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: $36.80 - $54.42/hr DOE

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

(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!

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.