Paramedic

Paramedic Position

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. This position is typically staffed between the hours of 6AM and 10PM, seven days a week. An on-call rotation is required.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Position Functions

• 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 Required

• High School or GED required, Associates degree preferred.
• 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 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.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain appropriate state EME certification.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid South Dakota Driver's License within 90 days of moving to SD.

Additional Information

Working Environment: Work is performed in a correctional or detox facility and involves close contact with inmates, detainees and clients.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone and in person.
• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, bend and crouch.
• Ability to use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
• Must be able to distinguish between shades of color.

Pennington County Benefit Summary The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

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). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums. 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. Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.

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 speaking, 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. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.

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.

Paid Time Off Vacation – Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply. Sick Leave – Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment. Holidays – Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year. All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees. This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.