Involuntary Commitment Coordinator

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) values diverse perspectives and life experiences. DCHS encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans and those with lived experience. DCHS provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, self-reliant, and connected to community. The Involuntary Commitment Coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of King County’s Involuntary Commitment program within the Behavioral Health & Recovery Division (BHRD). BHRD’s mission is to provide accessible, quality behavioral health services to low‑income residents throughout King County, including crisis intervention services. This position requires highly specialized knowledge of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 71.05, 71.34, related Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), Washington State Designated Crisis Responder Protocols, and the legal process of commitment. It provides leadership and strategic direction to achieve BHRD’s long‑term goals, reporting to the Chief of Strategy and Operations/Interim Deputy Director. Responsibilities Serve as formal Involuntary Commitment Coordinator according to Washington State law and local community needs. Plan, develop and coordinate all aspects of the Crisis and Commitment Services (CCS) Involuntary Commitment program. Develop and implement office practice standards and ensure their adherence. Develop an annual work plan for 24/7, 365‑day service provision. Monitor staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage and schedule extra help when needed. Develop and implement hiring practices, supervise and evaluate staff, and negotiate union contracts in coordination with HR. Coordinate program budget with DCHS fiscal staff, projecting caseloads, staffing, and program needs. Maintain the Electronic Health Record tool with up‑to‑date documentation. Develop supportive data and statistics to advocate for individuals receiving CCS services. Review, analyze, and recommend changes to proposed statutory amendments, state rules, and regulations affecting program operations. Communicate complex ideas effectively with partners, stakeholders, and broader communities. Represent the division and department at meetings, committees, task forces, workgroups, and to the public. Oversee and assure compliance with quality, timeliness, and access metrics for CCS ITA Commitment Services. Provide leadership for the development of CCS policies and strategies to deliver efficient and effective services. Identify partnership opportunities to improve coordination of CCS ITA Commitment Services in an integrated manner. Lead and coordinate KC CCS ITA Commitment Services integration efforts with BH providers, hospitals, jails, MCOs, ASOs, HCAs, and other stakeholders. Serve on BHRD Plan Management Group and Quality Improvement Committee. Align existing and new work of the division with the County's Equity and Social Justice Plan. Supervise staff, including employee development, performance management, engagement activities, and facilitate staff meetings if assigned. Provide direct services. Perform other related duties as assigned. Core Qualifications Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Services, Public Health or Public Administration. Mental Health Professional as defined in WAC 246‑341‑0200 and RCW 71.05.020. Highly specialized knowledge of RCW 71.05, 71.34 and related WACs and the legal process of commitment. Experience in testifying as an expert witness. Experience in crisis de‑escalation and defusing hostile or violent behavior. Knowledge of DSM‑V and its application to determination of incapacity and involuntary commitment. Knowledge of King County behavioral health network and alternative programs. Experience providing behavioral health services. At least five years of recent management experience in behavioral health, or equivalent education and supervisory skills. Knowledge of equity and social justice principles and demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. Strong interpersonal skills: collaboration, teamwork, and active listening. Advanced knowledge of complex systems (physical health, homelessness, criminal justice, education, employment). Understanding of high‑risk, high‑need populations. Demonstrated ability to manage projects using current project management principles and methodologies. Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring measurable outcomes. Skill in organizing, planning, and executing large‑scale, complex projects. Advanced communication skills: oral, written, presentations, influencing decision makers, and media interaction. Skill in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing data; writing papers and reports for non‑technical stakeholders. Problem‑solving, conflict resolution, and decision‑making skills; handling multiple competing priorities. Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to travel throughout the county. Desired Qualifications Experience as a Washington State Designated Crisis Responder or Supervisor of Designated Crisis Responders. Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) as defined by WAC 246‑811‑010 and RCW 18.205. Knowledge of King County’s Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization delivery and contract requirements. Knowledge of King County's recovery‑oriented system of care, Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Sales Tax, Veteran and Human Service Levy and Best Starts for Kids program and other initiatives. In recovery or have lived experiences in behavioral health. Additional Position Information Position is designated Mission Critical; employees are expected to report to work or request leave during emergencies or inclement weather. Position requires in‑person work; primary onsite location is 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to the worksite. Position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime. Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. This position is not represented by a union. Classification: Involuntary Commitment Coordinator. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other compensation. #J-18808-Ljbffr King County