PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bellevue Fire department employs master’s level social workers to staff two different crisis response models, CARES101 and the Community Crisis Assistance Team (CCAT). The CARES101 unit is staffed by two MSWs and responds to 911 calls at the request of fire crews and police officers already on scene. After CARES101 arrives, and when the scene is safe, first responders can leave to be available for the next call while the CARES101 social workers remain at the scene to provide support. CARES101 provides crisis intervention, de-escalation, advocacy and connection to resources for individuals and their families at the time of the 911 call. CCAT consists of five behavioral health specialty units. Each team is staffed by a Bellevue Police Officer and a Bellevue Fire Department MSW. CCAT responds to 911 calls that involve behavioral health, homelessness and other issues where the individual would benefit from connection to resources. After the CARES101 or CCAT units engage with individuals, they make a referral to CARES Program Advocates who provide follow-up and case management until the individuals are connected to services and resources.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for Crisis Response Social Workers to join our team. Under the supervision of the Bellevue Fire CARES Program Manager, you will respond to people in crisis with mental health, substance use, behavioral, housing, financial and other social service needs. Your duties include considerable public contact and are intended to bridge the gap between emergency medical response and/or law enforcement and the social needs of people within this population. You will directly accompany emergency medical responders and/or law enforcement on scene to assist individuals in accessing mental health, substance use, homelessness, domestic violence or other social services.

• Respond with fire and police personnel to individuals in crisis including,
• behavioral health, substance use, homelessness, self-neglect, domestic violence
• and hoarding.
• Evaluate mental health status and make DCR referrals, when appropriate.
• Cultivate contacts and establish and maintain positive, effective, collaborative
• working relationships with Bellevue Fire and Police Department personnel, other
• law enforcement agencies, other emergency medical response agencies, court
• system, community leaders, federal, state, regional and local agencies,
• homeless shelters, area community service and faith-based groups, staff of
• state and local hospitals and health professionals in an effort to care for and
• assist chronic utilizers and other individuals in need of social services.
• Establish and maintain rapport with the individuals served.
• Provide information, consultation and referral. Respond to requests for
• information about available services for homelessness, behavioral health,
• substance use and other human and social service needs.
• Promote best practices in engagement approaches, support systems and
• interventions. Meet with and interview contacts, families and other care
• providers to assess needs and eligibility for services. Advocate needs of
• individuals within and outside system; liaise between individuals, caregivers and
• service providers. Provide client-level and system-wide troubleshooting and
• advocacy.
• Follow-up with identified individuals in an effort to bridge gaps between
• emergency medical responders and/or police and social services.
• Consult with other agency professionals on difficult cases.
• Work effectively within law enforcement and fire department environment and,
• which includes exposure to high stress, rapidly evolving incidents, public safety
• culture and norms.
• Prepare memos, correspondence, records, case notes and reports related to
• social service activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master's degree in social work
• 2 years experience working from a trauma-informed approach with individuals with
• significant mental health and substance use disorders or in a Mobile Integrated
• Health Program.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License is required.
• Associate Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker required.
• Work variable shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

BENEFITS

Retirement-

• Washington State (DRS) Pension Plan
• - PERS
• Municipal Employees Benefit Trust
• 457 Deferred Comp Plan

Insurance-

Medical

• Premera Blue Cross (PPO)
• Kaiser Permanente (HMO)

Dental

• Delta Dental
• Willamette Dental

Vision

• Vision Services Plan (VSP)
  

Flex Spending Accounts for Health & Childcare Costs, Life & Accidental D&D

Insurance, Long-term Disability Insurance , ORCA Card, 13 paid holidays

Apply at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/bellevuewa/jobs/3894216/crisis-response-social-worker

For more information contact Natasha Grossman at ngrossman@bellevuewa.gov