Justice-Involved Support Navigator

BestSelf; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Justice Involved Support Specialist at BestSelf Behavioral Health supports individuals affected by the criminal justice system through needs-based screenings and referrals to community resources. You will work with the New York Statewide Comprehensive Screening Project and coordinate with court staff to facilitate connections to housing, healthcare, and social services.

Reporting to the Program Director, you will maintain accurate records, participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or closely related human service field or Associate degree in behavioral health with at least 2 years of related experience.
• LCSW, LMHC, and/or CASAC is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience working with Justice Involved population.
• Must be well-versed in Medication Assisted Treatments, relevant community resources, multi-disciplinary team methodology, and substance abuse treatment theory and methods.
• Practice Person-Centered Care and have a clinical orientation grounded in a harm reduction approach.
• Must be able to relate effectively to diverse backgrounds and to work well in a structured setting.
• Must possess excellent communication skills using all methods.
• Must be able to build effective relationships with community referral sources.

Responsibilities

• Conduct brief screenings to identify social determinants of health needs (housing, food, transportation, healthcare) and challenges related to substance use and mental health.
• Connect individuals to community-based organizations addressing their needs.
• Collaborate with court staff, pretrial services, harm reduction agencies, diversion specialists, peers, and community organizations.
• Create, maintain, and update community resources and service provider database.
• Maintain accurate records of screenings and referrals and document client care.
• Work to overcome barriers to service and treatment access for individuals with criminal legal involvement.
• Participate in training and integrate into treatment court structure and processes.
• Attend treatment team meetings and collaborate with referral sources.
• Collaborate with Justice entities and internal teams to provide value-driven outcomes & care for justice-involved clients.
• Complete all agency trainings and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Justice Involved population experience

Communication skills

Harm reduction approach

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Associates degree in behavioral health with 2+ years experience

LCSW/LMHC/CASAC preferred

Job description

The Justice Involved Support Specialist at BestSelf Behavioral Health supports individuals affected by the criminal justice system through needs-based screenings and referrals to community resources. You will work with the New York Statewide Comprehensive Screening Project and coordinate with court staff to facilitate connections to housing, healthcare, and social services.

Reporting to the Program Director, you will maintain accurate records, participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings, and