Mental Health Outreach Counselor

Job Description Evergreen Recovery Centers / San Juan County Sheriff’s Office

Outreach Behavioral Health Co-Responder
Outreach Behavioral Health Co-Responder—Peer Counselor
San Juan County Outreach / Behavioral Health
Embedded Co-Responder Initiative — San Juan County Sheriff’s Office
Full-Time | Non-Exempt
San Juan County, WA (Field-Based)
Document ID

ERC-JD-SJC-001

The Outreach Behavioral Health Co-Responder—Peer Counselor will respond to behavioral health emergencies and referrals in partnership with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. This position serves as an embedded behavioral health professional within a co-responder model, working directly with high-utilizers and high-risk individuals.

The Co-Responder will collaborate across the full continuum of San Juan County services, including mental health and medical providers, housing programs, advocacy organizations, schools, public health, community-based organizations, and community liaisons to ensure coordinated, whole-person care for the individuals served.

Target populations include individuals with:
Extensive psychiatric history
Unstable or no housing
Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
Complex behavioral health needs
Active criminal justice and/or probation involvement

Follows all policies, procedures, and protocols of the Outreach Behavioral Health Team and ERC organizational standards.
provides initial behavioral health support and de-escalation assistance in the field under the guidance of the clinician & law enforcement.
Provides immediate intervention during mental health and/or substance use disorder crises encountered through law enforcement co-response calls.
Works closely with VOA Care Crisis, law enforcement, hospitals, Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs), Mobile Crisis Outreach Agencies, and other community partners to coordinate referrals and continuity of care.
Completes situational assessments and provides immediate referrals to all clients entering caseload.
coordinates services, arranges resources, advocates for needs, intervenes in crises, and makes appropriate referrals to community providers.
Documents all contacts in a timely manner — including face-to-face interviews, collateral and networking contacts, counseling appointments, and correspondence — in compliance with ERC, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and regulatory standards.
Maintains case records in accordance with applicable standards and prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing outcomes data.
Prepares case closures in a timely manner, including review and communication of care plans, orientation of family members and collateral contacts, and provision of community resources.
collaborates with community agencies and law enforcement.
Maintains current knowledge of community resources, eligibility criteria, and referral pathways across San Juan County.
Maintains and updates professional knowledge through participation in training opportunities, professional publications, and applicable professional organizations.
Participates in training opportunities consistent with the co-responder model, including law enforcement familiarization and trauma-informed outreach practices.
Maintains availability for flexible hours as required by co-responder scheduling and crisis demand.
Outreach & Engagement Skills:
Ability to provide immediate crisis de-escalation and stabilization in unpredictable field environments alongside law enforcement.
Experience working collaboratively with law enforcement, first responders, and community partners in crisis situations while maintaining professionalism, sound judgment, and a recovery-oriented approach.
Strong working knowledge of mental health and substance use disorder systems of care, and trauma-informed practice.
Familiarity with client record documentation requirements and development/implementation of individualized service plans.
Skill in relating to diverse personality styles, cultures, and backgrounds in field and clinical settings.
Self-directed and independent working style with ability to manage a varied caseload under general supervision.
Ability to quickly adapt to changing events, protocols, and community partner expectations.
Proficient in electronic health record (EHR) systems and general computer/data entry skills.
High School Diploma or GED required.
Willingness to complete law enforcement familiarization training
Bilingual / multilingual capability
Field-based role requiring regular travel throughout San Juan County and surrounding service area.
Exposure to individuals in active crisis, including those with complex trauma histories, substance use disorders, and behavioral health conditions.
Flexible scheduling required, including potential evening, weekend, or on-call hours based on program need.
Must be able to operate a personal or agency vehicle; Standard office and community-based work environments; some physical demands associated with field-based outreach.
Available to travel between islands within San Juan County to respond to behavioral health crises, conduct outreach, and provide follow-up services as needed.

Compliance, Confidentiality & Regulatory Obligations

This position is subject to the following regulatory and compliance frameworks:

• HIPAA (45 CFR Parts 160/164) Protected health information standards.
• ERC Organizational Policies — All applicable HR, clinical, and operational SOPs.

This position is a mandatory reporter under RCW 26.44 (child abuse and neglect) and RCW 74.34 (vulnerable adult abuse). All staff must complete mandatory reporter training prior to independent caseload assignment.