The work involves the responsibility of serving as a member of the Community/Quick Response Team; a standard of care in providing field-based medication for substance use disorder and connecting individuals in need with the services that they require to ensure survival and well-being. This is accomplished by providing short term treatment to individuals experiencing substance use disorder at Emergency Medical Incidents, and connecting with individuals of prior EMS incidents, Hospital Emergency Department encounters, local inter-departmental referrals, and the public at large. Work is performed under the direction of Orangeburg County EMS Director with considerable leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding client needs and requests and conducting project assignments. Position does related work as required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.
- Performs all duties and responsibilities required of a Paramedic. (ref Paramedic job description)
- Participates in providing and coordinating services to eligible substance overdose and withdrawal patients encountered by Orangeburg County EMS; and eligible clients referred to a treatment program.
- Interfaces directly with overdose and withdrawal incidents alongside responding EMS, Law Enforcement, Fire, and Substance Abuse Professionals.
- Engage with eligible patients to establish rapport and determine desire and eligibility for harm-reduction resources and connection with internal and external resources to address social determinants of health.
- Provides proactive care that is intended to help improve the overall health and wellness of program participants.
- Examines, screens, treats and coordinates services for patients.
- Observes, records, and reports to Tri-County Drug and Alcohol, patient’s conditions and reactions to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
- Administers patient care consistently with department protocols and physician orders.
- Assists in navigating referred individuals to the most appropriate ongoing treatment providers for their specific situation.
- Conducts education and harm prevention strategies for the patient, patient’s family when applicable, and for the community when applicable.
- Participates in reviewing daily EMS response data, along with external referrals pathways and contacts individuals as appropriate.
- Contributes to the development and growth of the program with other participating internal community partners.
- Participates in training for all OCEMS staff to ensure all potential referrals are captured and staff are educated in services.
- Assists in supporting and expanding current harm reduction efforts with availability of service.
- Assists with conducting daily surveillance to ensure all eligible patients are offered services within 24-72 hours of applicable incident.
- Creates community engagement.
- Assists in review of outcome data to ensure there are no existing gaps in program functions.
- Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail, and case management software in performing work assignments.
- Documents all encounters as directed by the program guidelines and/or supervisor and completes all Patient Care Reports as directed by agency policy and state regulations.
- Cleans and maintains (minor maintenance) vehicles and equipment.
- Maintains records of vehicles, supplies, training and daily work.
- Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.
- Ensures proper stocking and inventory for the QRV and any program affiliated site if applicable and directed.
- Perform other duties and related work as instructed and assigned.
Supervisory Functions:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
Requires an Associate’s Degree or specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one year of college in paramedic training.
Requires three years’ EMS experience as a Paramedic Crew Chief; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
- Paramedic Certification: State and National Registry
- BLS, ACLS, PALS or PEPP, PHTLS, AMLS, FEMA ICS 100, 200, 240, 700 and 800.
- Possess a valid South Carolina Driver's License.
- Must obtain Community Paramedic Certification within one year of hire
- Must obtain Instructor Methodology within one year of hire.
Physical Demands:
Performs medium to heavy work that involves walking, standing, stooping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 to 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. Must be able to lift 125 pounds.
Unavoidable Hazards:
- Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
Traffic; Moving machinery.
Electrical shock; Heights.
Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
Other extreme hazards not listed above.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:
Orangeburg County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Orangeburg County to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
