General Description
The Orange County Emergency Services Department has openings for Permanent Paramedics. The work involves the responsibility for responding to emergency and non-emergency calls received by the Orange County Emergency Services Department, providing initial medical assessment and treatment to individuals, including advanced life support procedures and ensuring emergency medical care is provided in accordance with established guidelines and written and verbal instructions from the Medical Director and Emergency Services management.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the EMS Supervisor with some leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties. Supervision over others is not required of this position. Acting as a lead worker may be a responsibility of this class. Does related work as required.
The hiring range is based on the Orange County Step Plan for Emergency Services. The Step Plan is based on years of experience, education and certifications.
* This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. This position is part of random testing. Fitness for Duty Assessment required. Background Check required.
Examples of Essential Functions
Examples of Essential Functions
The following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.
Manages effectively the scene of emergency and non-emergency calls by assessing the medical care needed, determining the need and method of transportation to a medical care facility, administering medication as necessary, and ensuring a seamless transfer to hospital staff for continued care.
Ensures the proper functioning of the emergency medical vehicle, all emergency medical equipment, and that adequate supplies of inventory are on the vehicle.
Completes necessary state and local documentation including reports and billing.
Maintains high professional standards by receiving regular professional development.
Provides outreach education at schools and in the community, including home safety inspections, and provide emergency medical service at community events.
Serves as a lead to other emergency service staff or volunteers, when necessary.
Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.
Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
FULL PERFORMANCE OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations, procedures, protocols, and policies pertaining to emergency services of the County.
Thorough knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical and life-sustaining techniques, including cardiac care, trauma and shock care, ventilation and other CPR techniques.
Thorough knowledge of infection control and OSHA guidelines.
Thorough knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Good knowledge of medical terminology.
Good knowledge of basic algebra, pharmacology, and chemistry for the administration of drug modalities.
Good knowledge of the county road system and geography.
Good knowledge of radio communications and Emergency Medical Dispatch response determinants.
Working knowledge of extrication techniques.
Skill in patient assessment, administration of emergency medical techniques and the use of specialized equipment associated with advanced life support, rescue and extrication.
Skill in the assessment of medical needs, and the ability to provide life-sustaining care.
Skill in driving, including emergency vehicles.
Skill in decision making and problem solving.
Skill in public and interpersonal relations and written and oral communication.
Ability to recognize and analyze problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and make effective decisions.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergencies.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with racially and socio-economical diverse populations to express information and ideas clearly and concisely.
Ability to relate well with others under stressful conditions; ability to deal with stress, and death and dying patients.
Ability to establish and maintain working professional relationships with County staff and the public; ability to collaborate with others and work as part as a team.
Ability to make decisions accurately and rapidly.
Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position while maintaining an ethical standard of care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a High School or General Educational Development (GED) diploma AND one (1) year of work experience as an Emergency Medical Technician or closely related work experience in the medical field. OR
An employee may be hired as a Paramedic Trainee if they do not meet the minimum qualifications of a Paramedic at the rate of a Paramedic Trainee. Upon successful completion of a probationary period in accordance with the Orange County Personnel Ordinance, the salary will increase to the entry salary of a Paramedic.
Possession of or ability to obtain a Paramedic Certification recognized in the State of North Carolina. You must have your Paramedic Certification on your start date in the position.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a current Driver’s License valid in the State of North Carolina.
All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a Fit-for-Duty Assessment, pre-employment drug testing and background check. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.
Participation in the County Drug and Alcohol Screening program is required.
REQUIRED ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
As a new hire, you are required to attend the New Employee Orientation. New Employee Orientation will be Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, May 20, 2024 – June 7, 2024.
EMS providers will be assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO) and must complete the EMS Field Training an Evaluation Process (FTEP) before independent practice. This process begins with the departmental orientation.
Physical Requirements and Possible Hazards
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS
Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.
Requires the ability to maintain body equilibrium when bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, reaching and/or stretching arms, legs or other parts of body, and to physically maneuver over and/or upon varying terrain, wet/slippery surfaces or physical structures.
Must be able to operate emergency medical vehicles, move medical equipment and extract injured persons from a wide variety of situations involving vehicular, industrial and residential accidents, injuries or illness.
Must be able to perform very heavy work, exerting up to 120 pounds of force (250 with assistance) occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds of force frequently or and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects including the human body.
Requires the ability to see, hear and communicate with the patient in order to perform a physical assessment of the patient.
Must possess the visual acuity to use small instruments, prepare and analyze data and figures, perform extensive reading and operate a computer terminal.
May be subject to possible hazards that include physical or emotional stress due to the nature of interactions with clients or service providers, irate clients and/or family members who may be hostile, resistant or violent.
Must be able to properly use Personal Protective Equipment to prevent exposure to chemicals, contagious and/or infectious diseases, and bloodborne pathogens.
Worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, atmospheric conditions (wind, rain, ice/snow and humidity) for extended periods of time during the day or night.
Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
Orange County provides a competitive benefits package for permanent full-time and permanent part-time employees that includes:
Participation in the North Carolina State Retirement System;
Orange County contributes 12.85% of your base salary per pay period and 14.10% for LEO.
Health Insurance (Medical)
Orange County pays 100% of premiums for employee only coverage health insurance.
Orange County pays a portion of premiums for dependent(s) coverage health insurance.
Dental Insurance
Orange County pays 100% of premiums for employee only coverage for dental insurance.
Orange County pays a portion of premiums for dependent(s) coverage for dental insurance.
Vision Insurance
Orange County offers vision insurance for employee and dependent coverage with premiums rates between $5-$15 bi-weekly.
Life Insurance
Orange County pays for an employee life insurance policy based on employees’ salary up to $50,000.
Optional Life Insurance for employee and dependent life insurance policy.
Short Term Disability
Orange County pays for an employee short term disability policy that provides income protection up to 11 weeks with a weekly benefit of 70% of your weekly salary.
Optional Long Term Disability Coverage Policy
Optional Insurance Policies: Pet Discount Program, Identity Theft Insurance, Legal Insurance
401(k) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans
Orange County contributes $29.15 per pay period ($757.90 annually) for supplemental retirement and you will have the option to select between which investment firm you would like to have these funds contributed to.
Orange County contributes up to an additional $67 ($1742 annually) for voluntary supplemental retirement and you will have the option to select between which investment firm you would like to have these funds contributed to.
12 Paid Holidays
Anniversary Leave ( 8 hours of leave on your anniversary each year)
Annual Leave (based on service years and a 40-hour work schedule, pro-rated for permanent part time employees)
0-2 Years of Service = 125.84 hours/year
2-5 Years of Service = 145.08 hours/year
5-10 Years of Service = 173.68 hours/year
10-15 Years of Service = 202.80 hours/year
15-20 Years of Service = 231.40 hours/year
20+ Years of Service = 260.52 hours/year
Sick Leave (based on service years and a 40-hour work schedule)
96.2 hours/year
Tuition reimbursement assistance
Various other leave programs including civil, funeral, parental, etc.
Certification Level: Paramedic
County: Orange
Closing Date (if any): 03/21/2024
