Community Paramedic (Internal Canididates Only)

Dorchester County•Sc 29483, SC

11d

About The Position

The Community Paramedic provides emergency, nonemergency, and preventive healthcare to high-risk individuals in the community, often outside traditional EMS response situations. The role focuses particularly on people who are unsheltered or dependent on opioids or other illicit substances, as well as individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, or asthma. Work is performed under close to general supervision according to established procedures, with discretion over how and when tasks are completed. The position combines emergency response and advanced life support with community-based assessment, chronic disease support, medication adherence checks, patient education, follow-up care, and referrals to social and healthcare resources. The Community Paramedic collaborates with patients, families, first responders, hospitals, primary care providers, and other healthcare professionals. This is a full-time position, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with core hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some flexibility is allowed, and employees must work 40 hours per week to maintain full-time status. The employee may need to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for emergency response as assigned.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED, supplemented by specialized courses or training equivalent to one year of college.
Two years of EMT Paramedic or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history; must maintain it.
State and National Registry of EMT certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Paramedic); must maintain certification.
Completion of a South Carolina-approved Community Paramedic Program.
Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Current International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) certification.
Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
Release to practice as a Community Paramedic by the EMS Medical Director.
Strong clinical skills and knowledge of advanced life support procedures.
Complete a minimum of 60 hours of continuing education (CEUs) per year.
Must work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status.
Must be available during core work hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; may need to be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for emergency response as assigned.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced life support and emergency care; assess the nature and extent of injuries or illnesses, help lift and carry patients, and transport them to appropriate medical facilities.
Drive emergency vehicles in response to calls, request additional incident resources as needed, ensure scene safety, and serve as incident commander until relieved by higher authority.
Inspect, clean, sanitize, and decontaminate vehicles and equipment; verify equipment condition and supply inventory; report discrepancies and maintenance needs.
Perform authorized medical procedures, including immobilization, bandaging, CPR, intubation, cardiac monitoring, shock prevention, medication administration, electrical cardioversion or defibrillation, and IV therapy.
Monitor patient condition, communicate diagnostic signs to medical personnel while en route, and provide verbal and written reports to emergency room personnel.
Review assigned crew work for completeness and accuracy; make recommendations, provide training and assistance, and relay crew needs to a supervisor.
Assist with extrication and other rescue procedures as necessary.
Work with other first responders, including firefighters and law enforcement, as well as hospital staff and physicians.
Identify and contact high-risk community members to conduct wellness checks and provide education.
Conduct basic and advanced health assessments, including vital-sign checks, medication reviews, and basic laboratory screenings.
Support patients in managing chronic conditions through medication-adherence guidance, lifestyle modifications, and self-care education.
Connect patients with community resources, including social services, transportation assistance, and primary care providers.
Educate patients and their families about conditions, medications, and disease processes.
Conduct post-hospital-discharge follow-up visits to monitor progress and help prevent readmission.
Coordinate care with primary care providers, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals.
Maintain detailed patient records and document interventions to track community paramedicine program effectiveness.
Ensure crew compliance with infection-control procedures and perform general housekeeping duties as required.
Respond to public inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance within areas of responsibility.
Perform clerical work such as preparing reports, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, and answering telephone calls.
Keep current with technology, methods, and regulations for emergency medical assistance; attend required or appropriate meetings, training, and continuing education.
Remain available for emergency response 24 hours per day, seven days per week, when assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.