Paramedic

About the role

This position provides paramedical care for inmates, detainees and clients in Pennington County correctional facilities and the Care Campus. The Paramedic makes treatment recommendations and assesses medical conditions in accordance with their licensure.

Responsibilities

• Perform initial medical assessment of inmates, clients and detainees.
• Respond to and treat inmate, client, detainee and employee medical emergencies.
• Provide appropriate pre-hospital medical care, to include the administration of medication and fluids and monitoring of vitals.
• Implement plans of care developed by medical supervisor.
• Collaborate in the development of care plans.
• Make arrangements for the transport of inmates, clients and detainees to the hospital as appropriate.
• Complete all required reports and maintain inmate, client and detainee charts and records.
• Order prescribed medications, supplies and equipment.
• Verify the identification of inmates, clients and detainees prior to the administration of medication or other treatments.
• Assist physicians and dentists with patient care.
• Respond to inmate, client and detainee medical requests; make assessments; determine the need for referrals and administer treatment.
• Assist correctional and detox staff as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all county policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Education and/or Experience: High School or GED required, Associates degree preferred.
• Knowledge and level of competency: Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience: Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• State EME certification: Possession of or ability to readily obtain appropriate state EME certification.
• South Dakota Driver’s License: Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid South Dakota Driver’s License within 90 days of moving to SD.

Benefits

• Health Care Program: Health – Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield).
• Dental: Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.
• Prescription: The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.
• Life Insurance: Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
• Employee Assistance Program: Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.
• Retirement Plan: Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age. Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program.
• Supplemental Insurance: AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.