DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address:  501 N. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Salary: $19.9353 

Grade: 17

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Transportation Hospital Specialist is responsible facilitating the safe transporting and escorting of patients & residents of the Arizona State Hospital/ACPTC to and from medical and other appointments required during their course of treatment, as well as other tasks associated with the documentation. These transportation events also include certain legal appointments such as outside court dates, occasionally outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The position also requires active participation in the retrieval of patients on conditional release to the community who must be returned to the hospital campus due to de-compensation, as well as active participation in the retrieval of patients/residents attempting to leave the facility without authorization. Additionally, Transportation Specialists are required provide additional support such as being present on units or common areas observing patients when there are gaps of time in the transportation schedule.

- Facilitating the safe transportation and escorting of patients & residents of the Arizona State Hospital/ACPTC to and from medical and other appointments required during their course of treatment, as well as other tasks associated with the documentation. Follow all established patient/resident transportation protocols preventing/monitoring AWOL/escape incidents.
- Inspect vehicles and equipment required to accomplish safe patient/resident movement, completing necessary documentation as required.
- Complete patient/resident trip authorizations as well as required documenting any issues utilizing the ASH Incident Report system as necessary.
- Conduct safe and efficient active participation in the retrieval of patients on conditional release to the community who must be returned to the hospital campus due to decompensation, as well as active participation in the retrieval of patients/residents attempting to leave the facility without authorization.
- Provide additional support such as being present on units or common areas observing patients when there are gaps of time in the transportation schedule.
- Deliver equipment and supplies to designated location as needed and transport laboratory specimens following established procedures.
- Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge of:
- Basic mental health principles, therapeutic interactions and boundaries, patient rights,
infection prevention, performance improvement process.
- Basic computer operations and related hardware/software required to perform job
requirements.
- Proper telephone and radio communication techniques.
- Motor vehicle laws, court etiquette, patient rights.
- Emergency procedures.
- Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and
Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
- Basic physical assessment, application and monitoring of staff performing security
functions with the ability to assess individual performance, utilizing established
procedures.
- Operation of required equipment and vehicles, including: transport safety devices,
regular and wheelchair vans, wheelchairs, radios, computer hardware, and other items
which may be required by the job function.
- Written and verbal communication.
- Patient de-escalation techniques and general safety and NVCI practices.

Ability to:
- Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, and in flexibility to frequent changes in assignment
to adapt to the changing needs of a diverse population in a secure setting.
- Adapt to changes in patient condition/compliance while in a public venue, and
respond to such changes in a safe and appropriate fashion.
- Maintain vehicle records as required.
- Complete appropriate documentation and record keeping both accurately and in a
timely fashion.
- Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
- Interact professionally with outside entities such as outside law enforcement, as well as
law enforcement/courts when required.
- Learn additional skills, software, or hardware use which may be required to
generate improvements in the performance of patient care & transport.
- Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal
opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work
environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from
discrimination.

At least one year of progressive responsibility in a transportation and/or safety setting, preferably in a mental health care facility or in hospital/institutional security, or law enforcement work experience. Any combination of training and experience that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs).

- Current, valid Arizona State driver's license
- A State hospital employee must possess a valid level one fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to A.RS. 41-1758.07 or must apply for a level one clearance fingerprint clearance card within seven working days after beginning employment.

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will make a contribution to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27 week wait period for contributions to begin.

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-1085. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.