Division: Medical Services
Department: Medical Services
Classification: Non-Exempt / Hourly
Compensation: $17.00 $22.00 per hour
Reports To: Director of Nursing (or designee)

Position Summary

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) provides medical support services to clients receiving substance use disorder (SUD) detoxification and residential treatment services at Butte Horizon Detox. Working under the supervision of licensed medical staff, the EMT assists with client health monitoring, emergency response, and support of safe withdrawal management within their scope of practice. This role may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts based on program needs. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Monitoring & Client Support

• Monitor clients for signs and symptoms of withdrawal, medical distress, or changes in condition.
• Perform vital signs monitoring and basic medical assessments within scope of EMT certification.
• Assist nursing staff with medical observations and documentation.
• Provide basic life support (BLS) as needed.
• Support implementation of physician and nursing directives as appropriate to scope.

Emergency Response

• Respond to medical emergencies in accordance with EMT scope of practice.
• Initiate emergency protocols and coordinate with emergency medical services (EMS) when necessary.
• Assist in stabilization of clients pending transfer to higher levels of care.
• Complete required documentation related to medical incidents.

Detox & Withdrawal Support

• Assist in monitoring clients undergoing detoxification under medical supervision.
• Report concerning symptoms or behavioral changes immediately to nursing or medical staff.
• Support medication observation procedures as directed by licensed nursing staff.

Documentation & Communication

• Document medical observations and interventions accurately and timely in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Communicate effectively with nursing, clinical, and administrative staff.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team communication as required.

Facility & Safety Support

• Maintain readiness of medical equipment and supplies.
• Ensure emergency equipment is functional and properly maintained.
• Support infection control procedures and safety protocols.

Transportation Duties (if assigned)

• Assist with or provide medical support during client transport when required.
• Ensure safe and compliant transport in accordance with facility policy.

Flexibility & Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to support medical and program operations.
• Adapt to changing needs within a residential detox startup environment.
• Collaborate with medical, clinical, and support staff to maintain client safety.

Work Environment

• Residential detox and treatment setting.
• Exposure to individuals in active withdrawal or early recovery.
• May require evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Requires ability to respond quickly to medical emergencies.
• Must be able to stand, walk, lift up to 50 pounds, and perform emergency response duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in behavioral health, detox, emergency medical services, or related healthcare setting preferred.
• Strong clinical observation skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Licensure / Certification Requirements

• Current, active California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification required and must be maintained in good standing.
• Current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers preferred).
• Tuberculosis (TB) clearance required in accordance with public health guidelines.
• DOJ Live Scan background clearance required prior to unsupervised client contact.
• Valid California drivers license (if transportation duties required).

Compliance Requirements

• Completion of required onboarding and annual compliance training.
• Adherence to DHCS, Title 9, and facility policies and procedures.
• Compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirement

Employment in this position is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment drug screening conducted in accordance with applicable California and federal laws.

As a safety-sensitive position, employees may be subject to drug and alcohol testing under reasonable suspicion, post-incident, or as otherwise permitted by law.

Refusal to submit to required testing or confirmed violation of facility policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, consistent with applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be adjusted as operational needs evolve.