About This Role
Responding to 911 calls and other crisis lifelines with a behavioral health component is the core of this Emergency Medical Technician role. You will provide crisis assessment, intervention, de-escalation, safety planning, referrals, and linkage to care services for residents, collaborating with public safety departments and first responders. The position involves proactive outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders, delivering compassionate and trauma-informed services.
Responsibilities
- Respond, in collaboration with other team members, to 911 calls and other crisis lifelines with an identified behavioral health component
- Provide crisis assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, safety planning, referrals, and linkage to care services for residents
- Interact and collaborate with public safety departments and first responders to “assist” requests from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Chicago Fire Department (CFD)
- Contact CFD for medical emergencies
- Conduct proactive outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders who may have unaddressed behavioral health or social service needs
- Deliver services that are compassionate, trauma-informed, and attentive to the particular needs and values of each patient
- Perform patient care assessments and maintain accurate and timely clinical medical records consistent with CDPH, Region 11, and City of Chicago standards
- Assess vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, pulse oximetry)
- Provide basic prehospital medical care to patients
- Navigate the Chicago area healthcare system including appropriate transport of patients to mental health facilities, emergency departments, and alternate destinations for further stabilization
- Operate and maintain City vehicles for emergency response and day to day operations
- Participate in team and departmental meetings, in-services, and supervisory sessions as required
Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Current State of Illinois EMT or Paramedic license
- Credentialing under Region 11, Chicago EMS Systems including EMS System Entry and all required EMS Continuing Education updates for maintenance once hired
- Valid State of Illinois driver’s license is required
- Pass a background check
Nice to have:
- Previous experience as an EMT or other healthcare professional
- Previous experience providing services to persons experiencing a mental health or substance related crisis
- Experience working in a high-stress environment
