Assistant Veteran Navigator

Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority; Detroit (MI); Remote; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority is seeking an Assistant Veteran Navigator to support Veterans and their families with mental illness and substance use disorders. This role involves providing direct interventions, conducting follow-ups, and creating a supportive environment for recovery. Candidates should have a high school diploma and experience with emotional impairments, along with knowledge of behavioral health principles. The position is primarily remote, requiring occasional travel throughout Wayne County.

Qualifications

• One year of experience working with individuals with emotional impairments.
• At least two years of military service in the US Armed Forces preferred.
• Experience assisting Veterans and working with the Veteran’s Administration Hospital.

Responsibilities

• Provides ongoing support for Veterans and Military families.
• Conducts follow up calls and interacts with Veterans and their families.
• Assists the Peer Navigator and performs outreach activities.

Skills

Knowledge of DWIHN policies

Knowledge of behavioral health

Communication skills

Active Listening skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork Skills

Judgement/Reasoning ability

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Tools

Word

Excel

Access

Power Point

Outlook

Teams

Job description

The Assistant Veteran Navigator provides support to Veterans and families of those in the Military with mental illness and substance use disorders.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides ongoing support for Veterans and Military families.
• Provides a variety of supportive services and direct interventions with Military Veterans.
• Conducts follow up calls, attends meetings and interacts with Veterans and their families after the Navigators initial contact with a Veteran/Military Family member.
• Assists the Peer Navigator by providing additional wraparound services and support.
• Performs additional outreach activities in the community to expand services and Veteran resources in Wayne County.
• Shares relevant personal experiences related to the “Recovery Process” for the benefit of individuals in recovery.
• Shares personal experiences as a Veteran, Returning Citizen Veteran, or Veteran that has had trouble getting reacclimated to civilian life after their time in the military. This experience could be, but is not limited to, prior substance use issues, mental health, or physical injuries.
• Creates a supportive environment for an individual’s recovery.
• Assists the Navigator by observing and reporting information for individuals’ changes in mental health status, physical appearance and behavior.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, monthly Veteran Navigator project (Walking with Warriors) conference calls and quarterly in person Veteran Navigator project meetings.
• Provides concrete services to individuals e.g. transportation in the context of recovery.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with individual staff, outside agencies and vendors.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’S)

• Knowledge of DWIHN policies, procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of the DWIHN provider network and community resources.
• Knowledge of MDHHS policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Knowledge of behavioral health and mental health principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Peer Support principles and practices.

• Knowledge of Military Cultural Competence and Veteran Affairs.
• Knowledge of Suicide Prevention, Resilience and Crisis Intervention.
• Assessment skills.
• Evaluation skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Communication skills.
• Active Listening skills.
• Computer skills (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook, Teams).
• Teamwork Skills.
• Ability to communicate orally.
• Ability to communicate in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to work with an ethnically, linguistically, culturally, economically and socially diverse population.
• Judgement/Reasoning ability.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

High school diploma or a G.E.D.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year of experience working with individuals with emotional impairments.

D ES IRED EXPERIENCE:

At least two years of military service in the US Armed Forces, desired.

NOTE: Experience must include experience assisting Veterans, receiving Veteran’s services, working with the Veteran’s Administration Hospital or receiving behavioral health services. Experience working with veterans in Wayne County is preferable.

REQUIRED LICENSE(S).

A valid State of Michigan Driver’s License with a safe and acceptable driving record.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Must receive training and certification in Military Cultural Competency, the MHFA with Veteran Module, Suicide Prevention, Resilience and Crisis Intervention as part of the Walking with Warriors Veteran Navigator project.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Work is usually performed in an office setting but requires the employee to drive to different sites throughout Wayne County and the State of Michigan. This position can work remotely with supervisory approval. Currently this position is primarily a remote position.

This description is not intended to be a complete statement of job content, rather to act as a general description of the essential functions performed. Management retains the discretion to add or change the position at any time.

Please Note: DWIHN requires proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions that may be required by law, will be approved when properly supported. Further information will be provided during the recruitment process.

The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer