Transitional In-Charge Paramedic in Spring, Texas at Harris County ESD 11

SUMMARY:

The Transitional In-Charge Paramedic is an experienced Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider assigned to a structured developmental program that prepares employees for the In-Charge Paramedic role. While completing the program, the employee delivers high-quality patient care, progressively performs In Charge responsibilities under the supervision of Field Training Officers (FTO’s), and demonstrates the clinical, operational, and leadership competencies required to independently lead an EMS unit. Employees who successfully complete all required training, competency evaluations, and field assessments will be promoted to the In-Charge Paramedic position.

SPECIAL NOTE:

This job has been designated as a Safety Sensitive Position by HCESD11. Public safety, as well as the safety of HCESD11 employees, requires that the employee in this position be able to always perform all essential functions at the highest levels. Therefore, this position is subject to frequent drug testing and requires reporting of all employee use of High-Risk Medications identified by HCESD11 and certification from the employee’s physician that such medications can be safely used while working. Because HCESD11 ’s ability to deliver emergency medical response depends on having a workforce that can be reliably scheduled, this job also requires regular and reliable attendance. This is a high-stress job that requires focus, engagement, and high performance in traumatic, physically demanding, emotionally charged, and life threatening situations. The position involves exposure to serious and graphic injury to adults and children, including death and dismemberment. A high level of physical, mental, and emotional health is an essential requirement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Participates in and successfully completes the Transitional In-Charge Paramedic Academy, including all classroom, simulation, and field components required to develop the competencies necessary for independent In-Charge Paramedic practice.

• Functions under the direction of assigned FTOs and instructional staff, applying feedback to progressively build proficiency in clinical decision-making, leadership, and operational responsibilities.
• Provides ALS care in accordance with established clinical protocols, scope of practice, medical direction, and training level, with FTO oversight as required.
• Responds to assigned calls in a timely manner, supporting compliance with response time standards and system performance expectations.
• Serves as a supervised team leader of patient care, scene management, and Attendant coordination, demonstrating growth toward full In-Charge team leadership responsibilities.
• Assesses patient condition, initiates appropriate treatment, and contributes to transport decisions under the mentorship of the FTO, ensuring alignment with clinical protocols and patient needs.
• Utilizes triage principles during routine and multi-patient incidents, practicing prioritization strategies appropriate for eventual In-Charge responsibilities.
• Operates and maintains medical equipment ensuring readiness and proper use.
• Communicates patient care information to receiving facilities and medical control in a professional, clear manner, with feedback and coaching from FTOs.
• Completes patient care reports and required documentation accurately and in accordance with regulatory, clinical, and organizational standards, incorporating coaching to reach full ICP documentation proficiency.
• Maintains continuous readiness of assigned unit, including vehicle condition, equipment functionality, and supply levels, with guidance to achieve ICP operational standards.
• Ensures compliance to all clinical protocols, operational policies, and applicable local, state, and regulatory requirements, seeking clarification and training as needed.
• Actively engages in performance evaluations, scenario assessments, and competency checks required to progress through the Transitional ICP program.
• Participates in required training, continuing education, and organizational initiatives to maintain licensure and support advancement toward full In-Charge Paramedic status.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and organizational information in accordance with applicable laws and standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support clinical development, operational readiness, and advancement toward the In- charge Paramedic role.

QUALFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• At least two (2) years’ experience as a paramedic in a progressive 911 system.
• Current Paramedic certification or licensure in the State of Texas in good standing; completion of an accredited Paramedic program.
• Must successfully complete the Transitional In-Charge Paramedic Program within ninety (90) days of assignment to the role.
• Current American Heart Association BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications.
• NIMS ICS-100, 200, 700, 800 required; ICS-300 and ICS-400 preferred
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Knowledge of Texas Administrative Code 157 and applicable EMS rules, regulations, and clinical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions, and remain calm in high-pressure, dynamic, and potentially life-threatening situations.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and interact with other employees, partner agencies, and the public.
• Ability to perform prolonged physical and mental tasks, maintain situational awareness, and operate effectively in stressful environments.
• Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with electronic documentation systems; knowledge of local geography and roadways.
• SPO, MPO, FACPE, or other relevant credentialing preferred.
• Additional requirements as determined by the Office of the Medical Director.
• Must not be excluded from participation in federally funded healthcare programs (OIG).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to approximately 125 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, and occasionally run in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb, reach, and maintain overall physical mobility and flexibility.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle while communicating, observing, and responding to conditions.
• Frequent use of hands for handling equipment and performing tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Ability to communicate clearly, hear, and observe effectively in dynamic environments.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Occasionally: Confined areas, extreme hot and cold, wet and/or humid conditions, noise, vibration, mechanical and electrical equipment, moving objects, high places, fumes/odors/mists, dirt and dust, gasses, toxic conditions, human excrement, blood, urine, mucous, tissue.
• Frequently: works alone, with and around others, face to face and verbal contact, inside and outside temperature changes and other inclement weather conditions.
• Constantly: shift work, with frequent extended days.

HCESD11 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, HCESD11 will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Furthermore, HCESD11 has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and HCESD11 reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as HCESD11 may deem appropriate.