Community Paramedic

About the role

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on November 18, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on November 18, 2026.

• Job Title: Community Paramedic
• Department: Emergency Medical Services
• External Hiring Range: $24.09 - $28.98
• Compensation Grade: 2006
• Posted Internally and Externally

Purpose of the position

The primary purpose of this position is to provide non-traditional pre-hospital care to patients affected by substance abuse/overdose, mental health disorders, and/or with chronic health care needs.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by required course work in emergency medical techniques and a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a paramedic including at least one (1) year with Buncombe County EMS, preferred; or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must be 21 years of age or older.

Additional Training and Experience: Completion of an approve Community Paramedic education program within 6 months of hire. Crisis Intervention Training preferred. License to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina, or comparable pre-hospital experience is preferred

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Certification as a Paramedic by the North Carolina Office of EMS and the Medical Care Commission. Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence.

Essential Functions of the position

• Perform all essential functions as listed for EMT-Paramedic I.
• Respond to calls for overdose, mental health crisis, or high utilizers of the EMS system; Examine, screen, treat and coordinate health services for patients.
• Function as a part of the Post Overdose Response Teams (PORT) to provide access to services for patients experience substance abuse issues.
• Conduct post-hospital release follow-up care including, but not limited to, monitoring medication, dressing changes, and checking vital signs.
• Observe, record, and report to physician, patient's conditions and reactions to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
• Conduct patient education, including diabetes prevention/treatment, hypertension, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), falls assessment, injury evaluation, geriatric frailty visits, and nutrition.
• Administer patient care consistent with department protocols and physician orders.
• Coordinate appointments and follow-up with physicians and hospitals.
• Develop and complete appropriate reports and templates for the Community Paramedic Program.
• Attend meetings as requested and available.
• Collect, communicate, and accurately document information about the medical care to further quality patient care deliver; complete and timely report to partnering agencies and assure patient privacy.
• Assist in the inspection and maintenance of vehicles and medical equipment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Abilities

• Knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in the emergency care of patients and victims of accidents
• Knowledge of procedures in extrication, movement of patients, rescue techniques, transportation, and psychological needs of a patient.
• Knowledge of life support techniques of patients in the field.
• Knowledge of County geography and of the location of roads and streets within the County.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of pre-hospital and Community Para-medicine.
• Knowledge of the role of various community health care providers, and social service and advocacy agencies within the community and the ability to effectively refer clients.
• Skill in diagnosing a victim's condition and applying emergency medical care.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
• Ability to operate an emergency vehicle in a safe manner.
• Ability to lift substantial weight.
• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the general public.

Additional information

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.