Community Paramedic-MIH positions

Purpose of the position: The purpose of this position is to provide non-traditional pre-hospital care to patients affected by substance abuse/overdose, mental health disorders, and/or with chronic health care needs.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by required course work in emergency medical techniques and a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a paramedic including at least one (1) year with Buncombe County EMS, preferred; or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must be 18 years of age or older.

Additional Training and Experience: Completion of an approved Community Paramedic education program within two (2) years of hire. Crisis Intervention Training preferred.  comparable pre-hospital experience is preferred.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Certification as a Paramedic by the North Carolina Office of EMS and the Medical Care Commission.  Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence.

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily very heavy work requiring in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and /or in excess of 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:  balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, smelling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, walking, mental and visual acuity and multiple repetitive motions.  This work is performed in a physically threatening environment that require life and deaths decisions for self or others. 

Essential Functions of the position:

• Perform all essential functions as listed for EMT-Paramedic II.
• Respond to calls for overdose, mental health crisis, or high utilizers of the EMS system; Examine, screen, treat and coordinate health services for patients.
• Function as a part of the Post Overdose Response Teams (PORT) to provide access to services for patients experiencing substance abuse issues.
• Conduct post-hospital release follow-up care including, but not limited to, monitoring medication, dressing changes, and checking vital signs.
• Observe, record, and report to physician, patient’s conditions and reactions to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
• Conduct patient education, including diabetes prevention/treatment, hypertension, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), falls assessment, injury evaluation, geriatric frailty visits, and nutrition.
• Administer patient care consistent with department protocols and physician orders.
• Coordinate appointments and follow-up with physicians and hospitals.
• Develop and complete appropriate reports and templates for the Community Paramedic Program.
• Attending meetings as requested and available.
• Collect, communicate, and accurately document information about medical care to further quality patient care deliver; complete and timely report to partnering agencies and assure patient privacy.
• Assist in the inspection and maintenance of vehicles and medical equipment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in the emergency care of patients and victims of accidents.
• Knowledge of procedures in extrication, movement of patients, rescue techniques, transportation, and psychological needs of a patient.
• Knowledge of life support techniques of patients in the field.
• Knowledge of County geography and of the location of roads and streets within the County.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of pre-hospital and Community Para-medicine.
• Knowledge of the role of various community health care providers, and social service and advocacy agencies within the community and the ability to effectively refer clients.
• Skill in diagnosing a victim's condition and applying emergency medical care.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
• Ability to operate an emergency vehicle in a safe manner.
• Ability to lift substantial weight.
• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the general public.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.