A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
•10,000 Signing Bonus•!!! Important! Applicants must apply with a required employment application on our website at www.okbhc.org to be considered. Click on the Employment tab to access job postings and apply. As a Mobile Crisis Team Designated Crisis Responder (DCR), you will provide vital, field-based psychiatric emergency services across Okanogan County. Operating as an integrated member of our Mobile Crisis Team , you will respond directly to individuals in the community experiencing acute behavioral health or substance use crises. Your primary objective is to use field-based de-escalation tactics, explore less restrictive community care, and conduct legal evaluations to determine the need for involuntary commitment under Washington state law (RCW 71.05 and 71.34).
Key Responsibilities Field-Based Investigation:
Conduct on-site, community-based evaluations alongside Mobile Crisis team members to assess immediate safety risks and determine if an individual meets involuntary treatment criteria.
Crisis De-escalation:
Use evidence-based crisis intervention models to de-escalate acute behavioral health emergencies directly in the field. Less Restrictive Alternatives (LRAs): Actively explore and implement community-based, least-restrictive treatment options before initiating involuntary hospitalizations.
Bed Coordination:
Coordinate with evaluation and treatment facilities, secure withdrawal management, and hospitals statewide to find placement for individuals requiring involuntary care.
Team Consultation:
Provide specialized clinical oversight and legal expertise to Mobile Crisis co-responders and local emergency personnel.
Legal Coordination:
Prepare necessary legal documentation, coordinate with the courts and legal systems, and provide testimony during commitment hearings.
Safety Planning:
Collaborate with the individual, their family, and mobile team members to develop actionable safety and transition plans. Our Culture & Team Support At Okanogan Behavioral Health Care, we know that crisis work is both deeply rewarding and uniquely challenging. We protect against burnout by prioritizing a culture of safety, mutual respect, and genuine teamwork:
You Are Never Alone:
We operate under a robust team-based model. You will always have a co-responder, teammates, and accessible leadership backing you up in the field.
Clinical Supervision & Mentorship:
Receive regular, high-level clinical guidance and administrative support to help you navigate complex legal and clinical scenarios confidently.
Culture of Wellness:
We actively foster an approachable, collaborative environment where staff well-being, open communication, and peer support are part of our daily routine.
Qualifications:
Education:
Master's Degree in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field is required . Must have one of the following licenses from the
Washinton Department of Health:
LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) LICSW-A (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate) LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) LMHC-A (Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate) LAAC (Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor)
DCR Certification:
Must have completed or be willing to complete the specialized Washington State DCR training.
Experience:
Previous clinical, mobile crisis, or field-based intervention experience is preferred.
Requirements:
Valid and unrestricted Washington State Driver's License required, as the position requires significant travel throughout the geographically large Okanogan County.
Why You'll Love Living & Working Here Stunning Landscapes:
Work amid the beautiful North Cascades, Columbia River, and Methow Valley.
Outdoor Paradise:
Enjoy world-class hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing, and boating right in your backyard.
Close-Knit Community:
Experience the safety, warmth, and authentic charm of rural Pacific Northwest towns.
No Traffic:
Swap stressful city commutes for scenic drives through some of the state's most beautiful terrain.
Meaningful Impact:
See the direct, positive results of your work in a small community that truly values healthcare professionals.
Overtime Coverage:
While this is a salaried position, extra pay is provided for designated after-hours, on-call crisis response, and pre-approved shift coverage exceeding standard full-time hours. 24/7 Operations & Non-Traditional Schedules Because mental health emergencies can happen at any hour, our Mobile Crisis Team operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year . To maintain this continuous community coverage, we offer dynamic, non-traditional scheduling options that allow you to balance professional impact with personal freedom:
Compressed Workweeks:
Options for block scheduling (such as 3-day or 4-day shifts) to maximize your time off.
Diverse Shift Selections:
Availability across day, evening, overnight, and weekend rotations. Salary range is $86,600to $88,500 per year DOE. And a $10,000 signing bonus!!! This is a full-time, salary exempt position. OBHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$86,600.00 - $88,500.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance
