Paramedic Jobs

Description

Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a crisis, disaster, or other public emergency. Hamilton County EMS maintains a call system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. All Hamilton County EMS employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should an emergency need arise. During a public emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. Please note, during a public emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County EMS employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.

THIS POSTING IS FOR THE 24/72 SHIFT SCHEDULE.

THE BASE HOURS FOR THIS POSITION ARE: 1,872 REGULAR HOURS AND 312 HOURS OF MANDATORY SCHEDULED OVERTIME HOURS DUE TO THE 24/72 SHIFT SCHEDULE.

MANDATORY OVERTIME WILL BE PAID AT TIME AND A HALF.

THIS POSITON REQUIRES A FEDERAL NCIC BACKGROUND CHECK AND FINERPRINTING.

Under general supervision, as the lead medical staff of an ambulance or other medical transport unit, provides emergency, pre-hospital care and transportation to the critically injured or ill within the parameters of the license/certification.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)

Tasks

Stands by in readiness to respond to emergencies during a 24-hour tour of duty; responds to emergency calls; assesses situation and need for assistance; determines most effective method of emergency treatment; applies advanced life support or other appropriate treatment to victim(s)/patient(s); administers drugs; undertakes appropriate invasive procedures; advises hospital personnel of situation; transports injured or ill to hospital for treatment.

Maintains records and files; maintains and re-supplies vehicle; identifies needs for additional/replacement supplies and equipment; undertakes continuous training; works with public, medical professionals and others to educate and advise of the role, capabilities and responsibilities of a paramedic. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

Knowledge of applicable State of Tennessee statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of Hamilton County policies and procedures.
Knowledge of techniques, requirements and activities associated with emergency medical response.
Knowledge of record keeping, records and case management.
Skill in working under stressful situations, in receiving and assessing information, then making appropriate decisions for response.
Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relations with staff, other departments, law enforcement, and the general public.
Skill in effectively maintaining equipment, facilities, and operations.
Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least nineteen (19) years of age at the time of application.

Possess the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Possess a current TN Paramedic License or be Nationally Registered and eligible for Tennessee licensure prior to employment.

Possess current certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and either International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) or equivalent trauma training.

Must possess a valid driver’s license, Class D in Tennessee, or the equivalent from the employee’s state of residence.

SAFETY SENSITIVE:

Employees in this position perform safety sensitive functions, therefore, drug and alcohol screening will be conducted on the following occasions: 1) Pre-employment - for employees whose position includes a safety sensitive function(s) or who are in a position that requires a CDL; 2) When there is reasonable cause - when a supervisor reasonably believes or suspects the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol; 3) Post-accident - after any on the job injury or after any accident in a County-owned vehicle or contributing to an injury or accident of any type; 4) On a random basis - unannounced testing on a random basis using a random selection process for employees whose position includes a safety sensitive function(s) or whose position requires a CDL; 5) Return-to-duty - for employees who have failed a previous test or who have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol rules and are being returned to a position that includes a safety sensitive function(s) or to a position that requires a CDL after having been through counseling and evaluation. 6) Follow-up - unannounced testing after an employee has been returned to duty after having failed a previous test or after having violated the prohibited drug & alcohol rules and has been returned to a position that includes a safety sensitive function(s) or is in a position that requires a CDL after having been through counseling and evaluation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicants for this position must pass:

1) A physical ability test to determine their ability to perform required physical job duties;
2) A written exam determining medical knowledge and decision-making abilities;
3) An oral interview to evaluate poise, presentation and verbal skills.

This position requires a Federal NCIC background check and fingerprinting prior to accepting the position.

Must be able to obtain certification in Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided by the County and maintain certification.

Incumbents must be able to obtain and retain all certifications and licenses required by the State of Tennessee.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work requires good physical fitness with the ability to function effectively in heavy and cumbersome protective gear; the ability to lift and carry heavy, bulky items, equipment, materials, supplies and people weighing up to 150 pounds (300 pounds as a 2-person team) in unpredictable weather conditions over varying terrain. There is also a risk of bodily harm and potential exposure to infectious diseases, toxic fumes and chemicals.

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The position requires significant physical strength and dexterity and the ability to function in very adverse environments with exposure to numerous safety risks typically found at emergency scenes. The following is not all inclusive as other situations may arise in the required essential functions of this position.

STANDING/WALKING: Frequently to continuously when responding to calls. Optional while at rest. Includes: going to and from the emergency vehicle, getting patients from their locations, and rendering treatment. Must also be able to run these same distances, in case of an emergency where time is of the essence. Walking and running may vary, however, as the patient may be located inside a large, multi-floored facility. Standing, walking, and running could be on all types of surfaces, including but not limited to: asphalt, cement, concrete, soft/packed dirt, linoleum, wood, hardwood floors, etc. The individual must be able to go up and down slight inclines or declines that may be found at roadsides, agricultural areas, etc. Standing may occur on the wide variety of surfaces mentioned above. Standing could last from a few minutes to hours, depending on the situation. Standing could occur in the standard erect position, the kneeling or squatting position, etc.

SITTING: Frequently when responding to a location, the individual will sit in the emergency vehicle. The emergency vehicles are equipped with a standard installed vehicle seat. The time performing the sitting activity on a call would depend upon the specific situation.

LIFTING AND CARRYING: Frequently required to lift and carry weight ranging from a few pounds up to 150 pounds individually, and up to 300 pounds as a 2-person team. Will need to lift and carry, with one team member, adult patients, lifting them from various positions (such as a bed or a chair) onto various patient movement devices, such as an ambulance stretcher, a stair chair, long back boards, etc., and then efficiently move them into an ambulance.

BENDING AND STOOPING: Frequently throughout a work shift the individual will be required to bend in a range of 1 to 90 degrees or greater. The average situation will require the individual to work in a range of degree bends. This would involve: lifting a patient, lifting equipment, treating a patient at ground level, sitting on a bench located in the ambulance. This activity may be prolonged and last up to 30 minutes or more. During any given call, the provider may bend and/or stoop multiple times per incident.

CROUCHING AND KNEELING: Frequent crouching and kneeling may be performed when on the scene picking up equipment or assisting patients. The actual number of times this is done depends on the particular incident but may be 15 times or more for a duration up to 30 minutes or greater.

CLIMBING: Occasionally required when climbing steps up and down with a patient on a stretcher or other device, and when entering or exiting the emergency vehicle. Generally, the climbing requires lifting and carrying heavy objects such as a stretcher or other device with a patient on it. Balancing may be required when backing down staircases.

REACHING: Frequently to continuously throughout the work shift in order to review monitoring equipment, operate communication equipment, administer oxygen, and operate equipment. May also be required to reach in precarious positions, such as in a vehicle, which has been crushed in an accident, or in other confined spaces. If working inside the ambulance in route to a medical facility, will need to reach to access the patient and supplies. Reaching will involve partial to full extension of the arms.

PUSHING AND PULLING: Frequent activities that would require the most force in pushing and pulling when removing or returning a stretcher to the emergency vehicle, with and without a patient on the stretcher. The weight required to push/pull will vary, depending on the weight on the gurney. Slight pushing will be required if the incumbent is performing CPR, which can require repetitive pushing and may range from a few minutes to hours. Pushing and pulling is required when operating and closing vehicle doors.

HANDLING OR GRASPING: Continuously while working at any given location, continual bilateral gross manipulation is performed in this position. This may be involved when: opening/closing doors; and using, handling, carrying and/or operating medical equipment boxes that may weigh approximately fifty (50) pounds or more, stretcher rails, various handles attached to equipment, and tools. The arm and hand must be able to perform all types of positions, including supination and pronation. Hyperextension, extension, and flexion of the fingers will be involved, ulnar and radial deviation, abduction, and adduction of the hand and wrist will be required. A wide variety of grasping will be required, such as cylindrical grasping, palmer grasping, hook grasping, tip grasping, and lateral grasping and spherical grasping.

HAZARDS: Employees in this position can be exposed to dust, fumes, gases, fire, smoke, adverse weather conditions, and chemicals when responding to emergencies. Therefore, all employees are required to be fitted with and wear a NIOSH and OSHA approved respirator, to be provided by Hamilton County EMS, when conditions are warranted. Driving at speeds beyond the posted limit may occur and, therefore, the incumbent may be exposed to vehicular accidents at a higher speed than normal. There is also exposure to body substances that may contain infectious materials that could cause illness or death. There is potential for bodily harm or death from violent patients, bystanders, or other dangers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Overtime hours reflected in this position are mandatory but may be subject to change based on business needs and community service needs.

All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.

All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.
https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx

Working for Hamilton County Government provides many great benefits – take a look at a few of those highlighted below…

On-Site Employee Health Clinic

• No copay to utilize clinic services.
• Clinic services include routine office visits, sick visits, labs, flu shots, and more
• TextCare - Access to care 24/7 via TextCare, which is direct, unlimited access to medical care 24/7 through text message.

• Telehealth - Two-way, real-time interactive communication between the patient and a practitioner through telecommunications, which may include audiovisual options.
• One to One Provider Network – Availability to utilize a network of providers that provide a high level of care at a lower copay/cost.
• Health Management Programs – Offered to help employees and their family members in managing the following health conditions: Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), and Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
• Nutritional guidance – Nutritional education provided to assist in making the appropriate food /health choices.

On-Site Employee Pharmacy

• Low-cost prescriptions available to those covered under the County health plan.
• Over the counter items offered at cost.
• RxLocal App – Mobile app provides a convenient way to stay connected and manage your health. Through the app you can request refills and ask questions.
• On-site Pharmacist available to answer questions and provide information.

Hamilton County Government offers competitive insurance coverage to fulltime employees.

Medical coverage is offered through Cigna to fulltime employees. The County pays a generous portion of the medical premium. Two options are available to choose from: LCP (Local Cost Plus) and OAP (Open Access Plus).

• The LCP has a smaller network that includes most providers and hospitals, with the exception of Parkridge facilities/providers.
• The OAP is a national network of facilities/providers that includes most providers/hospitals, including Parkridge.

Dental coverage is a voluntary benefit available to fulltime employees. Three coverage options are offered: Cigna High Plan, Cigna Low Plan, and Sun Life DHMO.

• The Cigna High Dental Plan covers orthodontia for children up to age 18. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage.
• The Cigna Low Dental Plan does not cover orthodontia. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage.
• The Sun Life DHMO plan is a prepaid dental plan that offers benefits through a network of plan dentists. A dental provider must be selected when enrolling and services must be provided by that provider for benefits to apply.

Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Dismemberment is provided through Symetra. The County provides $30,000 of Basic Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage at no cost to fulltime employees.

Additional voluntary benefits fulltime employees have access to enroll in are as follows:

-Individual Short-Term Disability (STD) -Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD)

-Flexible Spending Account–Health Care -Flexible Spending Account–Dept. Care

-Flexible Spending Account–Transportation -Accident Insurance

-Critical Illness Insurance -Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Hamilton County Government Retirement for Fulltime Employees:

Pension – Legacy Plan (hired prior to 10/1/2015), in which the employer contributes 14.70%.

Pension – Hybrid Plan (hired on or after 10/1/2015), in which the employee contributes 5% and the employer contributes 4%.

401K – Employer contributes 5% and the employee can contribute the amount of their choice.

457b – Employees have the option to contribute to this plan if they choose.

Pre-Retirement Seminar:

Hamilton County Human Resources provides a pre-retirement seminar to those considering retirement, two times per year (1st and 3rd quarter of each year). Seminar topics covered may include:

• Health insurance assistance, Medicare info and counseling.
• Internal steps to take when an employee is ready to retire.
• Estate Planning
• Personal Financial Planning
• TCRS (Tennessee Consolidated Revenue Service) – Ham. County Pension
• Deferred Compensation/457 Plan – Nationwide
• Social Security Benefits

Parental Leave:

Hamilton County provides eight (8) weeks of paid maternity leave and two (2) weeks of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child or placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption (age 13 or younger) or foster care.

Paid Time Off:

Hamilton County Government provides generous paid time off (PTO) to fulltime employees from the start of employment.

• Years 1 – 5: an employee will accrue 5.85 hours of leave, per pay period.
• Years 5 – 10: an employee will accrue 6.77 hours of leave, per pay period.
• Years 11–15: an employee will accrue 8.31hours of leave, per pay period.
• Year 15 and each year thereafter, an employee will accrue 8.93 hours of leave, per pay period.

At each anniversary, an employee can roll over up to 80 hours of unused PTO into their leave bank. (Up to 800 hours for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013).

Paid Holidays:

Hamilton County Government provides thirteen (13) paid holidays to fulltime employees.

New Year’s Day Independence Day

M.L. King’s Birthday Labor Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Good Friday Thanksgiving (2 days)

Memorial Day Christmas (2 days)

Juneteenth

Wellness Facility:

Hamilton County Government provides a 24/7 fitness center, free of charge, to County employees and family members (age 14+) covered under the County's health plan. The fitness center offers cardio and strength-training equipment, along with group exercise classes throughout the year. (which may include Zumba, spin, yoga, etc.)