CARES Registered Nurse at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue – Puyallup, Washington

This position is responsible for being part of the mobile response with the primary focus to triage/assess and connect patients to health care services. The C.A.R.E.S. RN also identifies, engages and connects high-need individuals to the right medical, behavioral, and social services in the community.

The C.A.R.E.S. RN works in collaboration with a dynamic multidisciplinary team that includes Firefighters/EMT’s/Paramedics. The C.A.R.E.S. RN has a unique opportunity to make a deep and enduring impact on the health of our community members.
Help our citizens achieve wellness and autonomy by providing integrated health services in partnership with other health professionals; extends access to health services delivery in underserved and general populations, including primary care, public health, disease management, prevention and wellness, mental health and dental health.

Coordinate care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and client-centered.

Conduct in-home visits.

Make client assessments.

Assessment of new patients.

• Evaluate and determine needs of patients
• Update and revise patient health care plans as needed
• Educate patients and families about health care plans and options
• May review results from medical tests as appropriate

Provide emotional support to patients and families.

Record case information, completing accurately all necessary forms and producing statistical reports, to include reporting requirements outlined in RCW’s and/or WAC’s.

Maintain surveillance of the EMS reporting system to identify problems and make appropriate contacts to intervene.

Promote quality and cost-effective interventions and outcomes.

Assess and address motivational and psychosocial issues.

Create an environment for open communication.

Handle case assignments, draft service plans, review case progress and determine case closure.

Facilitate multiple care aspects (care coordination, information sharing, etc.)

Help patients make informed decisions by acting as their advocate regarding their clinical status and treatment options.

Develop effective working relationships and cooperate with different teams throughout the entire case management process, including but not limited to Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, physician offices, clinics, MCIRT, various police agencies, etc.

Coordinate with educational institutions to utilize available resources in order to address medical and social risk problems within the community.

Education and/or Experience

Required

• High School Diploma or GED; and
• Certified Registered Nurse in Washington State; and
  1. Five (5) years of experience as an RN working in a clinical healthcare setting, home health, chronic care or other related healthcare delivery system or working with the elderly or in a Public Health background;

OR

• Licensed Advanced Social Worker in Washington State; and
  1. Five (5) years of experience as a social worker working in a clinical healthcare setting, home health, chronic care or other related healthcare delivery system or working with the elderly or in a Public Health background.

Desired

• BSN/BA in nursing (BSN preferred).
• Experience in a community/outpatient setting providing care management/coordination.
• Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations.
• Experience with psychological aspects of care.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

OR

AND

• CPR certified.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License in good standing, with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Case management principles, healthcare management and reimbursement.
• Emergency medical incident reporting system.
• Current patient privacy laws, including HIPAA rules and regulations.
• Washington State law relating to nursing care (WAC 18.79), federal health care regulations, Patient Bill of Rights and clinical practice guidelines for patient care.
• Department rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Personal computer systems as applicable, including MS Office Suite.
• Social Services available within the community, greater Pierce County and the State of Washington as well as any federally related programs.

Skilled in:

• Communicating with others, both orally, in writing, and electronically, using technical and non-technical language.
• Understanding and following oral and/or written policies, processes and instructions.
• Exercising independent judgement and initiative in managing multiple projects and assignments.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with both external and internal customers.
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Ability to:

• Multi-task and handle numerous responsibilities throughout each day.
• Understand and explain the features of Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance options.
• Care for patients, including analyzing and prioritizing patient needs.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills and knowledge of medical terminology.
• Develop and demonstrate familiarity with local community resources.
• Work collaboratively in a team and manage multiple priorities, utilize effective time management skills and exercise sound administrative and clinical judgement.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the EMS delivery system within the department and Pierce County.
• Work autonomously, independently organize, prioritize and manage time.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Assist in building healthy and productive interagency relationships.
• Travel to citizen’s homes.
• Develop curriculum and deliver training and educational materials.

Tools & Equipment Used

• Basic first aid equipment to include AED
• Personal computer
• Phone/cellular phone
• Printer/copier/fax machine

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Most work is performed in private homes, vehicle, and/or office setting; at times the work requires movement over various types of terrain, (hilly, steep, rocky, rough, and/or wet/slippery surfaces); potential exposure to physically and/or emotionally stressful situations;

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

The incumbent must see, hear and communicate with the patient in order to perform a physical assessment of the patient. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. Employee may be required to drive fleet vehicle long and short distances.

Application Period: 2/2/26 - 2/20/26
Oral Board Interview: 3/9/26
Chief Interview: 3/23/26
Background Investigation: March/April
Psychological Online Testing: 4/21/26
Psychological Appointment: April 28, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: 5/18/26