploma or GED requirement is applied uniformly to this role. To the extent applicants hold a qualifying clinical credential listed above, no additional educational requirements beyond the credential program will be applied, consistent with equal employment opportunity principles.

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of experience as an ED Technician or equivalent clinical technician role required.
• Prior lead, charge, or supervisory experience in an emergency or acute care setting preferred.

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) – required and must remain current throughout employment.
• One or more of the following: CMA, CCMA, RMA, EMT-Basic, or EMT-Paramedic certification required.
• ACLS, PALS, or EKG certification preferred.
• Employees must comply with the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act (410 ILCS 228) prior to and throughout employment. Continued employment is contingent upon maintenance of a clear background check status as required under this Act.
• Must not appear on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry or any applicable disqualifying registry maintained by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

Skills

• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency in Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a resource and mentor to peers.
• Commitment to patient safety, quality care, and regulatory compliance.

Work Conditions

Hospital environment. This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities, with or without reasonable accommodation, consistent with the essential functions of the role as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Physical Demand	Frequency / Condition
Standing and walking	Continuous (majority of shift)
Lifting and carrying	Up to 50 lbs unassisted; heavier loads with assistance or equipment
Pushing/pulling	Patient transport equipment, stretchers, supply carts
Bending, stooping, kneeling	Frequent; required for patient care tasks
Fine motor dexterity	Required for clinical procedures (IV insertion, EKG leads, blood draws)
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens	Frequent; PPE required per OSHA standards
Exposure to infectious materials	Frequent; standard precautions required at all times
Mental/emotional demands	High-stress environment; rapid decision-making required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Employees requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

EEO Statement

Saint Anthony Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, including the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5). Saint Anthony Hospital is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.