Community Paramedic (Opioid Settlement)

Iredell County, NC•Statesville, NC

65d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides proactive care intended to help improve the overall health and wellness of program participates; follows up with repeat patients to expand access to non-urgent health care through in-home patient visits and/or community based services; performs assessment of patients; contacts physicians regarding patient encounters; assists patients with contacting community resources to assist with needs such as meals, prescription assistance and with navigation to appropriate destinations. Works in cooperation with various stakeholders and key medical providers to offer coordinated and integrated care, especially for patients with chronic diseases and substance abuse disorders; works with stakeholders and EMS agency to provide community education to prevent injury and illness; works with patients to reduce utilization; maintains clear and concise communications in compliance with HIPAA standards. Visits patients in their homes to ensure proper medication use; following through on doctor appointments, etc; serves as "navigator" of community resources connecting patients to agencies and services they may not be aware of and helping reduce barriers that prevent access to care; coordinates with resources such as VA, home health, hospice, senior center, mental health agency, etc. Work is performed under the supervision of the Special Services Division Supervisor and is evaluated through peer review, conferences, observation, discussion of procedures at emergency scenes, data collection, patient outcomes and public feedback.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED and three (3) years of pre-hospital 911 paramedic experience; or an associates degree or above in a related field with two (2) years 911 paramedic experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Valid North Carolina Driver's License
Certification by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services as a Paramedic.
AHA CPR-Provider, ACLS, PALS Certifications.
Other Certifications such as ICS 100 & 200, 700 & 800, NIMS, and Hazardous Materials Operations Level are required within 6 months of hire.
Considerable knowledge of community resources helpful for increasing quality of life and health outcomes for substance abuse, mental health, disabled, chronic, impoverished and other special needs patients.
Considerable knowledge of and skill in administering emergency medical procedures and techniques, of anatomy and physiology, and of intravenous therapy and skill in recognizing adverse conditions.
Considerable knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in emergency care of patients and accident victims.
Considerable knowledge of county geography and locations of roads and streets.
Considerable knowledge of addiction medicine, including MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment).
Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork, and customer service excellence.
Skill in recognizing trauma and signs and symptoms of medical emergencies to determine appropriate treatment.
Ability to perform duties in accordance with established emergency medical procedures and techniques, medical protocols and standing orders.
Ability to work with a diverse socioeconomic population based on the unique situations encountered.
Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies and stressful situations.
Ability to safely drive an emergency medical vehicle in adverse conditions and according to motor vehicle laws.
Ability to communicate effectively in a tactful and firm manner with the public.
Ability to deal with stress and death and dying patients.
Ability to accurately record services provided on required forms.
Ability to work with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, fire, medical personnel, patients and the General public.
Ability to maintain vehicles, equipment, and facilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient contact.

Nice To Haves

Community Paramedic - Certified "CP-C" preferred but not required.
ITLS or PHTLS, PEPP or NRP are preferred.

Responsibilities

Responds to emergency calls in an ambulance or quick response vehicle and performs necessary medical care and rescue work in accordance with established protocols for advanced life support; administers necessary emergency medical care requiring the use of a variety of specialized equipment.
Serves as medic in charge on calls; as required, directs care and response and provides patient care; as needed, directs work of assigned Basic or Intermediate EMT's and provides training and mentoring for new employees.
Performs emergency medical acts in accordance with protocols established by the department and the County's Medical Director; performs specialized procedures such as performing manual defibrillation and cardioversion; decompressing a tension pneumothorax by use of a catheter-flutter-valve device; using positive end expiratory pressure respirators; performing surgical airway maneuvers for relief of upper airway obstruction; performing gastric suction by intubation; performing urinary catheterization; the use of paralytic and sedative agents to paralyze and stabilize critically ill or injured patients; and administering other assorted medications by protocol or physician's order.
Performs patient assessment and life support techniques in accordance with the approved protocols including airway management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; oxygen administration; hemorrhage control; treatment for shock; bandaging and dressing injuries and splinting of fractures and dislocations; treatment of injuries to various parts of the body; provision of basic life support for medical injuries, assisting in normal and abnormal childbirth, treatment of injuries and burns; lifting and moving patients for transfers to medical facilities, extrication of patients from confined areas, and other procedures within county protocols.
Transportation of patients to local and regional medical facilities, maintaining contact with medical staff during transport as needed, and ensuring care of patient, and oversight of treatment and care for long-term care patients during transports to other facilities, hospitals or doctor's offices.
Completes full patient care documentation through various paper and electronic based formats during and after calls for service including information for billing documentation, and legal accountability.
Participates in a continuous training program to maintain certification and improve competence in medical technical work and operation; study's street and road patterns and networks of the County in order that future runs may be made with minimum difficulty and delay.
Inspects and tests response vehicles and their emergency equipment, maintaining proper inventory of equipment and supplies; cleans and sanitizes equipment daily; ensures that they are in proper and good working order; makes routine adjustments, but reports other than minor defects for specialized attention.
Maintains cleanliness and performs minor maintenance of Emergency Medical Service facilities; cleans, sweeps, mops, etc; exercises on duty to maintain health and fitness.
Assist members of the fire departments or volunteer emergency medical service organizations, as requested.
Supports existing health services; provides integrated health services in partnership with other health professionals; extends access to health services delivery in underserved and general populations, including primary care, public health, disease management, prevention and wellness, mental health, and dental health; and performs other duties as required.
Assists with the direction and control during disaster situations.
Performs all Primary Job Responsibilities listed for Paramedic.
Examines, screens, treats and coordinates health services for patients.
Conducts post-hospital release follow-up care including, but not limited to, monitoring medication, dressing changes, and checking vital signs.
Observes, records, and reports to physician, patient's conditions and reactions to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
Conducts 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.
Administers Buprenorphine to patients as needed after screening performed by Peer Support Specialists until they are Bridged to a local Substance Abuse Treatment facility.
Administers patient care consistent with department protocols and physician orders.
Coordinates appointments and follow-up with physicians and hospitals.
Develops and completes appropriate reports and templates for the Community Paramedic Program; and
Attends meetings as requested and available.
Performs other related work as required.