Salary : $31.54 - $45.48 Hourly
Location : Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : B050
Department : Public Defender's Office
Opening Date : 02 / 21 / 2025
Closing Date : 3 / 9 / 2025 4 : 30 PM Pacific
Salary : DOQ
Summary
Whatcom County Public Defender's Office is seeking an experienced professional to fill a Behavioral Health Specialist position. This position works with attorneys to identify defendants who would benefit from screening, consultation, support and referral to appropriate behavioral health services. The position will assist defendants to engage with services and will serve as liaison with community treatment providers.
Key job duties include :
Screening clients for mental illness, substance use disorders, potential risk of harm and risk factors.Works with attorneys to create strategies that optimize defendant's ability to comply with all legal requirements and court orders. Consults with attorneys regarding clinical assessments / opinions, interpret records and to help arrange expert evaluations of clients when indicated.Testify in court.Develop alternative sentencing plans that may include treatment, supervision, residential placement, medication management, case management services, housing, vocational services, and transportation.Supervisor : Chief Deputy Public Defender
Hours of Work : Monday to Friday, 8 : 00 am - 5 : 00 pm
For more information, please review the job descriptions :
Salary Range :
2024 wages are listed. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated (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, counseling or a closely related field3 years of professional experience including interviewing, assessing and preparing client reports and dealing with a variety of client issues such as chronic mental illness or physical, sexual, alcohol and drug abuse.Master's degree preferred.State licensure as a Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor preferred.Experience working within the criminal justice system desired.Driving record that meets County standardsPossess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employmentBackground check must meet County criteriaAt its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!
Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including :
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their familyGenerous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per yearEligibilty for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employeesOption to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement PlanFlexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and / or dependent care expensesVoluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Additional benefit informationPlease check which of the following qualifications you meet :
Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling or a closely related field..3 years of professional experience including interviewing, assessing and preparing client reports and dealing with a variety of client issues such as chronic mental illness or physical, sexual, alcohol and drug abuse.I do not meet any of these qualifications.Please describe your experience working within the criminal justice system.
Required Question
Salary : $32 - $45
