DSHS BHHA Forensic Navigator

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free ORCA card

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) BHHA, is seeking a Forensic Navigator to help reshape the delivery of forensic mental health services in Washington State. The role blends fieldwork with remote duties, including collaboration with courts, community providers, and clients in outpatient competency restoration and diversion efforts.

You will support the development of a brand-new forensic mental health program, work as an Officer of the Court, and coordinate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or human services field; AND
• Minimum five years of professional experience working in community mental health, must be non-inpatient services; AND
• Minimum five years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community.
• Able to demonstrate understanding of the criminal court system.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development of a brand new forensic mental health program in Washington.
• Fulfill duties as Officer of the Court.
• Collect relevant information about clients, including behavioral health services and supports available that might support placement in outpatient restoration, diversion, or some combination of these programs.
• Meet with, interview, and observe clients.
• Present information to courts in order to assist their understanding of the treatment options available to clients, to support the entry of orders for diversion from the forensic mental health system, or for community-based outpatient competency restoration, and to facilitate that transition.
• Assist clients with attending appointments and classes relating to outpatient competency restoration.
• Coordinate access to housing for clients.
• Meet with clients on a regular basis to monitor progress and identify barriers.
• Provide information to courts concerning client progress and compliance with court-ordered conditions of release, which may include appearing at court hearings.
• Coordinate clients' access to community case management services and mental health services.
• Assist clients with obtaining prescribed medications, and encourage adherence to prescribed medications.
• Plan for a coordinated transition of the client to a case manager in the community behavioral health system.
• Complete timely documentation, including discharge planning and treatment summaries, caseload data entry and progress notes, and various reports.

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or human services field

Master's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or human services field preferred/desired

Equivalent professional experience/education as described above

Job description

DSHS BHA Forensic Navigator - WMS Band 1

Are you a passionate mental health advocate? Are you excited about an opportunity to help change how people experiencing behavioral health issues are treated in the criminal court system and in our communities?

Join the Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) and make a positive impact within our community by becoming a behavioral health advocate and helping shape the future of forensic mental health services in Washington State. The Office of Forensic Mental Health Services, Forensic Navigator program is a new approach that seeks to divert criminally involved people with diagnosed behavioral health issues, whose competency to stand trial has been called into question, out of the criminal courts and institutional hospitals and into community-based treatment programs.

As a Forensic Navigator, you will deliver professional and specialized support services to patients who are ordered by a judge to receive outpatient competency restoration treatment. The value you'll provide goes beyond a one-time interaction and gives you the opportunity to help make a difference. We are looking for team players who have a calling to work in the behavioral health field, have a strong work ethic, and consistently display good judgment. In return, you'll receive an excellent benefits package that rivals any employer in Washington State, a challenging career, and exciting chances to learn and grow.

This is a hybrid opportunity, where work occurs both in the field and from home. There will be some travel required on occasion. King County employees are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Please note that although this role is a flex/hybrid role, you will be required to work in the field on a regular basis where all meetings, interviews, and observations will take place.

Some Of You'll Do

• Assist with the development of a brand new forensic mental health program in Washington.
• Fulfill duties as Officer of the Court.
• Collect relevant information about clients, including behavioral health services and supports available that might support placement in outpatient restoration, diversion, or some combination of these programs.
• Meet with, interview, and observe clients.
• Present information to courts in order to assist their understanding of the treatment options available to clients, to support the entry of orders for diversion from the forensic mental health system, or for community-based outpatient competency restoration, and to facilitate that transition.
• Assist clients with attending appointments and classes relating to outpatient competency restoration.
• Coordinate access to housing for clients.
• Meet with clients on a regular basis to monitor progress and identify barriers.
• Provide information to courts concerning client progress and compliance with court-ordered conditions of release, which may include appearing at court hearings.
• Coordinate clients' access to community case management services and mental health services.
• Assist clients with obtaining prescribed medications, and encourage adherence to prescribed medications.
• Plan for a coordinated transition of the client to a case manager in the community behavioral health system.
• Complete timely documentation, including discharge planning and treatment summaries, caseload data entry and progress notes, and various reports.

We Are Looking For Professionals With

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or human services field; AND
• Minimum five years of professional experience working in community mental health, must be non-inpatient services; AND
• Minimum five years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community.
• Able to demonstrate understanding of the criminal court system.

OR

• Master's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or human services field preferred/desired; AND
• Minimum two years of professional experience working in community mental health, must be non-inpatient services; AND
• Minimum two years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community.
• Able to demonstrate understanding of the criminal court system. OR
• Equivalent professional experience/education as described above.

See why people like you choose to work for DSHS:

Interested?

• Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align to the requirements for this role
• Current chronological resume
• Three current professional references, including your current/most recent supervisor

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions?

Please contact the recruiter, Chris by email at [e-mail] and reference 07614 as the subject.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Neb) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

• Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
• Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
• To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
• Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
• Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
• The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

• State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
• Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026