EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

Mission

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) works with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and healthy Chicago. The Behavioral Health team provides care to patients at various community locations, including on the street, train platforms, bus stops, private residences, community centers, and other areas. EMTs partner with other behavioral health first responders to address crises involving mental health, substance use, physical health, or social needs.

Essential Duties

• Respond to 911 calls and other crisis lifelines with an identified behavioral health component and provide crisis assessment, intervention, de-escalation, safety planning, referrals, and linkage to care services for residents.
• Collaborate with public safety departments and first responders to assist requests from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Chicago Fire Department (CFD).
• Conduct proactive outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders who may have unaddressed behavioral health or social service needs.
• Deliver compassionate, trauma-informed, and attentive care to patients.
• Perform patient care assessments and maintain accurate and timely clinical medical records.
• Assess vital signs and provide basic prehospital medical care.
• Navigate the Chicago area healthcare system and transport patients to mental health facilities, emergency departments, and other destinations for stabilization.
• Operate and maintain City vehicles for emergency response and daily operations.
• Participate in team and departmental meetings, in-services, and supervisory sessions as required.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED
• Current CPR certification
• Current State of Illinois EMT or Paramedic license
• Credentialing under Region 11, Chicago EMS Systems including EMS System Entry and all required EMS Continuing Education updates for maintenance once hired
• Valid State of Illinois driver’s license
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods, bend, kneel, crouch, and move hands/arms to grasp or manipulate objects
• Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as an EMT or other healthcare professional
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams
• Bi-lingual Spanish

Selection Requirements

• Interview and assessment test
• Selected based on interview process and qualifications

Benefits

For information on benefits, visit our benefits website. For salary and title structure, visit our classifications website.

Contact Information

For more information, contact Brandon Johnson, Mayor at 312-554-1212.