Job Information
City of Durham IVC Response Unit EMT in Durham, North Carolina
IVC Response Unit EMT
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IVC Response Unit EMT
Salary
$42,707.00 - $65,755.00 Annually
Location
Durham, NC
Job Type
Temporary with benefits (More than 1000 hours)
Job Number
24-04905
Department
Community Safety
Opening Date
05/22/2024
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham
Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.
Hiring Range: $42,707 - $58,444
Hours/Schedule: The schedule is a 40 hours per week. During the beginning phase of the pilot, the schedule will be weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm. As time progresses, the schedule will move to a 10 or 12 hour shift.
Please note, this is a full-time with benefits, grant funded position. The grant will support this position for two years, after which point the intention is to seek permanent funding from the City. While we cannot guarantee this position beyond two years, transitioning from grant funded to permanent city funding is a common practice.
In 2022, the Durham Community Safety Department (DCSD) launched four 911 crisis response programs—collectively known as HEART (Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams)—to meet the needs of people in crisis with compassionate care and behavioral health expertise. In the first twelve months of operation, and having responded to over 6,000 calls, HEART continues to demonstrate that alternative 911 responses are safe and effective. Interested applicants can visit our website (http://www.durhamnc.gov/HEART) and dashboard (http://www.durhamnc.gov/HEART-data) , watch this clip (https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/07/health/911-response-mental-health-durham-wellness/index.html) from CNN’s Sanjay Gupta, listen to this segment (https://www.wunc.org/news/2023-02-06/national-trend-durham-dispatching-mental-health-police-911-calls) on NPR (WUNC), or read this piece (https://www.theassemblync.com/politics/criminal-justice/durhams-new-model-for-public-safety/) from The Assembly to learn more about our department. As part of a cohort of municipalities invested in developing transformative 911 crisis response programs, the Community Safety Department generates insights that affect cities across the country who visit, meet, and learn from and about HEART. In short: your work at the Community Safety Department will help seed a national movement.
DCSD is currently hiring a specialized EMT within our Involuntary Commitment (IVC) Response Unit. This is a new pilot within our department. Generally, our IVC Response Unit is a two-person team—consisting of a Licensed Clinician who is certified by the state as first-examiner and an EMT—that conducts in-field first exams. Our IVC Response Unit‘s primary goal is to assess individuals in the field in the moment to determine if an individual meets criteria for a second evaluation. Where someone does not meet the criteria, the goal of the unit is to avoid the unnecessary, and sometimes traumatic, experience of being transported to the hospital. To the best of our knowledge, this unit will mark the first attempt to conduct in-field first examinations in the state of North Carolina. We have worked closely with our Medical Director, current HEART clinicians who are certified first examiners, Physicians at Duke Health, Magistrates, and the Durham Police Department among others in developing this pilot and the protocol for how it will operate.
The IVC Response Unit EMT hired for this position will perform a specialized role serving on a specialized two-person IVC first response unit with a licensed clinician who is certified as a first examiner by the state to pilot the in-field first examination process. This unit may also follow up with neighbors and their families following IVC calls. Additionally, this unit may be called upon to perform the traditional EMT role on Community Response Teams when necessary (see description for CRT units below).
The IVC EMT will receive general administrative direction and supervision from the Shift Supervisors and/or Clinical Manager. They will receive medical direction from Durham County’s EMS Medical Director. They will not carry out supervisory tasks.
- The Community Response Team program sends three-person teams—consisting of a Crisis Response Clinician (who functions as team lead), a Peer Support Specialist, and EMT—to 911 calls for service involving behavioral health and quality of life related concerns. Note that CRT responds in-person without law enforcement. EMTs are encouraged to regularly engage with residents by medical care and screening to community members. They are also asked to provide creative and supportive intervention and de-escalation in collaboration with their teammates.
The schedule is 40 hours per week. During the beginning phase of the pilot, the schedule will be weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm. As time progresses, the schedule will move to a 10- or 12-hour shift.
DCSD’s approach to work is flexible, highly collaborative, and evidence-driven. Our departmental culture prizes equity, care, and the health and safety of our staff. We are looking for candidates who share similar approaches and principles. We envision adding team members who are not only colleagues but partners in this challenging and purpose-driven work.
Duties/Responsibilities
Support Licensed Clinician in conducting in-field first examinations for involuntary commitments. EMT will complete the health screening as indicated on the first examination documentation.
Transport individuals to facilities, when possible.
Respond to 911 calls related to mental and behavioral health, substance use, and/or Intellectual Developmental Disability crises using people-centered and trauma-informed crisis intervention strategies.
Develop highly collaborative, trusting, and productive relationships with other HEART team members.
Provide prehospital medical care to sick or injured persons experiencing non-violent mental and behavioral health, substance use, and/or Intellectual Developmental Disability crises.
Administers medications and performs medical procedures that have been approved for AEMT by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Service.
Advise on and attend to any potential underlying physical complications or conditions the individual in crisis may be experiencing.
Work collaboratively with team to assess the needs of individuals experiencing crises and assist in developing response plans.
Follow-up to assure that connections are made to services and supports based on peer choice and clinician assessment. Facilitates warm handoffs to other services as needed.
Maintains medical equipment and supplies in proper working order.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by program deliverables and local, state, and federal policy and requirements.
Develop and maintain clear, open, timely, cooperative, and collaborative communication and working relations with all staff, clients, and partner agencies.
Maintains all continuing education required for the EMT BLS level within Durham County and NC OEMS.
Participate in supervision meetings, case conferences, staff meetings, in-service training, and other staff development activities.
Contribute to strategic planning activities and conversations regarding the performance and direction of the department, particularly in regard to crisis response and departmental culture.
Demonstrate a high level of resilience and self-care as part of maintaining wellness in a high crisis and first responder position.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
High school diploma or GED supplemented by courses in emergency medical care.
One year experience as an EMT required.
Certification by the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services (NC OEMS) as an Advanced EMT required.
Eligible to function under the auspices of the Durham County Office of Emergency Services, EMS Division, and Medical Director.
A valid, unrestricted, North Carolina driver's license "or" if another state driver's license, be willing to obtain a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire
Must be able to travel to and from worksite and other locations within Durham
Must be able to walk/stand up to 75% of any assigned shift. Note: The team will be transported in vans to crisis call locations
Must be able to lift over 100 lbs occasionally, 50-100 lbs. frequently, or up to 20-50 lbs constantly.
A track record of demonstrating initiative and sound judgment when handling ambiguity.
A commitment to and interest in the mission of the department: to enhance public safety through community-centered approaches to prevention and intervention as alternatives to policing and the criminal legal system.
A commitment to equity, which could include having already attended racial equity trainings.
Additional Preferred Skills
Significant experience with crisis response.
Crisis Intervention Team certification
Experience working with Peer Support Specialists or other individuals with lived experience with behavioral and mental health, substance use, and/or Intellectual Developmental Disability crises.
Prior experience in outreach/engagement to populations experiencing frequent behavioral and mental health, substance use, and/or Intellectual Developmental Disability crises.
Working knowledge of city and county geography, including location of roads, streets, hospitals, and other medical care facilities.
Ability to speak two or more languages, with a high priority on Spanish.
Working knowledge of radio communications equipment.
Ability to drive a vehicle safely under various weather conditions.
Strong knowledge and experience with service delivery documentation (including counseling/treatment planning), HIPAA standards/confidentiality, utilization review, and data management.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, and particularly HIPAA confidentiality, at all times.
Familiarity with Durham health systems and community resources/services for physical health behavioral and mental health, substance use, Intellectual Developmental Disability, family dynamics, sexual/physical abuse, Veterans' Services, vocational rehabilitation, housing, justice involvement, referral processes, and other services.
Advanced collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to build consensus and promote the exchange of information among team members and partners.
A commitment to, knowledge of, and affection for Durham and its communities, which could include living in Durham.
Benefits – General Full-Time Employees
11-12 paid holidays per year
12 standard work days of vacation per year
12 standard work days of sick leave per year, which accumulates indefinitely; sick leave may be used toward early retirement
2 weeks paid military leave per year
Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance plans
State and City retirement plans
Short and long term disability plans
Paid temporary disability leave for specified conditions
City contribution of 10.15% into the N.C. State Retirement System
Paid funeral leave
Employee Assistance Program - personal and family counseling
Paid life insurance equal to annual salary
48 hours for volunteer work each year*
4 hours parental leave each year
Workman's Compensation Insurance
457 Deferred Compensation Plans
Benefits - Part-Time (1,000 hours or more per year)
401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
State retirement plan
Benefits Part-Time (Average 30 hours per week over 12 month period)
401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
State retirement plan effective first day of the month following date of hire
Health insurance effective first day of the month following date of hire
Dental and life insurance, after one year of service
Pro-rated vacation, pro-rated sick, pro-rated floating holiday, parttime holiday pay (based on scheduled hours for that day) after one year of service
01
Where did you first hear about this opportunity?
City of Durham Website
Walk in
Job fair
Employee referral
Professional organization Please list the organization in "other" box below
Internet posting Please list the specific web site in the "other" box below
Craig's List
Facebook
LinkedIn
GlassDoor
governmentjobs.com
Monster.com
Indeed.com
Employment Security Commission
Magazine/Newspaper
Other
02
If you listed "other" above please give specific web site, organization, or publication.
03
Do you have a valid, unrestricted, North Carolina driver's license? (If you have a valid license from a State other than North Carolina, you must be willing and able to obtain a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license within 60 days of hire).
I have a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license.
I have a valid license from another State and I am willing to obtain a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license within 60 days.
I do not have a valid, unrestricted driver's license.
04
Please select your highest level of COMPLETED education.
Less than a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
Associates Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctoral Degree (PhD, Juris Doctorate)
05
How many years of related experience do you have as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)?
No related experience
Less than 1 year of related experience
1 year but less than 3 years related experience
3 years but less than 5 years related experience
5 or more years related experience
06
How many years of related experience do you have with crisis response?
No related experience
Less than 1 year of related experience
1 year but less than 3 years related experience
3 years but less than 5 years related experience
5 or more years related experience
07
Do you have a certification by the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services (NC OEMS) as an Advanced EMT?
Yes
No
08
Are you eligible to function under the auspices of the Durham County Office of Emergency Services, EMS Division, and Medical Director?
Yes
No
09
Are you willing and able to travel to and from worksite and other locations within Durham?
Yes
No
10
Are you willing and able to walk/stand up to 75% of any assigned shift?
Yes
No
11
Are you willing and able to lift over 100 lbs occasionally, 50-100 lbs. frequently, or up to 20-50 lbs constantly?
Yes
No
12
Do you have a crisis Intervention Team certification?
Yes
No
13
Are you proficient in the Spanish language (speak, read, and write)?
Yes
No
14
Do you have any experience in outreach/engagement to populations experiencing frequent behavioral and mental health, substance use, and/or Intellectual Developmental Disability crises?
Yes
No
15
Do you have working knowledge of city and county geography, including location of roads, streets, hospitals, and other medical care facilities?
Yes
No
16
Are you willing and able to maintain confidentiality, and particularly HIPAA confidentiality, at all times?
Yes
No
17
During the beginning phase of the pilot, the schedule will be weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm. As time progresses, the schedule will move to a 10- or 12-hour shift. Are you willing and able to work this shift?
Yes
No
Required Question