Designated Crisis Responder - Whatcom

Job Description

Job Description

Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) – Full-Time

Location : Bellingham, WA

Program : 500-21360 – MCOT

Schedule : Full-Time | Sun–Tue (3 : 00 PM–1 : 00 AM), Sat (9 : 00 AM–7 : 00 PM)

Wage : $35.05 - $51.83 / hr DOE

Make an Immediate Impact in Your Community

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—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.

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.

What You’ll Be Doing

Deliver crisis intervention and mental health assessments in community settings

Evaluate for involuntary detention under RCW 71.05 and 71.34 when clinically necessary

Collaborate with law enforcement, hospitals, and family systems to ensure client safety

Participate in a rotating schedule of crisis response and after-hours coverage

Provide clinical documentation and coordination of care using Compass’s EMR system

What You Bring

MA / MS / MSW in a Behavioral Science-related field

Washington State Licensure (or equivalent) in Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Mental Health Counseling preferred

Meets criteria for Mental Health Professional (MHP) per WAC

Valid WA State Driver’s License, insurance, and reliable transportation

Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination within 10 days of hire

Agency Affiliated Counselor registration upon hire (if unlicensed)

Ability to attend the DCR Academy by the first annual review

What Makes You Stand Out

Experience in crisis outreach, behavioral health, or emergency response settings

Familiarity with RCW 71.05 and 71.34

A calm, strengths-based approach to high-intensity situations

Commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed care

Excellent collaboration and communication skills

What We Offer

(Note : Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to full-time employees

16 days of paid vacation in your first year

12 sick days plus a wellness day

13 paid holidays – 11 set + 2 floating

$500 in professional development funds annually

Up to 10 days of paid education leave

403(b) retirement plan with up to 2% employer match after one year

Mileage reimbursement

And much more!

About Compass Health

Compass Health is Northwest Washington’s leading private, non-profit behavioral health provider. Serving Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties for over 110 years, we offer a full continuum of care from outpatient and crisis response to residential and substance use services.

We believe in equity, inclusion, and the power of diverse perspectives. Join us in building healthier communities—one crisis intervention at a time.

Compass Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.