Mobile Integrated Healthcare; MIH EMT Paramedic

The Forsyth County Department of Behavioral Health is currently looking for a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Paramedic.

The MIH paramedic role is to address the urgent and emergent behavioral health needs of the community. This includes matters surrounding mental health and substance use disorder, including high utilizer callers related to this focus. This position will utilize their paramedic scope and specialized training to provide a whole person approach to care.

As a Mobile Integrated Health Community Paramedic, you must attend to the physical and emotional needs and well-being of the patient and, when appropriate, the family/significant others. Responsibilities include patient care, assessment, stabilization, and intervention skills working under standards and protocols approved by the Forsyth County ES Director and established by the North Carolina State Office of EMS. The MIH Paramedic provides care and outlines resources while promoting safety and efficiency of transport operations.

The MIH Paramedic performs under the direct supervision of the Medical Control Physician, either by continuous radio contact or direct consultation. The MIH Paramedic uses written protocols approved by the Medical Directors of Forsyth County ES and may require independent judgment if immediate contact with Medical Control is unavailable. A team approach is necessary when working with outside resources such as physician care teams and other public services.

The team collaborates with medical professionals to deliver care.

The MIH Paramedic must maintain necessary certifications/licensures, skills, continuing education, and complete competency checks as required.

Minimum qualifications include:

• High School diploma or GED and three years of pre-hospital 911 paramedic experience; or an associate's degree or higher in a related field with two years of 911 paramedic experience.
• NC EMT-Paramedic Certification.
• Certifications in CPR, ACLS, PALS or equivalent.
• PHTLS, BTLS, ITLS or equivalent Trauma Management Course.
• Valid driver's license in good standing, in compliance with North Carolina law and applicable DOT standards if required.

Physical demands include lifting over 100 lbs occasionally, 50-100 lbs frequently, or 20-50 lbs constantly.

Essential duties include:

• Providing patient assessments, including history and examination, and vital signs to screen for life threats.
• Providing assessment and non-emergent care to chronically ill patients and arranging referrals.
• Providing prevention and education to reduce unscheduled acute care events or 911 calls.
• Patient navigation and directing patients to appropriate services.
• Documenting care delivery accurately.
• Attending continuing education for emergency and non-emergency care.
• Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and supplies.
• Treating emergent life threats and utilizing EMS for transport and ongoing care when applicable.
• Assessing for behavioral health crises and substance use disorders.
• Developing patient care plans for specialized care and alternative destinations.
• Completing needs assessments and obtaining consent for treatment.
• Connecting patients to resources and providing follow-up care.
• Facilitating patient handoff to Peer Support Specialists and other providers.