EMT - Street Medicine

Whole Person Care Clinic•Carlsbad, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The EMT, Street Medicine provides frontline health support, monitoring, and emergency response for clients in Whole Person Care Clinic’s Street Medicine program. The role meets individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness where they are, including on streets, in encampments, and in vehicles, and helps them stabilize, heal safely, and remain connected to medical, behavioral health, and housing services. Working under the direction and supervision of WPCC licensed clinical staff, the EMT applies emergency medical training within their certified scope of practice and program guidelines. The role supports CalAIM and Medi-Cal Street Medicine services in a non-independent capacity and follows WPCC policy and applicable California law. The position is field-based, involves driving between outreach locations, and requires variable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current, active California EMT certification in good standing.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification.
Valid California driver’s license and ability to meet WPCC vehicle insurance requirements.
Meet credentialing and certification requirements defined by WPCC program guidelines.
Sound emergency response and clinical observation skills within EMT scope of practice.
Trauma-informed, culturally responsive client interaction skills.
Calm, professional judgment under pressure and ability to recognize when to escalate.
Situational awareness and field safety skills.
Professional communication and teamwork skills.
Accurate documentation and digital literacy.
Organization, prioritization, and time-management skills.
Confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
Ability to walk and stand regularly over varied terrain and outdoors in all weather conditions.
Ability to drive a program vehicle between outreach locations.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and assist clients with mobility and transfers.
Ability to work around exposure to clients with communicable conditions or behavioral health needs and use PPE in accordance with safety standards.
Availability for assigned variable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience as an EMT or in a clinical, street outreach, shelter, or social services setting.
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, chronic illness, substance use, or behavioral health challenges.
Training in overdose response, harm reduction, de-escalation, or Mental Health First Aid.
Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct street outreach rounds and obtain and record vital signs and blood glucose checks as directed.
Perform basic assessments within EMT scope; observe, document, and immediately report changes in client condition to supervising clinical staff.
Respond to field medical emergencies using CPR/AED, basic airway management, bleeding control, and first aid; activate 911 when indicated.
Recognize and respond to suspected opioid overdose, including administering naloxone per WPCC protocol.
Recognize and respond to heat- and cold-related illness and other environmental exposure risks.
Assist clients with safe mobility, transfers, and ambulation, and support fall-prevention measures.
Check dressings and assist with delegated basic wound-care support; report signs of infection or deterioration.
Support client intake by collecting baseline vitals and health information under authorized supervision.
Support clients’ self-administration of medications in accordance with WPCC procedures and authorized delegation.
Monitor medication routines, keep accurate and timely medication logs, and immediately escalate errors, refusals, adverse reactions, or discrepancies.
Help schedule and coordinate medical, behavioral health, and specialty appointments and support hospital discharge follow-up.
Support linkage to shelter, recuperative care, housing, and benefits services.
Distribute naloxone, hygiene, and wound-care supplies per WPCC protocol.
Provide basic health education on hygiene, wound care, wellness routines, and medication adherence without clinical interpretation.
Participate in daily huddles and interdisciplinary team meetings and share observations that inform client care plans.
Collaborate with case managers, outreach staff, behavioral health partners, housing staff, and clinical staff to support integrated care.
Use de-escalation techniques and maintain a safe, trauma-informed approach for clients and staff in field settings.
Accurately and promptly document vital signs, observations, field encounters, emergency responses, medication support, and care coordination in the EHR.
Complete incident reports for emergencies, falls, and other critical events per WPCC policy.
Maintain documentation in compliance with HIPAA, CMIA, 42 CFR Part 2, OSHA/Cal-OSHA, and WPCC policies.
Support tracking of program metrics and client health outcomes as directed.
Follow standard precautions and field infection-control procedures, including safe sharps and biohazard-waste disposal.
Check, restock, and maintain emergency and medical equipment and supplies, including AED, oxygen, first-aid kits, naloxone, PPE, field bags, and the program vehicle.
Participate in required trainings, emergency drills, competency sign-offs, and onboarding activities.