Involuntary Commitment Coordinator

Involuntary Commitment Coordinator

Salary

$139,552.19 - $176,890.48 Annually

Location

Chinook Building 401 5th Avenue Seattle, WA

Job Type

Career Service (Exec)

Job Number

2026AL27172

Department

DCHS - Community & Human Srvcs

Division

Behavioral Health and Recovery

Opening Date

06/12/2026

Closing Date

6/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines

Full- or Part-Time

Full Time

Hours/Week

40 hours/week

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans and those with lived experience.

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, self-reliant, and connected to community.

The Involuntary Commitment Coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of King County's Involuntary Commitment program within the Behavioral Health & Recovery Division (BHRD). BHRD's overall mission is to provide accessible, quality behavioral health services to low income residents throughout King County, including crisis intervention services.

This position requires highly specialized knowledge of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 71.05, 71.34, related Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), Washington State Designated Crisis Responder Protocols, and the legal process of commitment. This position requires expertise as part of the overall behavioral health care delivery system, in particular the crisis system, and will provide leadership and strategic direction to help achieve BHRD's long-term strategic goals. This position will report to the Chief of Strategy and Operations/Interim Deputy Director and will play a critical role in BHRD's efforts to ensure a comprehensive crisis response system across King County and contribute to the integration of behavioral and physical health countywide.

This position will work with BHRD executive leadership to implement a strategic vision that works towards reduced psychiatric hospitalizations and increased less restrictive community alternatives, oversees and monitors The Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) budget and funds, and ensures collaboration across the King County Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization (BH-ASO) and the Integrated Care Network (KCICN), other behavioral health providers, community hospitals, criminal justice jail systems, and other relevant stakeholders and partners. This position includes the direct supervision of the Crisis and Commitment Services (CCS) Supervisor staff and oversight of Designated Crisis Responder staff.

The incumbent in this position will align all work with the mission of the Departments Equity and Social Justice strategic plan (i.e., to reinforce and embed equity and social justice principles into policies, practices, attitudes and actions that produce equitable access, opportunities, treatment, impacts and outcomes for all). The successful candidate will prepare high level briefing material and reports for use internally and externally by the Division and Department. The role includes briefing of senior county officials and elected officials such as King County Council and the state legislature. The position will be called upon to represent the Division and the County at various meetings and functions and in the media.

Job Duties

To be considered minimally qualified applicant must demonstrate a background that provides the knowledge, skills and ability to:

• Serve as formal Involuntary Commitment Coordinator according to Washington State law, rules and regulations and the needs of the local community.
• Plan, develop and coordinate all aspects of the CCS Involuntary Commitment program.
• Develop and implement office practice standards and ensure they are followed.
• Develop annual work plan for office which provides services 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Monitor and direct staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage of services for all hours of operations and schedule extra help when needed.
• Develop and implement hiring practices, supervise and evaluate staff and negotiate union contracts in coordination with HR.
• Coordinate program budget with DCHS fiscal staff, projecting caseloads, staffing and program needs.
• Assures that the Electronic Health Record tool is up to date with documentation needs.
• Develop supportive data and statistics and advocate for needs of individuals receiving CCS services.
• Review, analyze, comment on and recommend changes to proposed statutory amendments, state rules and regulations or County proposals that affect and/or impact program operations and service delivery to persons with behavioral health disorders/treatment needs.
• clearly and effectively communicate complex ideas with a wide array of partners, stakeholders, and broader communities.
• Represent the division and department at meetings, committees, task forces, workgroups, and to the public, providing information and advice regarding Crisis & Commitment Services and BHRD's ITA goals and objectives.
• Oversee and assure compliance of aggregated information on quality, timeliness, and access to CCS ITA Commitment Services to all King County residents.
• Provide leadership for, and contribute to the development of, CCS policies and strategies to deliver efficient and effective CCS ITA Commitment Services to the community.
• Identify opportunities for partnership that increase the coordination of CCS ITA Commitment Services in an integrated manner that supports a recovery-oriented system of care.
• Lead and coordinate KC CCS ITA Commitment Services integration efforts with BH providers, hospitals, jails, MCOs, ASOs, HCAs and other stakeholders.
• Serve on BHRD Plan Management Group and Quality Improvement Committee.
• Align existing and new work of the division with the Countys Equity and Social Justice Plan.
• Supervision of staff, including employee development, performance management, employee engagement activities and facilitation of section staff meetings if assigned.
• Provide direct services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

WE ARE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE:

• Master's degree in Counseling, Social Services, Public Health or Public Administration.
• Mental Health Professional as defined in WAC 246-341-0200 and RCW 71.05.020.
• Highly specialized knowledge of RCW 71.05, 71.34 and related WACs and the legal process of commitment.
• Experience in testifying as an expert witness.
• Experience in crisis de-escalation and defusing hostile /violent behavior.
• Knowledge of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychological Association (DSM V) and how to apply to a determination of incapacity and involuntary commitment.
• Knowledge of King County behavioral health network and programs/resources offering alternatives to involuntary commitment.
• Knowledge of and experience in providing behavioral health services.
• At least five years recent experience in management in behavioral health and/or equivalent education or supervision and management skills and practice.
• Knowledge of principles of equity and social justice and demonstrated ability to work with individuals and/or groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills including collaboration, team player and good listening skills.
• Advanced knowledge of other complex systems and issues such as physical and behavioral health, integrated healthcare, homelessness, criminal justice diversion and re-entry, education and employment.
• Understanding of specific issues related to high-risk, high-need populations and high utilizer groups.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects using current project management principles, methodologies and processes.
• Experience developing, implementing and monitoring to measurable outcomes.
• Skill in organizing, planning, and executing large-scale, complex multi-phase projects requiring multiple organization integration from vision to implementation; skill in preparing detailed and appropriate project documentation.
• Advanced skill in effectively communicating orally and in writing including making formal presentations to groups and committees; influencing decision makers in a political environment; and working with the media.
• Skill in gathering, analyzing and synthesizing data; writing papers and reports including ability to present statistical and narrative information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Skill in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision making; handling multiple competing priorities.
• Valid Washington State Drivers License and/or the ability to travel throughout the county in a timely manner.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience as a Washington State Designated Crisis Responder or Supervisor of Designated Crisis Responders.
• Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) as defined by WAC 246-811-010 and RCW 18.205.
• Knowledge of King County's Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization service delivery and contract requirements.
• Knowledge of King Countys recovery-oriented system of care, Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Sales Tax, Veteran and Human Service Levy and Best Starts for Kids program and other King County initiatives.
• In recovery or have lived experiences in behavioral health.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

• This position has been designated Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
• This position requires in person work and the primary onsite location is Chinook, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
• This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime. Typical hours are Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.
• This position is not represented by a union.
• Classification: Involuntary Commitment Coordinator

WHO MAY APPLY:

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. Interviews for this selection process will take place the week of July 20, 2026. Candidates who wish to be considered for this position must submit an online King County application and respond to the supplemental questions. Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the requested and relevant information in the online application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications and/or supplemental questionnaires that state, "see my resume" are considered incomplete and will not be considered to be competitive. If you have any questions, please contact Alicia Larsen, alarsen@kingcounty.gov.

This selection process will fill our current vacancy but also create a pool of qualified candidates should additional Involuntary Commitment Coordinator positions open up within the next 6 months.

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington States best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, were changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live, work and play.Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01

Are you applying to this position as an eligible Priority Placement Program Participant who is a current or previous King County Employee impacted by layoff? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

02

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

03

Which do you possess?

• Masters degree in Counseling
• Masters degree in Social Services
• Masters degree in Public Administration
• I do not possess any of these qualifications.

04

Are you a Mental Health Professional as defined in WAC 246-341-0200 and RCW 71.05.020?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have highly specialized knowledge of RCW 71.05, 71.34 and related WACs and the legal process of commitment?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have at least five years recent experience in management in behavioral health and/or equivalent education or supervision and management skills and practice?

• Yes
• No

07

If you do not have at least five years recent experience in management in behavioral health and/or equivalent education or supervision and management skills and practice, please explain how you believe that you meet this requirement.

08

This is a three-part question about equity, race and social justice (ERSJ), which is integral to the work we do in King County. 1. How do you define ERSJ? 2. How have you worked to further ERSJ in your current or previous jobs? 3. How do you think ERSJ relates to this position and the behavioral health and well-being of our communities, and how would you apply ERSJ principles in this work?

Required Question

Employer King County

Address King Street Center

201 South Jackson Street

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Phone 206-477-3404

Website http://www.kingcounty.gov/