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.

Position functions include:

• 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 include:

• 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.

Working environment and physical requirements include:

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

• 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.
• Life Insurance – Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee.
• Employee Assistance Program – Counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse.
• Retirement Plan – Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS).
• Supplemental Insurance – AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members.
• Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.