Crisis Outreach Counselor - Whatcom

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.

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.

• 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
  .

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
.