Behavioral Health Paramedic

Full Job Description

Provides basic and advanced emergency medical treatment and assistance from the Behavioral Response Unit (BRU) to people experiencing mental health and substance use crises.

Requirements

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Assesses patient conditions by conducting systematic physical examinations to determine the extent of illness or injury.
• Determines treatment methods and priorities for care according to established protocols.
• Performs pre-hospital medical procedures including resuscitation; intubation; administration of medications or fluids by intravenous, intraosseous, intramuscular, sublingual, and oral (PO) routes; and other stabilizing treatment within their scope of practice.
• Evaluates, treats, and monitors patients by using complex and specialized medical equipment including defibrillators, EKG monitors, blood analyzers, breathalyzers, and oxygen and suction devices.
• Calculates patient medication doses considering factors such as potential interaction with other medications, patient weight, dose prescribed by written protocols, and method of delivery.
• Obtains and records patient information including vital statistics, relevant social and medical history, and personal details.
• Observes, records, and reports to hospital or medical provider the patient's condition or injury, treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment.
• Communicates with patients, behavioral health professionals, and others to obtain and provide information and reassurance.
• Cleans, services, and maintains emergency equipment including blood analyzers, specialized kits and bags, splints, oxygen delivery system, and monitoring equipment. Cleans and maintains the emergency response vehicle.
• Secures patients into ambulances and monitors conditions en route to hospital while providing continuous medical care, treatment, and stabilization.
• Ensures proper disposal of biohazard materials.
• Replaces used intravenous needles, solutions, linens, blankets, and other expendable supplies.
• Maintains inventory and control of authorized medications in accordance with policy.
• Lifts and moves patients for treatment and transportation to medical facilities.
• Represents the Spokane Fire Department and Integrated Medical Services at professional conferences, in the media, and on video as directed.
• Drives the Behavioral Response Unit to and from behavioral health incidents.
• Consults with behavioral health professionals to determine appropriate courses of treatment and action.
• Performs related work as required or directed.

Qualifications

Combinations of education and experience that are equivalent to the following minimum qualifications are acceptable.

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: No prior experience is required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a Washington State Paramedic license within 3 months of employment. Once obtained, it must be maintained throughout employment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license throughout employment.

Background Investigation
All applicants are subject to a thorough background investigation prior to employment.

Additional Information

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, the City will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), with scoring weight assigned as follows:

• T&E 100%

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION DETAILS:

• Copies of your college or university transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted) may be a required part of this application and will be used to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications, as posted on the job announcement.
• Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
• Failure to complete all the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each question.
• Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
• "See Resume" or "See above," etc., and copy/paste from a previous answer are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

This is an online examination and will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Reservations can also be made through your local, public library.

Training and Experience examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com).

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, February 16, 2026, and Monday, March 2, 2026, will test Thursday, March 5, 2026, through Monday, March 9, 2026.
  

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status.

As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.