Salary: $32.41 - $46.74 Hourly
Location : County Courthouse - 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Superior/Juvenile Court Administration
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 4:59 PM Pacific
Salary: DOQ

Summary
Whatcom County is currently recruiting for a Behavioral Health Specialist in the Juvenile division of Superior Court Administration.

The position provides intensive case management, or non-emergent crisis response or other applicable behavioral health services to youth working with Juvenile Court. The position provides screening, outreach, engagement and supportive services for participants through case management activities and collaboration with juvenile probation officers/court services officers, service providers, and other community organizations.

Key Duties Include:

• Cultivates contacts and establish and maintain positive, effective, collaborative working relationships with agencies and organizations throughout Whatcom County in an effort to care for and assist individuals working with Juvenile Court who are in need of behavioral health services.
• Engages with youth and youth adults with a focus on Opioid/SUD services, medication assisted treatment (MAT) and other behavioral health and wellness services.
• Provides outreach, coordination and liaison services to youth who use opioids, are suspected of having a substance use disorder or are in need of mental health services.
• Collaborates with outside service providers to bridge gaps in existing community social services to better serve the unique needs of individuals encountered and help reduce barriers experienced by juveniles involved with Juvenile Court. This may include facilitating meetings to ensure collaborative care.
• Attends weekly probation staffing and detention interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Provides weekly skill group for youth in juvenile detention.
• Facilitate access to and coordinate SUD assessment and treatment services.
• Provides advocacy and support for participants within the social service, medical and/or criminal justice system including court appearances, written communication and follow up with probation, judicial officers, mental health and substance use disorder providers, , medical care and other community partners.
• Collects and maintains accurate data and case records in accordance with HIPPA (45 CFR Parts 160) and Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records (42 CFR Part 2). Maintains records in case management system.

Supervisor: Superior and Juvenile Court Administrator

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

For more information please see the job description and supplemental job description.
Salary Range:

• MCBA- Range 160.0

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).
Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's degree in social work, social sciences or other field directly related to human services AND 3 years of professional experience working with juveniles with behavioral health and/or substance use disorders.

Experience working with families desired.

Special Requirements:

• Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Background check must meet County criteria, including disclosure of serious crimes and sex crimes per RCW 43.43.
• Must have current Washington State Suicide Prevention Training, or obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six months of employment and maintain throughout employment.
• Must complete pre-employment polygraph examination.

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

Whatcom County offers at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
• Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• (EAP)
• Additional

01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in social work, social sciences, or another field directly related to human services?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least three years of professional experience working with juveniles with behavioral health and/or substance use disorders?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have professional experience providing case management or supportive services to youth?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience working with individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental health needs?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience collaborating with courts, probation, behavioral health providers, social service agencies, or other community partners?

• Yes
• No

06

Briefly describe your experience working with juveniles with behavioral health and/or substance use needs.
Required Question