Crisis Response Social Worker

New hires typically receive compensation between minimum and midpoint of the salary range, with potential for slightly higher based on experience, internal equity, and market.

About the role

Bellevue Fire CARES is seeking a Crisis Response Social Worker to join an innovative, multidisciplinary team responding to 911 calls for individuals in crisis. This role involves accompanying emergency medical responders and/or law enforcement on scene to assist individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, homelessness, domestic violence, and other crises. The position bridges the gap between emergency response and the social needs of affected populations.

Learn more: Bellevue Fire CARES

Responsibilities

• 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 and maintain collaborative working relationships with Bellevue Fire and Police Department personnel, other law enforcement agencies, emergency medical response agencies, courts, community leaders, federal/state/local agencies, shelters, community service groups, faith-based organizations, hospitals, and health professionals.
• Establish rapport with individuals served and provide information, consultation, and referrals.
• Assess needs and eligibility for services through interviews with individuals, families, and care providers.
• Advocate for individuals within and outside systems, liaising between individuals, caregivers, and service providers.
• Provide client-level and system-wide troubleshooting and advocacy.
• Follow up with identified individuals to bridge gaps between emergency responders and social services.
• Consult with other professionals on difficult cases.
• Work effectively in high-stress, rapidly evolving law enforcement and fire department environments.
• Prepare memos, correspondence, records, case notes, and reports related to social service activities.
• Work variable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work required or ability to obtain one by January 2026.
• Two years of 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.
• Associate Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (preferred).

Skills

• Proficiency in modern office practices and computer applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and statistics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members, city staff, officials, and the public.
• Proficient research, statistical, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in team environments.
• Clear and effective oral and written expression of ideas and recommendations.
• Ability to view and address the total spectrum of service needs.
• High degree of initiative, independent judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making within assigned authority.
• Ability to identify and resolve conflict.
• Strong record-keeping and report-writing skills.
• Commitment to supporting diversity and multi-cultural understanding in the workplace and community.

Physical Demands

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, and using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• May require pushing, pulling, lifting, and/or carrying up to 20 pounds.
• Work variable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.