Community Care Paramedic

Purpose of the Position

The Community Care Paramedic (CCP) at Wausau Fire Department plays a vital role in addressing the unique healthcare needs of the community through proactive and patient-centered care. The CCP collaborates with primary care services, community partners, and community outreach coordinator to reduce hospital readmissions, unnecessary transports, and redirects unnecessary emergency department visits to enhance community well-being.

In addition to the performance of routine tasks in the areas of community care and emergency medical services (EMS) programs, the position is distinguished by tasks that include routine fire inspections as needed in the community and participating in firefighting duties as assigned. This could include such duties as fire inspections and a temporary reassignment to shift when necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct home visits for patients referred by area hospitals or WFD paramedics, evaluating various factors and providing necessary assistance.

• Utilize assessment tools to evaluate food security, identify trip and fall hazards, conduct fire and life safety assessments, and assess prescription drug usage.

• Respond to 911 calls and scheduled visits, offering direct assistance and transportation to appropriate facilities as conditions permit.

• Address a range of scenarios and conditions, including non-violent psychiatric situations, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, homelessness, medication non-compliance, and victims of abuse.

• Focus on fall risk, home safety, mental health, chronic illnesses, and physiological and socio-economic needs navigation to provide comprehensive support and resources.

• Collaborate with the Wausau Police Department community outreach/social worker to facilitate access to healthcare for clients.

• Engage in homeless outreach initiatives to provide personalized care to homeless individuals, breaking the cycle of homelessness and emergency service utilization.

• Maintain strong relationships with healthcare resources within the community to ensure seamless coordination and communication.

• Utilize tracking forms or electronic medical records to monitor response time, evaluate effectiveness of interventions, and ensure timely and efficient patient care.

• Participate in quality assurance measures, including case and chart reviews, to adhere to established protocols and standards of care.

• Respond to non-emergency calls for assistance and safely perform assigned functions required to assist the public, including but not limited to providing information, lifting assistance, and pest removal.

• Perform routine maintenance and janitorial duties on buildings and grounds of the fire department.

• Participate in the department's wellness program.

• Identifies violations of other City codes and regulations and notifies appropriate City officials.

• Prepares a variety of written reports that are accurate, complete, and timely.

• Interacts and works closely with other City personnel who execute inspections, code enforcement and planning services.

• Models the Wausau Fire Department core values and adheres to all Department and City policies, standard operating procedures, and directives.

• Performs related duties as assigned, including those of firefighter and paramedic.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain all credentials/licensures documented in the job description for Firefighter/Paramedic.

• Supports emergency medical services (EMS) division when needed per direction of managerial staff. Support includes, but is not limited to, 911 responses, and EMS public education.

• Participation in EMS and fire training as directed by management staff.

• Accepts periodic assignments to fire and/or EMS duties on shift as directed by the Chief.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old. High School Diploma, GED, or HSED. Associate Degree or a minimum of 60 college- level credits (Fire Protection, Fire Science, Paramedic, or related field preferred). Valid Driver's License.

• Certified Paramedic with a minimum of three years of experience, preferably in Community Care medicine.

• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to work independently.

• Proficiency in utilizing evaluation tools and conducting comprehensive assessments.

• Possession of a dedicated department-labeled vehicle for community visits.

• Willingness to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and community partners.

• Commitment to data-driven results and continuous program improvement.

• Ability to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape and address the critical healthcare needs of the community.

• Firefighter I Certification (WTCS Board or IFSAC Accredited)

• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) 700 and 100 Certifications

• Hazardous Materials Operations Certificate

• CPAT Certification within previous 12 months of hire date

Preferred Qualifications

• Hazardous Materials Technician Certification

• Driver/Operator-Pumper Certification

• Driver/Operator-Aerial Certification

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to wear respirators, to include Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

• Ability to distinguish color within NFPA standards 1582.

• Ability to drive and operate fire apparatus, ambulances, and other department vehicles; properly utilize equipment for extrication of persons trapped in vehicles or buildings.

• Maintain knowledge of streets, addresses, water supply and pre-plans within the City of Wausau.

• Thorough knowledge of all firefighting and emergency techniques and procedures authorized by the Wausau Fire Department.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally, written, or electronic. Specifically, having the ability to accurately document fire reports, fire prevention inspection reports and patient care reports.

• Ability to keep accurate records and use state of the art technology.

• Ability to read and interpret technical written materials, codes, ordinances, and standards.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, the public and City personnel.

• Physical ability and endurance to perform strenuous physical labor efficiently and effectively in threatening and stressful situations.

• Ability to obtain and maintain certifications and licensure as required by the position and the department.

• Ability to recognize and protect possible evidence at a fire scene and assist in determining origin and cause.

• Thorough knowledge of the uses, maintenance requirements and locations of all firefighting and emergency equipment, tools, and apparatus used by the department.

Physical and Working Environment

Significant physical demands typically found in heavy industry or construction work, and with significant exposure to workplace hazards. Position requires regular and frequent lifting, moving, bending, twisting, and turning.

Significant and frequent exposure to disagreeable and environmental conditions which typically requires the use of extensive or specialized clothing and/or personal protective equipment is normal for the position.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT! All applications must completely filled out and have a Resume attached in the "Attachments" section of the application. Applications that are not complete and do not have the required attachment will not be considered.

When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses. References will not be contacted unless a conditional offer of employment is extended and accepted.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

The salary range for this position is equivalent to the Firefighter rates outlined in the Labor Agreement, paid for 40 hours per week, plus additional 6% for paramedic license and 1% for CCP endorsement.

The standard schedule for this position is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This schedule may vary and flexibility is required to be available for client availability and care visits.

City of Wausau and Wausau Firefighter Association Local 415, IAFF, AFL-CIO and CLC Labor Agreement: https://www.wausauwi.gov/your-government/human-resources/labor-contracts

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:

The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone (715) 261-6630 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant's application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.

If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.

ADDITIONAL NOTICES:

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/fmla

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/employee-polygraph-protection-act

The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.