STAR Paramedic 1

Denver Health and Hospital Authority•Denver, CO

About The Position

The STAR Paramedic 1 works under general supervision and attends to patients encountered during Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) calls. STAR pairs a Wellpower mental health clinician with a Denver Health paramedic or EMT to respond to low-risk, low-acuity crisis calls dispatched through Denver 911 Communications. The team provides medical assessment and triage, crisis intervention, de-escalation, transportation, and connections to community resources. The paramedic supports the assigned clinical social worker, transfers clients or patients when appropriate, safely operates department vehicles in non-emergency mode, and performs other STAR program support functions. The role provides BLS and ALS care in accordance with current standards, protocols, and Denver Health policies; assesses scenes and identifies hazards; and collaborates with other personnel and ancillary services in the patient’s best interests. It also includes maintaining vehicle and medical equipment readiness, stocking supplies, maintaining a clean and safe work environment, assisting with repairs and supply management, and supporting EMT-level instruction and training for new STAR academy employees. All hires start at Paramedic 1. Career-ladder progression, including job and pay advancement, is available following successful completion of the established training period and is based on appropriate experience. The listed Paramedic 1 pay is $32.18 per hour. The shift varies. This is a regular position.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 6 months of experience in emergency medicine or a related field.
Colorado State EMTP-EMT Paramedic license.
Colorado Class R driver’s license.
BLS/CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Knowledge of emergency treatment and safety procedures.
Working knowledge of Denver Metropolitan EMT-Basic Protocols and the Paramedic Division’s BLS Policy.
Ability to assess needs in changing environments and identify hazards.
Ability to speak clearly and articulately over the radio.
Ability to complete patient and daily activity forms and document patient contacts using written and computer patient-care reporting.
Ability to appear in court when necessary.
Ability to use appropriate, low-impact means of restraint.
Ability to safely operate a vehicle and use radio communications equipment and procedures.

Responsibilities

Initiate BLS and ALS procedures in accordance with current standards and protocols, and demonstrate working knowledge of Denver Health Paramedic Protocols and Paramedic Division policies.
Order ALS resources as required by the patient’s presentation.
Provide appropriate patient care during BLS and ALS encounters and assist the clinical social worker with client interactions.
Assess scenes during non-emergent 911 field responses and determine whether auxiliary services such as fire or police are needed.
Recognize changing environmental conditions and hazards, and interact with personnel and ancillary services with the patient’s best interests in mind.
Safely operate department vehicles in non-emergency mode, follow traffic laws, maintain control, and park safely at STAR scenes; use emergency lighting appropriately while parked at scenes.
Follow safety, environmental, and infection-control standards; approach scenes and patients safely; use available means to diffuse hostile or emotional situations; and use safe lifting techniques.
Use clean techniques for invasive procedures, dispose of contaminated materials and sharps appropriately, and follow up with the appropriate resource after exposure to potentially injurious substances.
Ensure the STAR van is ready for service by checking mechanical and biomedical equipment, performing routine preventive maintenance, testing equipment such as AEDs, and checking and restocking medical supplies.
Inspect and report deficiencies in vehicle braking systems, lights, emergency equipment, biomedical equipment, and communications equipment; ensure supplies are adequate and unexpired.
Maintain a safe, clean, and aesthetically maintained work environment and be in service within 15 minutes of shift start unless dispatch or a supervisor is notified.
Provide STAR program support as needed, including moving vans or equipment to repair facilities, assessing and ordering supplies, and assisting with EMT-level instruction and training for new STAR academy employees.
Complete appropriate patient and daily activity forms and document patient contacts using written and computer patient-care reporting.

Benefits

Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, including vacation, personal/sick time, and 7 holidays.
100% paid parental leave for up to 6 weeks.
Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions up to 9.5%.
Medical, dental, and vision plans, plus employer-paid disability and life insurance.
Well-being programs, including an on-site employee fitness center and the RESTORE Center.
Free RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
Childcare discount programs and discounts or perks on brands, travel, and more.
Tuition reimbursement and assistance.
Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center.
Career advancement pathways, a professional clinical advancement program, and shared governance.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility, free student loan coaching, and assistance navigating the PSLF program.
Eligibility for National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) programs.