Community Medicine Coordinator; Paramedic

[DRAFT]

The Community Medicine Coordinator - Paramedic position provides direct and indirect support to Operations, Training Division, and Administrative staff as well as community member patients by tracking system utilizers; assessing patient needs; and implementing appropriate care plans for acute and chronic illnesses. It involves researching, cataloging, and referring patients to appropriate regional resources and providing education and counseling to individuals, families, groups, and communities.

This individual will also lead the District's ALS Training System. The successful candidate possesses excellent problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and strong interpersonal skills with motivation for learning and growth.

Duties and functions include the following:

• Works directly with patients and EMS crews to manage both emergent and non-emergent cases, operating within District protocols, procedures, and their scope of practice.
• Tracks system utilizers, identifies high utilizers, and connects them with appropriate resources to reduce utilization of emergency services.
• Provides assessment of a patient's needs and implements care plans appropriate to acute and chronic illness.
• Researches, catalogs, and refers patients to appropriate regional resources.
• Conducts follow-up visits with patients who receive EMS treatment for opioid overdose and patients with opioid use disorder for whom EMS has provided treatment for reasons other than overdose.
• Creates and maintains a judgement-free environment for patients to openly discuss substance use.
• Provides naloxone kits to patients at risk of opioid overdose and provides education to patients and family members regarding proper indication and administration of naloxone.
• Discusses risks and dangers of fentanyl pressed pills and advises clients of availability of treatment options as appropriate.
• Provides clients with a wide spectrum of treatment options to ensure each patient receives a treatment plan appropriate for their individual needs and circumstances.
• Facilitates timely patient induction into designated regional resources and assists patients with placement into treatment facilities.
• May conduct patient follow-ups post regional resources induction for medical monitoring and support.
• Provides patients with resources for essential items such as food, housing/shelter, employment, and transportation.
• Links patients to certified peer recovery coaches, counseling, or other recovery related resources.
• Interfaces with law enforcement, fire personnel, and EMS to develop and initiate the best patient care plan.
• Identifies medical issues during emergent behavioral health crises to implement appropriate interventions.
• As necessary or directed, provides emergency medical care as a system-credentialed paramedic and medical oversight to allow for the clearance of fire and/or EMS units on scene.
• Coordinates distribution of naloxone to various agencies and community organizations.
• Provides education on naloxone indication and proper administration with special attention on how organizations can interface with and train those at risk of overdose and their loved ones.
• Develops materials for ongoing trainings on substance use, prevention, and recovery.
• Assesses and treats referred patients for chronic and/or unmanaged medical and behavioral health conditions and facilitates access to appropriate treatment.
• Provides patient education regarding symptom management and risk reduction related to chronic or acute disorders and withdrawals.
• Maintains accurate and detailed client records to ensure continuity of care, documenting all client encounters and providing detailed medical, psychiatric, and social history.
• Includes accurate contact information for both client and relevant contacts related to client care.
• Works within established partnerships with other organizations to assist in providing comprehensive treatment for all clients.
• Performs considerable administrative work as the new program develops.
• May occasionally assist with, or lead, EMS training classes, as coordinated and directed by the Training Division

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess the required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodation, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with others.
• Skill in oral, verbal, and written communication to effectively interact with diverse audiences and patients.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving, with critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify medical issues during emergent behavioral health crises.
• Ability to provide emergency medical care as a First Responder Advanced Paramedic.
• Skill in using computers and related…