STAR Paramedic 1

Denver Health•Denver, CO

About The Position

The STAR Paramedic operates under general supervision and attends to patients encountered during STAR responses. The role supports the assigned clinical social worker, transfers clients or patients when appropriate, safely operates department vehicles in non-emergency mode, and provides other support functions for the STAR Program. The Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program pairs a Wellpower mental health clinician with a Denver Health paramedic or EMT to respond to low-risk, low-acuity public and mental health crisis calls dispatched through Denver 911 Communications. Teams may provide medical assessment and triage, crisis intervention, de-escalation, transportation, and connections to community resources. Responsibilities include initiating BLS and ALS procedures under current protocols, providing appropriate patient care, assisting the clinical social worker, assessing scenes and hazards, and coordinating auxiliary services when needed. The role also involves safe non-emergency vehicle operation; following safety, environmental, and infection-control standards; maintaining the STAR van, equipment, and supplies; keeping the work environment clean; and supporting program operations, including supply management, moving vehicles or equipment for repairs, and assisting with EMT-level instruction and training. All hires start at Paramedic 1. Career ladder progression, including job and pay advancement, is available after successful completion of the established training period and is based on appropriate experience. The posted Paramedic 1 pay is $32.18 per hour; the senior paramedic career-ladder rate is $40.23 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 6 months of experience in emergency medicine or a related field.
Colorado State Paramedic license (EMTP-EMT Paramedic).
Colorado Class R driver's license.
Current 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.
Skill in determining needs in changing environments and ability to identify hazards.
Ability to communicate clearly and articulately over the radio.
Ability to complete appropriate patient and daily activity forms and appear in court when necessary.
Ability to use appropriate, low-impact means of restraint.
Ability to safely operate a vehicle, use radio communications equipment and procedures, and document patient contacts using written and computer patient-care reporting.

Responsibilities

Initiate BLS and ALS procedures according to current standards and protocols, and apply knowledge of Denver Health Paramedic Protocols and Paramedic Division policy.
Order Advanced Life Support resources as indicated by patient presentation.
Provide appropriate patient care during BLS and ALS encounters.
Assist the assigned 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 environments and hazards, and interact with other personnel and services in the patient's best interests.
Safely operate the vehicle in non-emergency mode, follow traffic laws, and park safely at STAR scenes, using emergency lighting as appropriate while standing at scenes.
Follow safety, environmental, and infection-control standards; approach scenes safely; and use available means to de-escalate hostile or emotional situations.
Use safe lifting techniques, clean techniques for invasive procedures, and approved disposal methods for contaminated materials and sharps; follow up appropriately after exposure to potentially injurious substances.
Ensure the STAR van is ready for service; check mechanical and biomedical equipment, perform routine preventive maintenance, and restock and inspect medical supplies for adequate stock and expiration dates.
Inspect and report deficiencies in vehicle brakes, lights, and emergency equipment, and ensure biomedical and communications equipment is functional.
Maintain a safe, clean work environment and be in service within 15 minutes of shift start unless dispatch or a supervisor is notified.
Provide other STAR Program support, including moving vans and 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.
Retirement plans with employer contributions up to 9.5%.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Employer-paid disability and life insurance.
Well-being programs, including an on-site employee fitness center and RESTORE Center.
Free RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
Childcare discount programs and discounts or perks on brands and travel.
Tuition reimbursement and assistance.
Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center.
Professional clinical advancement program and shared governance.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness-eligible employer, with student loan coaching and assistance navigating the program.
National Health Service Corps and Colorado Health Service Corps eligibility.