Mental Health Professional - Law Enforcement Co-Responder

Sound•Tukwila, WA

About The Position

Make a difference today! Sound is growing, and we are hiring a law enforcement co-responder in Tukwila, WA, in partnership with the Tukwila Police Department! Sound is one of King County’s most comprehensive providers of quality mental health and addiction treatment services, supporting our area’s most vulnerable populations. The law enforcement co-responder plays a critical role in supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health crises by working in partnership with law enforcement officers in real-time, field-based situations. This position bridges the gap between public safety and behavioral health care, ensuring individuals in crisis receive timely, appropriate, and compassionate responses that prioritize de-escalation and stabilization in the least restrictive environment. As a co-responder, you will be embedded alongside law enforcement personnel to provide on-site mental health and substance use assessments, crisis intervention, safety planning, and referral to community-based services. The primary goal is to divert individuals from emergency departments, inpatient hospitalizations, and the criminal justice system when clinically appropriate, and to facilitate immediate connection to supportive services. While it is not a primary responsibility of this position, the co-responder will have the opportunity to contribute to improving community safety and reducing stigma surrounding mental health and associated behaviors by sharing information with law enforcement partners. This educational information may include resource sharing, promoting best practices in behavioral crisis intervention, and other supportive practices. Schedule: Sunday-Wednesday, swing shift. Specific hours to be determined during the interview process. Accepting applications until April 19th.

Requirements

A Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a closely related field is required.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a mental health setting, preferably with crisis intervention or community-based services.
Must meet the definition of a Mental Health Professional (MHP) under Washington State regulations.
Washington driver’s license and insurable driving record required. Driving is an essential function of this position. The clinician will conduct outreach in the community, which requires driving between various locations in King County, and conduct home visits in response to dispatches.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
To successfully perform the essential duties of this job, an individual must be able to sit at a desk for two or more hours a day and use office equipment, including phones and computer keyboards, for two or more hours per day.
Must be able to climb in and out of a patrol vehicle and sit inside for three or more hours a day, often while using a computer.
Individuals must be able to engage vendors, team members, clients, and others over the phone and in person by voice.
Regular attendance is an essential function of the job.

Responsibilities

Provide mobile crisis outreach services in collaboration with law enforcement and community partners within a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment.
Conduct thorough clinical assessments, including evaluations for involuntary detention related to psychiatric and substance use disorders.
Ensure the dignity and respect of each individual while being responsive to the unique needs of diverse populations, including those with complex or marginalized backgrounds.
Represent the agency and the mental health profession with integrity, cultural competence, and professionalism in all interactions with clients, first responders, and community stakeholders.
Demonstrate strong clinical judgment in case investigation, crisis de-escalation, interviewing, integration of collateral information, and making timely, appropriate decisions for safe client disposition.
Participate in documentation, team meetings, and other duties as assigned to support agency operations and client outcomes.

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Premium 100% paid by Sound for team member and child coverage to age 26, depending on plan selected. Spouse/Domestic Partner coverage available at team member’s cost.
Life Insurance (2x annual salary + additional $25,000): paid by Sound
Long Term Disability Insurance (60% monthly salary): paid by Sound
Retirement Plan: Sound contributes 3% to team member’s plan; team member is 100% vested
Retirement Plan - 401(k) Plan, pre-tax and/or Roth: team member may contribute to their own plan
Health Savings Account: Sound contributes $1,133.33 (individual) or $2,266.67 (family) for eligible team members, pro-rated for new hires in first year
Flexible Spending Accounts: for health care and dependent day care costs (pre-tax)
EAP: Employee Assistance Plan
Vacation: 18 days per year, increasing with years of service.
Holidays: 9 days per year
Sick Leave: 12 days per year
Bereavement Leave: for death in the family
Parking: Free at all Sound sites
Training: Free in-house professional training and $400 annually + 3 paid days approved off-site training
Service Award: at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 & 40 years of service