The Camano CARES Care Provider delivers community-based, non-emergent support services designed to improve residents' health, safety, independence, and overall quality of life. The position supports the Community Assistance, Referral & Education Services (CARES) program by connecting residents with appropriate resources, reducing avoidable reliance on emergency services, and supporting aging in place through assessment, education, referral, care coordination, and follow-up. The Care Provider conducts in-home and community-based assessments; provides education within the scope of the employee's credentials, training, and knowledge; and refers residents to an RN or other appropriate provider when additional clinical education or follow-up is needed. The position collaborates with healthcare providers, community partners, CARES volunteers, and District personnel to reduce barriers to care and help residents access appropriate services. This is a new position at Camano Island Fire & Rescue that will play an important role in assisting with the launch and continued development of the CARES program. This is a grant-funded position with funding currently secured through December 31, 2027. Continued employment beyond that date will be contingent upon the availability of ongoing or additional grant funding. Although continued funding is anticipated, it cannot be guaranteed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision and direction from the Medical Services Officer (MSO) or designee. This position does not directly supervise paid personnel but may provide guidance, coordination, and support to non-paid CARES volunteers and may coordinate activities with internal staff, healthcare providers, and community partners. Examples of Duties The duties listed below represent the principal functions of the position and are not all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties consistent with the classification and operational needs of the District. Resident Support and Assessment Conduct in-home and community-based assessments to identify health, safety, environmental, and social-service needs. Identify frequent or non-emergent users of emergency services and coordinate appropriate CARES referrals and follow-up. Identify unmet medical, behavioral-health, transportation, nutrition, housing, caregiver, and social-support needs. Perform home-safety and fall-risk assessments and recommend appropriate preventive strategies, resources, or equipment. Help residents develop plans that support safe, independent living, including alternative housing when independent living is no longer feasible. Monitor resident progress through approved follow-up methods. Resource Coordination and Community Partnerships Connect residents with healthcare, behavioral-health, transportation, food, housing, caregiver, aging and disability, and other community resources. Coordinate appointments and services that promote continuity of care and aging in place. Facilitate authorized communication among residents, family members, healthcare providers, and partner agencies. Coordinate services with the Camano Center for residents referred through 911, CARES, or Camano Center providers. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, public-safety agencies, social-service organizations, nonprofit programs, and District personnel. Participate in case coordination, community outreach, meetings, and interagency workgroups as assigned. Education and Prevention Provide education regarding medical conditions, medication understanding, fall prevention, nutrition, healthy living, and community resources within the employee's authorized scope, training, and knowledge. Refer residents to an RN or other appropriate provider when additional clinical education, assessment, or follow-up is needed. Promote wellness, injury prevention, healthy aging, and resources that support resident safety and independence. Program Administration, Reporting, and Accountability Maintain accurate and timely client documentation and case records in District-approved systems. Track CARES contacts, referrals, follow-up activities, outcomes, service gaps, and non-emergent 911 utilization. Complete required program reports and monitor referrals and follow-up activities to support continuity of care and accountability. Identify trends, unmet community needs, barriers to services, and opportunities for prevention or early intervention. Provide data-informed recommendations to the MSO or designee regarding program improvement, resource planning, and community impact. Provide guidance and coordination to non-paid CARES volunteers and outreach initiatives as assigned.

COMPLIANCE, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, District policies, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Follow District procedures, documentation standards, mandatory-reporting obligations, and applicable Washington State laws and regulations. Obtain appropriate authorization before sharing resident information unless disclosure is otherwise permitted or required by law. Perform duties only within the employee's credentials, training, and assigned scope of responsibility. The position does not diagnose, prescribe, or provide unauthorized clinical services. Promptly report privacy, safety, documentation, mandatory-reporting, or compliance concerns to the MSO or designee. Typical Qualifications Minimum Qualifications An equivalent combination of education, training, licensure, certification, and relevant experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered at the District's discretion. High school diploma or GED. Education or relevant experience in healthcare, social work, public health, emergency medical services, human services, case management, community outreach, elder care, or a related field. Relevant healthcare or human-services licensure, certification, or credential appropriate to assigned duties, such as RN, LPN, Paramedic, EMT, CNA, Medical Assistant, Community Health Worker, or a comparable credential. Valid Washington State driver's license and ability to travel throughout the District and neighboring communities. Ability to successfully complete District-required background checks and maintain all licenses, certifications, and credentials required for assigned duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

Associate's or bachelor's degree in healthcare, public health, social work, behavioral health, emergency medical services, human services, or a related field. Experience working with older adults or medically or socially vulnerable populations. Experience in community paramedicine, care coordination, case management, population health, community outreach, or a related service-delivery model. Bilingual or multilingual communication skills. Desired Knowledge, Ability and Skills Knowledge of community-based healthcare, community paramedicine, aging services, prevention strategies, care coordination, and social-support programs. Knowledge of HIPAA principles, confidentiality requirements, documentation standards, professional boundaries, and appropriate information-sharing practices. Ability to establish trust and rapport with diverse populations, including older adults and medically or socially vulnerable residents. Ability to assess medical, social, and environmental needs and develop appropriate support plans, referrals, and follow-up activities. Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, organizational, documentation, case-management, and basic computer skills. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and maintain productive collaborative relationships. Ability to coordinate professionally and consistently with volunteers, community partners, healthcare providers, and public-safety personnel. Demonstrated empathy, patience, professionalism, discretion, and customer-service skills when working with sensitive or complex situations. Physical Requirements Perform light to moderate physical activity, including walking, standing, sitting, bending, reaching, and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds. Enter and navigate residential and community environments that may include stairs, uneven surfaces, confined areas, limited accessibility, pets, smoke, odors, or other environmental conditions. Operate a motor vehicle and travel throughout Camano Island and surrounding service areas. Operate standard office, computer, and communication equipment and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in office, community, healthcare, and residential settings and requires regular travel throughout the District and neighboring communities. The employee interacts with diverse populations, including individuals who may be vulnerable, medically complex, experiencing behavioral-health challenges, or living in difficult conditions. Work may involve exposure to environmental hazards commonly found in residential or community settings.

Supplemental info:

This is an hourly, full time, non-exempt position. The anticipated work schedule for the role will be 5 days a week, 8 hours per day, with flexibility.

Benefits offered:

WA State PERS Retirement System W/ Matching (Pension Plan) 100% paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits for employee, spouse, and dependents starting on day 1 of employment. AD&D Insurance Policy Group Life Insurance Long and Short-Term Disability Insurance Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan EAP services Additional salary % offered for degrees in a related field

Vacation and Sick Leave Pay:

$36.54 - $53.85 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person