Bellevue Fire CARES offers a rich and diverse practicum experience for MSW students. Students from
numerous graduate schools of social work programs make up a team of advocates that supports Bellevue community members in need of resources. The CARES practicum program is directed by three Field Education Supervisors, all LICSWs, whose sole job is to develop programming and provide supervision and mentorship for MSW students.  Students carry a caseload of diverse clients, both in background and in need for services. Clients range from older adults struggling with aging-in-place to unhoused individuals with co-occurring behavioral and substance use issues. Students interact with our clients in their personal environments, often in their homes or in the community in which they live. As students maintain a case load, they are tasked with on-going assessment and treatment planning.

Students have the opportunity to form connections with clients, service providers and community stakeholders on a regular basis. The community CARES serves are purveyors of the 911
system and an accurate representation of the population of the City of Bellevue which is very culturally
rich and diverse. To further learning opportunities, students participate in ride-a-longs with both Police and Fire Units.

Additionally, students can elect to ride-a-long with the CARES101 team and provide support on a shift.
These opportunities provide students a broad and deep clinical experience that prepares them for their
next practicum placement or future employment.

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 officers.

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.

Trainings provided
Ability to be mentored by 15 MSW social workers both in the office and out in the field
ORCA card

No experience required, however student should be prepared to interact with the elderly population and individuals who may be currently involved in a behavioral 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.

N/A

Send resume to Cheryl Vallejos (She/her) at cvallejos@bellevuewa.gov