Outreach Behavioral Health Co-Responder-Peer Counselor

Evergreen Recovery Centers•Everett, WA

2d•$42 - $49•Onsite

About The Position

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, and active criminal justice and/or probation involvement.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Valid Washington State Driver's License
Willingness to complete law enforcement familiarization training
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.
Proven case management experience with complex, multi-need populations.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-stress and rapidly evolving situations.
Skill in relating to diverse personality styles, cultures, and backgrounds in field and clinical settings.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for information gathering, documentation, and cross-agency collaboration.
Understands and upholds confidentiality requirements under HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and applicable state law.
Self-directed and independent working style with ability to manage a varied caseload under general supervision.
Strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
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.
Maintains high standards for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness in all documentation and reporting.
Must be able to operate a personal or agency vehicle; valid WA driver's license required.

Nice To Haves

Washington State Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) certification required.
2+ years of providing crisis services
Prior relevant experience may substitute for years of experience
Bilingual / multilingual capability
Experience with co-responder or embedded services models
Familiarity with San Juan County service landscape

Responsibilities

Follows all policies, procedures, and protocols of the Outreach Behavioral Health Team and ERC organizational standards.
Accompanies law enforcement on co-response calls as directed; 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.
Develops recovery-oriented stabilization plans in collaboration with clients and/or families; 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.
Provides follow-up services when clinically appropriate and necessary.
Communicates client progress through weekly interdisciplinary team meetings and supervision; collaborates with community agencies and law enforcement.
Maintains current knowledge of community resources, eligibility criteria, and referral pathways across San Juan County.
Attends coordination meetings with law enforcement, county partners, and ERC leadership as required.
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.
Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor, consistent with the scope of this position.