The Bellevue Fire CARES (Community Advocates for Resource and Education Services) program is an innovative Mobile Integrated Health Program that serves the Bellevue Fire and Police Departments.  Developed to respond to 911 callers who are experience medical, mental or emotional symptoms that require intervention beyond that provided by a first responder, the program allows EMTs and police officers to submit a referral for follow up by practicum students serving as CARES Advocates. These CARES Advocates perform an in-home assessment to identify the issues to be addressed and then provide case management until clients are connected to resources to meet their needs or, in some cases, as long as clients require support.

As members of the CARES advocate team, students will meet with clients referred to the CARES program by firefighters and/or police following a 911 call. CARES Advocates perform an in-home assessment to identify the issues to be addressed, and then determine the best path forward: this could be as simple as arranging for the installation of in-home equipment like grab bars to prevent falls or as involved as contacting family members, physicians, or other state and/or community agencies to develop a care management plan or contacting the Mobile Crisis Unit when there is an immediate risk to the client. Students will work with a diverse population of clients including elderly, chronically mentally ill, substance using, people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence survivors. CARES Advocates track each referral throughout the process to ensure the client is connected to the necessary resources and provide case management throughout.

Research and contact appropriate social, mental health, medical, and/or community service agencies. Participate in multi-disciplinary case management teams, when appropriate, to develop care management plans. Ride-alongs with firefighters and police officer.

Opportunity to work with evaluation consultant in the development and implementation of a program evaluation of the program. Participate in program evaluation efforts, gather and analyze data. Opportunity for observing city budgeting process and how programs are funded during biennial budget process. Attend city council meetings. Visit to Olympia to meet with legislators who are MSWs

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No experience required, however student should be prepared to interact with the elderly and individuals who may be currently involved in a behaviorall health or substance use crisis, be comfortable working in a first responder environment and be prepared to enter homes where hoarding and/or cleanliness may be an issue. Students will always work in pairs and have a radio for backup, if needed.

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Send resume to Dylan Gordon at drgordon@bellevuewa.gov