Assistant Manager - Health - Response Systems

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 include:

• 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.

For more information please review the job description.

Supervisor: Response Systems Manager

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).

We are required by State Law to list the full salary range.  As a public entity, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees.  Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience related to behavioral health, crisis response, emergency response coordination, or a related field, including three (3) years of supervisory experience. 
• Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties of the position may be considered. Experience may substitute for education and education may substitute for experience when appropriate. Substitution does not apply where a specific degree, license, or certification is required by law, regulation, or professional standards. 

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field.
• Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), or comparable clinical licensure.
• Experience in crisis response systems, behavioral health field services, emergency response coordination, diversion programs, or co-responder models.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Other Job Requirements:

• Requires written agreement to permanent confidentiality covering all client-related information per 42.CFR, part 2.
•  Authorize and successfully complete a background check prior to employment. 
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets County standards at time of hire and throughout employment. 
• Obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six (6) months of employment and maintain throughout employmen

Benefits:

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

• 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.
  
  

Employment Year	Accrual - Month	Accrual - Year
1st – 4th year	18.00 hours	5.4 Weeks
5th – 9th year	21.33 hours	6.4 Weeks
10th year	24.67 hours	7.4 Weeks

• 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 

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

Salary : $91,620 - $133,032