Crisis Outreach Counselor - Whatcom

ViziRecruiter,LLC.; Bellingham, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Health is hiring a Crisis Outreach Clinician for the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) in Whatcom County. The role involves delivering trauma-informed, crisis services in the community, including stabilization, assessment, and short-term treatment planning.

Responsibilities include risk assessment, care coordination, and advocacy, with collaboration across internal teams and external partners. Requires relevant behavioral health education and willingness to travel in the county.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in behavioral health required for Clinician I.
• Master's degree in behavioral health required for Clinician II.
• SUDP track requires WA SUDP cert and 2+ years experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community-based assessments and crisis intervention.
• Deliver brief, recovery-focused counseling and case management.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners (DSHS, courts, schools, hospitals).
• Assess and mitigate risk factors, including suicidality.
• Facilitate access to mental health/substance use services and supports.
• Document services in the electronic health record and maintain accuracy.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Community outreach

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS/BSW)

Master's degree (MA/MS/MSW)

Associate degree (SUDP)

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Introduction

Compass Health is the region's largest private, non-profit organization providing mental health and chemical dependency services in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties of Western Washington. We provide quality creative services to children, families, and adults in a variety of outpatient, residential and inpatient settings.

Overview

Compass Health is hiring a Crisis Outreach Clinician for our Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) in Whatcom County. Whether you're a licensed clinician, associate-level professional, or certified SUDP, this is your opportunity to provide compassionate, frontline support to children, youth, and families during times of behavioral health crisis.

About the Role

As a Crisis Outreach Clinician, you'll deliver trauma-informed, recovery-oriented crisis services - often directly in the community. Your work will include crisis stabilization, assessment, short-term treatment planning, care coordination, and advocacy.

Your focus: to help stabilize crises in the moment, while building bridges to long-term support systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community-based assessments and provide crisis intervention services at homes, schools, shelters, and other locations.
• Deliver brief, recovery-focused interventions including counseling, case management, resource linkage, and referrals.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (DSHS, courts, schools, hospitals).
• Routinely assess and mitigate risk factors, including suicidality or threats to others.
• Facilitate access to mental health/substance use treatment, natural supports, and other essential services.
• Document services accurately and timely in the electronic health record.
• Participate in team collaboration, case consultation, and regular supervision.

Requirements

Clinician I:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS/BSW) in a behavioral health-related field.

Clinician II:

• Master’s degree (MA/MS/MSW) in a behavioral health-related field.

SUDP:

• Associate degree or 90 quarter/60 semester credits in human services.
• Current Washington State SUDP certification.
• 2+ years' experience.

All roles also require:

• Experience working with children, youth, or families (preferred).
• Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid WA State Driver's License, reliable vehicle, and insurance.
• DOH registration: Must apply for Agency Affiliated Counselor status upon hire (if not already credentialed).

Key Skills & Attributes

• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and documentation skills.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse populations.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Working Conditions

This is a community-based role that involves travel to client homes, schools, hospitals, and other locations across the county. Moderate physical activity and mobility are required, including lifting up to 20 lbs. You'll work mostly outside of a traditional office setting.