Mental Health Paramedic

A Mental Health Paramedic provides rapid response and compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health crises. This role combines advanced paramedic skills with specialized knowledge of mental health disorders and crisis intervention techniques to deliver effective empathetic care. You will collaborate with healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and social services to ensure the safety and well-being of patients in crisis, often serving as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing severe emotional or psychological distress.

• Respond promptly to emergency calls involving mental health crises.
• Work as an integral member of a Multi-Disciplinary Response Team comprised of mental health peace officers, mental health professionals and mental health paramedics.
• Conduct initial assessments of individuals in distress, including evaluating risk, mental state, and immediate care needs.
• Provide immediate intervention, including de-escalation techniques, medication management, or other emergency treatments.
• Administer appropriate medical care, such as medications or therapeutic interventions as prescribed.
• Assist with the transport of patients to healthcare facilities when necessary, ensuring continuity of care.
• Monitor and reassess the patient’s condition throughout transport.
• Coordinate with family members or caregivers as appropriate to involve them in care plans.
• Provide clear, concise communication to hospital staff upon patient handover.
• Provide follow-up communication with patients and caregivers to determine if additional assistance or resources are needed.
• Maintain detailed records of patient interactions, treatments provided, and incidents during care.
• Follow protocols for documentation in accordance with legal, medical, and organizational requirements.
• Provide community education to mitigate common causes of assistance requests, such as fall prevention.

Education:
 - Texas DSHS Certified or Licensed Paramedic (required).
 - Certification in Mental Health First Aid or equivalent (preferred).
 - Additional training or certification in crisis intervention or psychiatric emergency care (preferred).

Experience:
 - Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Paramedic, with experience in mental health crisis care preferred.
 - Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams, particularly with mental health professionals.

Additional requirements:
Due to the sensitive nature of the mental health paramedic position and the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) requirements, the successful applicant will be required to complete and pass an additional background and fingerprint check. 

Applicants may not have any convictions for an offense above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years.Skills

• Strong understanding of mental health disorders, crisis intervention strategies, and de-escalation techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments and make quick decisions in emergencies.
• Proficiency in emergency medical procedures and equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment and assist with patient transport.
• Ability to work long shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Salary : $34 - $43