Mental Health Specialist - Disaster Response

Pafford Emergency Medical Services; Idaho; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in emergency medical services is seeking dedicated Behavioral Healthcare personnel for their Special Response Team. This role offers the unique opportunity to respond to natural disasters and public health emergencies across the United States and beyond. As a member of this team, you will provide vital mental health support to disaster victims, operate in field hospitals, and collaborate with various agencies to ensure effective responses. If you're passionate about making a difference in crisis situations and possess the necessary skills and qualifications, this position could be your chance to contribute significantly during challenging times.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a degree in behavioral or social sciences or equivalent experience.
• Current license to practice in a relevant state is required.

Responsibilities

• Deploy to disaster-affected areas and assist in mental health service planning.
• Document patient care activities and maintain medical equipment.

Skills

Emergency Care Skills

Mental Health Care

CPR Certification

Hazmat Awareness

Disaster Response Coordination

Education

Degree in Behavioral or Social Sciences

Combination of Education and Experience

Four Years of Relevant Experience

Tools

Medical Equipment

Emergency Response Protocols

Job description

Pafford Medical Services is seeking dedicated Behavioral Healthcare personnel to join our Special Response Team. In this role, you will respond to areas impacted by natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other crises, supporting both State and Federal Disaster responses. Candidates may be deployed within the continental United States, its territories, and international locations.

This position is on-call and as-needed employment. Candidates must be able to deploy within 48 hours of notice for a minimum of fourteen (14) days. Conditions during deployment will vary depending on the resources available.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deploy to disaster-affected areas within the United States and its territories, with potential for international opportunities.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of mental health services for disaster victims and their families.
• Operate in field hospitals, delivering care in temporary setups and supporting ongoing patient treatment and care.
• Collaborate with other response teams and agencies to ensure coordinated and effective disaster response.
• Assist in identifying appropriate interventions and prevention services/techniques and counseling for early identification of victims at risk of mental health and related problems.
• Adapt to rapidly changing environments and work conditions, maintaining a high standard of care under pressure.
• Document patient care activities accurately and comprehensively.
• Maintain and safeguard medical equipment and supplies.

Assignments:
Candidates must be comfortable providing care in various settings, including but not limited to:

• Pre-Hospital/911 Response: Assess patients to prioritize their treatment based on the severity of their conditions, ensuring efficient and effective care plans and transport as needed.
• Field Hospital: Offer mental healthcare services in areas where typical access to medical care is limited or unavailable.
• Hospital Decompression: Assist existing hospitals by providing mental healthcare when staff is limited or the patient load exceeds the hospital's capacity.
• Support of Patient Movement: Evaluate, stabilize, and prepare patients for safe transportation.

Skills/Education/Other Requirements:

• US Citizen
• 18 years of age or older
• A degree in behavioral or social sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
  • OR A combination of education and experience that provided applicants with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
  • OR Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
• Current unencumbered license or registration to practice in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
• Skills and experience with a high proficiency in emergency or acute care.
• Current CPR Certifications
• Valid Driver's License
• Hazmat Awareness
• FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700 & 800
• Passport preferred
• Must be willing and able to work in all environmental conditions, including austere locations.

Conditions of Employment:

This is a per diem/casual position with W-2 employment status. Rates will be disclosed during disaster activation. Candidates will have the option to accept or decline deployment based on the offered rates and conditions.

• Candidates must submit and pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination, criminal background check, and drug screen (in accordance with federal guidelines).
• Candidates may be required to submit vaccination records depending on deployment requirements.
• Maintain all certifications and licenses throughout employment.