Outreach Behavioral Health Co-Responder-Peer Counselor
Job Description
Evergreen Recovery Centers / San Juan County Sheriff’s Office
Outreach Behavioral Health Co-Responder
Position Title
Outreach Behavioral Health Co-Responder—Peer Counselor
Department
San Juan County Outreach / Behavioral Health
Program
Embedded Co-Responder Initiative — San Juan County Sheriff’s Office
Reports To
Program Director / COO
Employment Type
Full-Time | Non-Exempt
Location
San Juan County, WA (Field-Based)
Document ID
ERC-JD-SJC-001
Effective Date
July 2026
1. Position Summary
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
- Active criminal justice and/or probation involvement
2. Major Duties & 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.
3. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Outreach & Engagement Skills:
- 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.
Interpersonal & Behavioral Competencies:
- 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.
Operational & Organizational Skills:
- 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.
4. Qualifications & Requirements
Qualification / Requirement
Status
Washington State Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) certification required.
Preferred
High School Diploma or GED required.
Required
Valid Washington State Driver's License
Required
2+ years of providing crisis services
Preferred
Willingness to complete law enforcement familiarization training
Required
Prior relevant experience may substitute for years of experience
Substitution Allowed
Bilingual / multilingual capability
Preferred
Experience with co-responder or embedded services models
Preferred
Familiarity with San Juan County service landscape
Preferred
5. Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Field-based role requiring regular travel throughout San Juan County and surrounding service area.
- Regular and direct contact with law enforcement officers during co-response calls; requires professional conduct consistent with law enforcement protocols.
- Exposure to individuals in active crisis, including those with complex trauma histories, substance use disorders, and behavioral health conditions.
- Flexible scheduling required, including potential evening, weekend, or on-call hours based on program need.
- Must be able to operate a personal or agency vehicle; valid WA driver's license required.
- Standard office and community-based work environments; some physical demands associated with field-based outreach.
- Available to travel between islands within San Juan County to respond to behavioral health crises, conduct outreach, and provide follow-up services as needed.
6. Compliance, Confidentiality & Regulatory Obligations
This position is subject to the following regulatory and compliance frameworks:
- HIPAA (45 CFR Parts 160/164) Protected health information standards.
- 42 CFR Part 2 — substance use disorder confidentiality protection.
- RCW 71.05 — Involuntary treatment act; DCR coordination obligations.
- ERC Organizational Policies — All applicable HR, clinical, and operational SOPs.
MANDATORY REPORTING: This position is a mandatory reporter under RCW 26.44 (child abuse and neglect) and RCW 74.34 (vulnerable adult abuse). All staff must complete mandatory reporter training prior to independent caseload assignment.
