Client Care Navigator-CCBHC Macari Operations

The Child Center of NY; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Child Center of NY seeks a Client Care Navigator within the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) to serve as the primary contact for clients with mental health or substance use disorders. The role combines outreach, screening, triage, and care coordination to ensure timely access to services, continuity of care, and improved outcomes by helping clients navigate treatment.

You will work with clinicians, support staff, and community partners to promote seamless transitions,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Public Health, or related field required.
• 2–5 years in behavioral health, care coordination, case management, or similar role.
• Experience with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions preferred.
• Knowledge of behavioral health systems and CCBHC service model.
• Strong interpersonal, engagement, and motivational interviewing skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for referral sources and individuals entering or receiving services within the CCBHC
• Responsible for chart creation and Medicaid insurance verification
• Conduct initial screenings and needs assessments, including identification of behavioral health, medical, and social determinants of health needs
• Schedule initial appointments including initial evaluations, initial psychiatric evaluations as well as nurse appointments
• Support access to care consistent with CCBHC access standards
• Coordinate services across the CCBHC service array, including: Mental health and substance use treatment, Primary care coordination, Crisis services, Psychiatric evaluation and medication management, Facilitate referrals and warm handoffs to internal and external providers, Support care transitions (hospital discharge, detox, residential - outpatient), Ensure clients are connected to community resources (housing, benefits, employment, legal, transportation), Advocate for client access to appropriate behavioral health and social services, Educate clients and families on treatment options, recovery supports, and rights, Promote self-management, recovery, and resilience, Maintain accurate, timely documentation in Electronic Health Records (EHR), Ensure compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality standards, Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, Participate in care team meetings, case conferences, and discharge planning, Communicate changes in client status, risks, or barrie

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Engagement skills

Motivational interviewing

Trauma-informed care

Culturally responsive care

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Public Health, or related field

Job description

At The Child Center of NY, we believe every child and family deserves access to compassionate, high-quality behavioral healthcare and the support needed to thrive. For more than 70 years, we have served children and families across New York City through innovative mental health, education, wellness, and social service programs. Today, our team supports more than 40,000 children and families annually through 50 locations and 100+ programs citywide.

Summary

As the Client Care Navigator within the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), you will serve as the primary point of contact for clients with mental health and/or substance use disorders, including those with complex or co-occurring conditions. This role combines outreach, screening, triage, and care coordination to ensure timely access to services, continuity of care, and improved outcomes by helping clients navigate treatment and overcome barriers.

The Client Care Navigator supports access to the full continuum of CCBHC services, including crisis care, outpatient behavioral health treatment and community-based supports. Working closely with psychiatric providers, clinicians, support staff, administrators, and community partners, this role promotes seamless transitions, advocates for client needs, and ensures coordinated care from intake through ongoing treatment.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a primary point of contact for referral sources and individuals entering or receiving services within the CCBHC
• Responsible for chart creation and Medicaid insurance verification
• Conduct initial screenings and needs assessments, including identification of behavioral health, medical, and social determinants of health needs
• Schedule initial appointments including initial evaluations, initial psychiatric evaluations as well as nurse appointments
• Support access to care consistent with CCBHC access standards

Care Coordination & Navigation

• Coordinate services across the CCBHC service array, including:
• Mental health and substance use treatment
• Primary care coordination
• Crisis services
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Facilitate referrals and warm handoffs to internal and external providers
• Support care transitions (hospital discharge, detox, residential - outpatient)
• Ensure clients are connected to community resources (housing, benefits, employment, legal, transportation)
• Advocate for client access to appropriate behavioral health and social services
• Educate clients and families on treatment options, recovery supports, and rights
• Promote self-management, recovery, and resilience
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality standards
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team (clinicians, peers, nurses, prescribers, care managers)
• Participate in care team meetings, case conferences, and discharge planning
• Communicate changes in client status, risks, or barriers to appropriate team members

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Public Health, or related field required

Experience

• 2-5 years in behavioral health, care coordination, case management, or similar role
• Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions preferred
• Knowledge of behavioral health systems and CCBHC service model
• Strong interpersonal, engagement, and motivational interviewing skills
• Trauma-informed, culturally responsive care delivery
• Ability to manage high-acuity, complex client needs
• Strong organizational, documentation, and care coordination skills

Schedule

• Monday- Friday

The Child Center of NY is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender