Designated Crisis Responder - Whatcom Nov 12, 2026 Bellingham, WA 98226, USA Cl

<strong>Compass Health is the region&rsquo;s largest private, non-profit organization providing mental health and chemical dependency services in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties of Western Washington. We provide quality creative services to children, families, and adults in a variety of outpatient, residential and inpatient settings.</strong>

Bellingham, WA 98226, USA

Compass Health

<strong>Compass Health is Northwest Washington&rsquo;s behavioral healthcare leader. We are a community-based healthcare agency, integrating behavioral health and medical care services to support clients and communities when and where they need us.</strong><br /><br /><strong>From comprehensive mental health treatment to crisis prevention and intervention, supportive housing, children&rsquo;s services, community education and much more, our non-profit organization serves people of all ages throughout Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom counties.</strong> https://www.compasshealth.org/

keywords: position summary,benefits,assessment,teamwork,communication,education,experience,license,knowledge

Full-Time

$36.80 - $54.42/hr DOE

Overview: <p class="sc-ukg-card">Compass Health is seeking a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) to join our Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) in Whatcom County. In this role, you'll respond directly to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises&mdash;wherever they are. Whether it's in homes, schools, shelters, or public spaces, your intervention and assessment skills will help stabilize and support clients in critical moments.</p> <p class="sc-ukg-card">Our MCOT model is trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-focused. You'll work as part of a collaborative team of mental health professionals, peer counselors, and substance use specialists committed to community-based care.<br /><br />What We Offer (Note: Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees)</p> <ul> <li>Medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to full-time employees</li> <li>16 days of paid vacation in your first year</li> <li>12 sick days plus a wellness day</li> <li>13 paid holidays &ndash; 11 set + 2 floating</li> <li>$500 in professional development funds annually</li> <li>Up to 10 days of paid education leave</li> <li>403(b) retirement plan with up to 2% employer match after one year</li> <li>Mileage reimbursement</li> <li>And much more!</li> </ul>
Responsibilities: <ul> <li> Deliver crisis intervention and mental health assessments in community settings<br /> </li> <li> Evaluate for involuntary detention under RCW 71.05 and 71.34 when clinically necessary<br /> </li> <li> Collaborate with law enforcement, hospitals, and family systems to ensure client safety<br /> </li> <li> Participate in a rotating schedule of crisis response and after-hours coverage<br /> </li> <li> Provide clinical documentation and coordination of care using Compass’s EMR system<br /> </li> </ul>
Requirements: <ul> <li>MA/MS/MSW in a Behavioral Science-related field</li> <li>Washington State Licensure (or equivalent) in Social Work, Marriage &amp; Family Therapy, or Mental Health Counseling preferred</li> <li>Meets criteria for Mental Health Professional (MHP) per WAC</li> <li>Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid WA State Driver&rsquo;s License, reliable vehicle, and insurance</li> <li>Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination within 10 days of hire</li> <li>Agency Affiliated Counselor registration upon hire (if unlicensed)</li> <li>Ability to attend the DCR Academy by the first annual review</li> </ul> What Makes You Stand Out <ul> <li>Experience in crisis outreach, behavioral health, or emergency response settings</li> <li>Familiarity with RCW 71.05 and 71.34</li> <li>A calm, strengths-based approach to high-intensity situations</li> <li>Commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed care</li> <li>Excellent collaboration and communication skills</li> </ul>