Clinician - Mental Health Professional (MHP) - I/II/III

Skagit County; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Skagit County is seeking a Crisis Response Clinician to join a collaborative team with law enforcement, providing essential crisis intervention and mental health support. The role involves assessing individuals in crisis, managing casework, and ensuring proper care and follow-up. Ideal candidates will have relevant educational qualifications and experience in crisis situations, with a preference for bilingual applicants. This position offers competitive hourly wages and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Support for Licensure and Certification Costs

Qualifications

• At least one year experience with crisis or mental health impaired populations.
• Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Respond effectively with law enforcement in crisis situations.
• Provide crisis intervention, stabilization, and follow-up services.
• Manage casework including resource linkage and documentation.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Effective Communication

Problem Solving

De-escalation Techniques

Motivational Interviewing

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Behavioral Sciences

Associate’s with SUDP Licensure

Job description

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Summary

The Crisis Response Team is a collaboration of law enforcement officers and behavioral health professionals providing crisis intervention, case management, and access to behavioral health resources for Skagit County community members. The Clinician, as part of a Co-Response team, responds alongside law enforcement to assess and assist community members in crisis, utilizing appropriate techniques and connecting them to resources, programs, or treatment options. The clinician responds to calls received by law enforcement and works with identified individuals to ensure proper care and follow-up.

Salary upon hire:

• Clinician - Mental Health Professional (MHP) I: $34.07/hr. - $36.49/hr.
• Clinician - MHP II: $36.49/hr. - $39.09/hr.
• Clinician - MHP III: $39.09/hr. - $41.88/hr.

Progressive increases are based on years of service, up to Step 10, with top steps reaching:

• MHP I: $45.32/hr.
• MHP II: $48.55/hr.
• MHP III: $52.00/hr.

Essential Functions:

• Respond effectively with law enforcement in high-stress, dynamic crisis situations.
• Provide crisis intervention, stabilization, assessments, and follow-up services.
• Assist in urgent mental health evaluations and document with affidavits for emergency detainment.
• Assess and counsel individuals under influence or experiencing mental illness.
• Maintain relationships with Crisis Responders and coordinate with local agencies for community care.
• Manage casework including resource linkage, documentation, and legal proceedings participation.
• Share mental health insights with first responders and work within law enforcement structures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in behavioral sciences or Associate’s with SUDP licensure.
• At least one year experience working with crisis, mental health impaired populations, or substance use issues.
• Preferred: LMHC, LICSW, SUDP, or valid licensure.
• Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.
• Familiarity with law enforcement and prior Co-Response experience preferred.
• Must pass background check and polygraph.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Washington State driver’s license. Licensure in LMHC, LICSW, SUDP, or similar is preferred. County offers support for licensure and certification costs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Training in motivational interviewing, DBT, trauma-informed care.
• De-escalation techniques, effective communication, clinical intervention understanding.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions:

Fieldwork with law enforcement, walking, climbing, working outdoors, and computer use required. Must handle various weather conditions and long periods standing or walking.