Assistant Manager - Health - Response Systems
Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA, United States
Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department is seeking an
Assistant Manager
in the
Response Systems Division
to help lead critical behavioral health crisis response and field-based intervention services. This position plays a key leadership role in supporting the operations of the Response Systems Division, working at the intersection of behavioral health, public safety, and community-based services. The Assistant Manager provides both operational and clinical leadership in fast-paced, high-risk environments and helps advance innovative crisis response and diversion strategies aligned with County priorities. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, sound clinical judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively across systems including law enforcement, corrections, behavioral health, healthcare, EMS and social services.
Essential Job Duties
Oversee day-to-day operations of field-based crisis response programs, including coordination with multidisciplinary partners.
Provide clinical consultation and operational guidance to staff working in dynamic, high-risk environments.
Supervise program supervisors and support staff performance, development, and retention.
Lead and support strategic initiatives related to crisis system redesign, diversion programs, and alternative response models.
Oversee training programs to ensure compliance with Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) standards and best practices in crisis response and field safety.
Manage and support use of care coordination and case management systems (e.g., Julota) to improve real-time data sharing and system coordination.
Support development and oversight of program budgets, grants, and funding tied to crisis response services.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and collective bargaining agreements.
Serve as a liaison with law enforcement, fire/EMS, hospitals, and community providers.
Respond to complex and sensitive inquiries, complaints, and service issues with a strong focus on public service and accountability.
Hours of Work
Monday–Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Schedule may include occasional evenings or weekends based on operational needs.
Work Location
509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. Hybrid or field-based work may be required depending on assignment.
Salary Range
Unrepresented- Range 10, $7,635.00 - $11,086.00 per month DOQ. Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%), subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
Supervisor: Response Systems Manager.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field
4 years of progressively responsible related experience
3 years of supervisory experience
Current State licensure as a Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW) or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in crisis response systems, behavioral health field services, or emergency response coordination
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and their family
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash‑out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.
Paid Time Off Accrual by employment year:
1st – 4th year: 18.00 hours per month (5.4 weeks per year)
5th – 9th year: 21.33 hours per month (6.4 weeks per year)
10th+ year: 24.67 hours per month (7.4 weeks per year)
Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
$50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additional benefit information
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Manager
in the
Response Systems Division
to help lead critical behavioral health crisis response and field-based intervention services. This position plays a key leadership role in supporting the operations of the Response Systems Division, working at the intersection of behavioral health, public safety, and community-based services. The Assistant Manager provides both operational and clinical leadership in fast-paced, high-risk environments and helps advance innovative crisis response and diversion strategies aligned with County priorities. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, sound clinical judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively across systems including law enforcement, corrections, behavioral health, healthcare, EMS and social services.
Essential Job Duties
Oversee day-to-day operations of field-based crisis response programs, including coordination with multidisciplinary partners.
Provide clinical consultation and operational guidance to staff working in dynamic, high-risk environments.
Supervise program supervisors and support staff performance, development, and retention.
Lead and support strategic initiatives related to crisis system redesign, diversion programs, and alternative response models.
Oversee training programs to ensure compliance with Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) standards and best practices in crisis response and field safety.
Manage and support use of care coordination and case management systems (e.g., Julota) to improve real-time data sharing and system coordination.
Support development and oversight of program budgets, grants, and funding tied to crisis response services.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and collective bargaining agreements.
Serve as a liaison with law enforcement, fire/EMS, hospitals, and community providers.
Respond to complex and sensitive inquiries, complaints, and service issues with a strong focus on public service and accountability.
Hours of Work
Monday–Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Schedule may include occasional evenings or weekends based on operational needs.
Work Location
509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. Hybrid or field-based work may be required depending on assignment.
Salary Range
Unrepresented- Range 10, $7,635.00 - $11,086.00 per month DOQ. Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%), subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
Supervisor: Response Systems Manager.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field
4 years of progressively responsible related experience
3 years of supervisory experience
Current State licensure as a Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW) or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in crisis response systems, behavioral health field services, or emergency response coordination
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and their family
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash‑out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.
Paid Time Off Accrual by employment year:
1st – 4th year: 18.00 hours per month (5.4 weeks per year)
5th – 9th year: 21.33 hours per month (6.4 weeks per year)
10th+ year: 24.67 hours per month (7.4 weeks per year)
Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
$50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additional benefit information
#J-18808-Ljbffr