Forensic Behavioral Health Navigator - Hybrid Role

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services invites applications for the DSHS BHHA Forensic Navigator position in the new Forensic Navigator program. This role supports outpatient competency restoration and diversion from courts, delivering professional behavioral health services to clients ordered by a judge.

The role blends fieldwork with home-based tasks, requires a relevant degree, and several years of community mental health and case management experience.

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 to assist understanding of 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.

Skills

Criminal court system understanding

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

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services invites applications for the DSHS BHHA Forensic Navigator position in the new Forensic Navigator program. This role supports outpatient competency restoration and diversion from courts, delivering professional behavioral health services to clients ordered by a judge.

The role blends fieldwork with home-based tasks, requires a relevant degree, and several years of community mental health and case management experience.