Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Purpose :

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) plays a vital role in delivering medical support within a harm reduction facility that serves individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges. This position is responsible for performing patient intake, monitoring for medical emergencies—including overdoses—and providing immediate care within the EMT scope of practice. The EMT collaborates closely with an interdisciplinary team to ensure patient safety, stabilization, and continuity of care.

About the Crocker Care Campus & Harm Reduction Model:

The Crocker Care Campus is a patient-centered space designed as a welcoming drop-in site for people who use drugs and those experiencing homelessness. It provides a safe, accessible environment focused on hospitality, community, and comprehensive care. Unlike traditional clinics, Crocker operates with flexibility, prioritizing low-barrier engagement and participant autonomy over rigid structures.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Conducts Intake for all walk-in patients; including vital signs and intake document.
2. Provide overdose prevention education and distribute harm reduction supplies when appropriate.
3. Work collaboratively with staff to ensure a safe, nonjudgmental environment for individuals under the influence of illicit substances
4. Adheres to body substance isolation protocols and follows proper policies and procedures.
5. Applies knowledge of basic medical-legal principles during all patient interactions.
6. Functions within the scope of care as defined by state, regional, and local regulatory agencies.
7. Prior to initiating patient care, ensures scene safety and determines the mechanism of injury or nature of illness.
8. Administers basic first aid as needed.
9. Provides emergency medical and trauma care. Duties include, but are not limited to:
   1. Airway Management and CPR:
      • Opening and maintaining an airway Ventilating patient
      • Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including the use of automated external defibrillator (AEDs)
   2. Trauma Care:
      • Controlling hemorrhage
      • Treating shock (hypoperfusion)
      • Bandaging wounds
      • Immobilizing painful, swollen, or deformed extremities
   3. Medical Emergencies:
      • Managing general medical complaints, including: altered mental status, respiratory and cardiac issues, diabetic emergencies, allergic reactions, seizures, poisoning, behavioral and psychological crises, environmental emergencies
      • Providing additional care based on patient assessment and historical information
   4. Searching for medical identification emblems to guide emergency care
   5. Assisting patients with prescribed medications, including:
      • Sublingual nitroglycerin
      • Epinephrine auto-injectors
      • Hand-held aerosol inhalers
   6. Administering oxygen, oral glucose, and activated charcoal
   7. Administering Naloxone (Narcan)
   8. Reassuring patients and bystanders with confident, efficient communication
      • Avoiding mishandling or unnecessary waste while working promptly and effectively
10. Accurately documents all care rendered.
11. Adheres to personal protective equipment (PPE) policy.
12. Follows all hand hygiene protocols.
13. Enforces COVID-19 safety measures in accordance with clinic policy.
14. Checks and logs emergency equipment regularly.
15. Restocks and replaces used linens, blankets, and other medical supplies.
16. Cleans all equipment using appropriate disinfecting procedures.
17. Ensures equipment is ready for use following exposure to contagious infections or hazardous materials.
18. Monitors acutely ill patients until they are stable for hospital transport or until paramedics arrive.
19. Receives and processes patient complaints, following established resolution procedures.
20. Identifies and communicates any deficiencies in patient flow.
21. Orders medical supplies as needed to maintain operational readiness.
22. Collaborates with the Clinic Administrator to support ongoing improvements in clinic operations
23. Monitors communication among medical personnel, back-office staff, social workers, and external providers to ensure consistency and continuity in patient care.
24. Maintains compliance with all agency policies and procedures.
25. Performs other duties as assigned by the clinic or program leadership.

Requirements:

1. Current EMT certification or license in the State of California
2. Current CPR certification (annual training may be provided)
3. At least one year of experience in emergency care
4. Experience working with diverse socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds
5. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
6. Willingness and ability to travel between clinic sites
7. Commitment to ongoing education and training as required by certifying agencies
8. Experience working in harm reduction, homelessness services, or substance use treatment preferred.
9. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with compassion and professionalism.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.