Salary: $7,203.00 - $10,458.00 Monthly
Location : State Street Building - 1500 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Health Department
Division: Response Systems
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Summary
Whatcom County is recruiting for the position of Response Systems Supervisor with responsibilities including program operations for Mental Health Court and Mental Health Sentencing Alternatives, coordination and development support of additional legal system diversion programs (Therapeutic Courts, Bellingham Community Court and Prosecutorial Diversion Programs), community needs assessment as it relates to legal system changes, support of the Justice Project implementation plan and data collection/program evaluation of legal system coordination.

Essential Duties Include:

• Overseeing assigned program and services, working with federal, state, regional, and local community partners and other departments to provide effective and responsive systems of care and support.
• Directly supervising assigned staff, contractors, volunteers and interns who may work independently on rotating shift schedules in the field. Overseeing and participating in providing all necessary direct service activities to carry out requirements and goals of programs or projects.
• Acting as a resource to community-wide stakeholders regarding program operations; emerging community issues; availability of funds or resources; and application of existing or proposed federal, state and local legislation, regulations and guidelines. Represents the County as spokesperson at public meetings, as assigned.
• Representing assigned programs to external stakeholders on behalf of the County.
• Coordinating all aspects of policy and planning for assigned program.
• Researching and coordinating the collection, development, and advanced analysis of data and other relevant information.
• Participating as a member of the Response Systems management team in identifying and achieving department goals.
• Assisting in the planning and development of the budget, work schedules and staffing levels.

Supervisor: Response Systems Manager

Work Location: State Street

For more information please see the
Salary: $7,203 - $10,458 per month

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).

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.
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field
• 6 years of progressively responsible experience in the administration of human services programs
• 4 years of lead or supervisory experience.
• Current, valid Washington State license to practice as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Psychologist.
• Experience working with housing and/or homeless issues preferred.
• Crisis intervention work is highly desirable.
• Experience working with Limited English Proficiency individuals and communities is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice or other related human services field strongly preferred.
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 an average of 13 paid holidays per year
• 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 health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional is available online.

01

Do you have a Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice or other related human services field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in the administration of human services programs?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have at least 4 years of lead or supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a current, valid Washington State license to practice as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Psychologist? Please list your credential and number:
Required Question