Advanced Practice Paramedic

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

Advanced Practice Paramedic

Market Range:

EM13B

Approved Date:

9/28/2023 9:36:48 AM

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

EEO Code:

TECHNICIANS

Career Level:

C4

Career Level Description:

Core Services Level 4

Job Code:

100027

Job Family:

Health Services

Sub Family:

Emergency Medical Response

Primary Purpose

Working a 12-hour shift is required. May rotate through specific roles and assignments as part of EMS Advanced Practice Paramedic Program. Responds to high acuity sick and injured patients in a prompt, compassionate, and clinically excellent manner. Applies advanced clinical knowledge, skills and competencies at the most critical EMS calls and specialty EMS calls. Provides leadership, clinical management, and assistance with patient care when necessary. Undertakes self-initiated activity to reduce the need for high call volume patients to call 911 through the investigation of and coordination with community partners to address chronic patient issues, conducts home visits to reduce hospital admissions as part of transitional care in conjunction with community partners, encourages and facilitates use of health care services more appropriate to the needs of the patient than the hospital emergency department, particularly for those patients who are in acute crisis from mental health and substance use disorders. Participates in the quality assurance process as proscribed by the Division of Medical Affairs. Interacts and communicates with individuals and groups of individuals (patients, the public, members of our agency, other agencies, and departments) from all education levels, cultural backgrounds, belief structures, and states of health. Serves in a highly visible position in the community and, as such, the incumbent is required to act with a high degree of courtesy, professionalism, and respect and always with the best interest of the welfare of the patient and the public in mind.

•

Working a 12-hour shift is required. Works effectively both as an individual and when needed as a team leader. Integrates with other emergency responders and provides advanced patient care (beyond the function of a regular paramedic) and on scene clinical management on the scene of high acuity calls. Provides clinical debriefs when required to other responders. Performs advanced life support skills utilizing liberal standing order protocols as well as advanced decision-making skills to guide patient care. Assesses the nature and extent of illness or injury by obtaining relevant information from the patient, their family or caretaker(s), bystanders/citizens and from the surrounding environment. Lifts and carries equipment, stretchers, and patients to facilitate response to, treatment and transport of patients. Completes documentation through patient care reporting systems, electronic and paper-based logs, reporting software and databases. Maintains confidentiality and always protect sensitive data, in accordance with HIPAA laws, and organizational and department policies and procedures. Responds to EMS calls when dispatched or requested and evaluates patient conditions based on criteria and advanced decision-making skills for possible alternative transport to an alternative medical care facility.

1

20%

•

Performs post-dispatch follow up for specialty patients in cooperation and collaboration with community partners and healthcare agencies. Applies specific criteria and protocols to provide the most appropriate care and treatment for patients who are in crisis from substance use disorders.

2

20%

•

Performs home visits for transitional care patients, high volume utilizers and other specialty patients to provide patient education directly related to medical conditions and follows prescribed case management as part of a community partnership to reduce hospital admission/re-admission. Reviews potential high-volume utilizers to evaluate with community partners any specialty treatment and care plans. Participates in meetings when required with partner agencies and provides professional feedback

3

20%

•

Participates in the quality assurance process as proscribed by the Division of Medical Affairs. Participates in evidence based medicined data entry as proscribed by the Division of Medical Affairs Chief Clinical Quality Officer.

4

20%

•

Maintains personal readiness to be able to respond, within the 90 second standard, in a prompt,

compassionate and clinically excellent manner to requests for service whenever and wherever needed to

include all times of day and night and in all types of weather. Maintains cleanliness of equipment,

vehicles and facilities, regularly inventory and restock equipment and vehicles, decontaminates and

disinfects equipment and vehicles after every patient encounter. Operates an emergency vehicle in a

safe and respectful manner in emergency mode (lights and sirens) and in non-emergency mode during all

hours of the day and night, in all types of traffic and weather conditions. Functions effectively in a

physically demanding environment, requiring strength, flexibility and endurance. Wears personal

protective equipment such as turnout gear, chemical protective clothing and respiratory protection

when needed.

5

5%

•

Assists Wake County Human Services with blood draws for exposures for county employees. Assists with flu vaccination programs administered through Wake County Human Services.

6

5%

•

Adapts, problem solves and multi-tasks in ever changing and sometimes distracting environments. Communicates during routine to significantly stressful situations and everything in-between in a respectful manner, through written, oral and/or visual means, with all individuals and groups of individuals, regardless of their age, gender, educational level, socioeconomic status, etc. 

7

5%

•

Performs scene management and must be able to effectively operate within an Incident Command System. Directs the work of others collaboratively and cooperatively.

8

5%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

•

Participates in various community outreach and public education events.

•

Participates in various department specific committees regarding decisions on protocols, equipment, vehicles, uniforms, etc.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

C4

Career Level Description:

Core Services Level 4

•

Works to complete tasks and achieve operational targets that impact the performance of the Work Group.

•

May require leading, delegating, and reviewing the work of other employees.

•

Responsible for making adjustments or recommending enhancements to systems or processes to solve problems or improve effectiveness of the Work Group.

•

Expected to independently propose solutions to problems for supervisor or manager review.

•

Communicates within and outside Work Group to obtain or provide information for matters of moderate importance.  Explains practices and policies to reach agreement.

•

May act as a team lead and assistant to the supervisor/manager. May delegate tasks to other team members and be responsible for the review of work product.

•

Does not have formal management responsibilities (e.g., performance management, disciplining, etc.), but may provide input to leadership in Work Group.

•

Requires advanced knowledge within a specific discipline typically gained through extensive work experience, technical training, and/or advanced education.

Qualifications

•

Associate's degree or equivalent in Emergency Medical Services or related field

•

At least three years as medically cleared paramedic in a transporting 911 EMS agency

•

Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record

•

Certification as a North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician–Paramedic (EMTP) or eligibility for such certification

•

Successful completion of the Wake County EMS System Academy and Release to Practice if not already medically cleared in the Wake County EMS System within one year

•

Successful completion of a Wake County EMS System Mobile Integrated Health Academy within one year

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Bachelor's Degree

Emergency Medical Services or related field

•

3 Years

Experience as a medically cleared Wake County EMS paramedic

•

2 Years

Experience as a Wake County Field Training Officer (FTO)

•

Completion of a field training or preceptor/adult learning course.

•

Ability to maintain knowledge of Wake County EMS System treatment protocols and procedures, and Wake County EMS operating guidelines. Ability to maintain familiarity with emergency and prehospital medical care by constantly keeping up to date with mandatory paid continuing education required to maintain certification.

•

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities including symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

•

Ability to read, analyze and interpret medical records, standardized screening tools and related documentation to form a plan of care based on subjective and objective information to reach positive patient outcomes.

•

Ability to communicate in both verbal and written form to individuals and groups to convey information effectively and the ability to communicate with clients from various cultures, backgrounds, belief systems and languages when interpreters are available.

•

Ability to document clients records in paper and electronic systems and the ability to participate in periodic audit and review of client records for quality assurance.

•

Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

•

Ability to actively look for ways to help people while adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

•

Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with tact and discretion.

•

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

•

Ability to teach others various related tasks.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Adaptability & Flexibility

Changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Crisis Management

Performs jobs in a manner that minimizes hazards to oneself, others, and the environment. Maintains a physical work environment that contributes to the well-being of others.

Good Judgment

Makes decisions authoritatively and wisely, after adequately contemplating various available courses of action.

Quality Assurance

Produces results or provides service that meets or exceeds organizational standards. May audit the work of others to ensure quality standards are met.

Professionalism

Thinks carefully about the likely effects on others of one's words, actions, appearance, and mode of behavior. Selects the words or actions most likely to have the desired effect on the individual or group in question. Maintains calmness in stressful or adverse situations. Diplomatically handles challenging or tense interpersonal situations.

Consulting

Applies knowledge of policies and procedures in the area of work to advise others across the organization on critical issues.

Coaching & Mentoring

Works to improve and reinforce performance of others. Facilitates their skill development by providing clear, behaviorally specific performance feedback, and making or eliciting specific suggestions for improvement in a manner that builds confidence and maintains self-esteem.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Standard ADA Selection:

All Others

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

High Stress Situations

X

Dangerous Situations

X

Emergency Situations

X

Incarcerated Individuals

X

Combative Individuals

X

Animals

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions

Organization

Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have significant impact on a department's credibility, operations and/or services

Communication

Communicate in-depth information for the purpose of interpreting and/or negotiating

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X

Extreme Darkness

X

Extreme Brightness

X

Radiation

X

Chemicals/Hazardous Waste

X

Gases/Gas Leaks

X

Electrical Hazards

X

Acidid or Harsh Substances

X

Infectious Bacteria/Viruses

X

Infectious Diseases

X

Blood-Borne Pathogens

X

Fumes/Airborne Particles

X

Allergens (variety)

X

Confined Spaces

X

High or Precarious Places

X

Ladders/Step Stools

X

Moving Mechanical Parts

X

Operating Vehicle

X

Operating Light Equipment

X

Operating Heavy Equipment

X