Smart Justice Navigator

Ouachita Behavioral Health & Wellness; Hot Springs (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401k retirement plan

Job summary

Ouachita Behavioral Health & Wellness is seeking a Smart Justice Navigator to deliver coordinated, person-centered case management for justice-involved individuals in Hot Springs, AR. The Navigator will assess needs, create action plans, refer to services, and monitor progress to ensure stability and reduced justice involvement.

Responsibilities include coordinating resources, maintaining HopeHub documentation, and building partnerships with local providers to enhance community safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, or a related human services field preferred.
• Experience with justice-involved individuals preferred; some college with 2–3 years working with justice-involved individuals encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments to identify strengths and needs; guide participants to services and supports.
• Build trusting relationships and be a consistent point of contact through complex systems.
• Coordinate access to housing, employment, healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment services; document progress.

Education

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

Job description

Named 2025Organization of the Year by theGreater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce,we are looking to add people to our team with a passion for making adifference.We are seeking an exceptional Smart Justice Navigator to join our 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives and creating positivechange in our community.

Ouachita Behavioral Health andWellness (OBHAW) is the oldestnonprofit mental health organization in thearea, and we arededicated to transforming lives and creating positivechange in our community. Our team members work together to createacollaborative, empowering environment where individuals are able to heal andfind hope. We are a values-driven organization and believe that thesevaluesshould guide us: Openness - Balance - Honesty & Integrity -Accountability - Work Together.

WhatWe Offer:

• Competitive salary andbenefits package.
• Paid holidays and a generousPTO (Paid Time Off) plan.
• 401k retirement plan with 4%employer match.
• Opportunities forprofessional development and career advancement within a mission-drivenorganization.
• A collaborative and inclusivework culture that values innovation, creativity, and a shared commitmentto making a difference.

Joinus today in our mission to create lasting change!

OBHAWis an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Ifyou require accommodation, please contact Human Resources at 501.620.5126.

• Healthinsurance
• Dentalinsurance
• Paidtime off
• Paidholidays
• 401kretirement plan with employer match

Position Summary:

The Navigator is responsible for delivering coordinated, person-centered case management services to justice-involved individuals while supporting effective programmatic operationsat the local level. This position serves as the primary provider for assignedparticipants and plays a central role in ensuring services are organized,documented, and responsive to individual needs.

Primary duties include conductingcomprehensive assessments, developing individualized action plans, makingappropriate referrals, and monitoring participant progress. The Navigator supports individuals referred through courts, community supervision, detention,reentry, and community partners by helping them access behavioral healthtreatment, medical care, housing, employment and education services,transportation, and other essential resources that promote stability and reducecontinued justice system involvement.

In addition to direct case management,the Navigator serves as the justice-involved liaison at the local level,facilitating communication and collaboration among courts, supervisionofficers, legal representatives, service providers, and other approved partners.This includes preparing and sharing appropriate progress updates to supportcoordinated decision-making and participant success.

The Navigator is also responsible forentering and maintaining accurate, timely participant and program data inHopeHub. The Navigator must consistently document assessments, action plans,referrals, contact, progress updates, outcomes, and other case activity. Documentationis essential for service coordination, performance monitoring, compliance withprogrammatic requirements, reporting to funders and stakeholders, and ongoingquality improvement efforts.

A key component of the role involvesdeveloping and maintaining strong community partnerships with local serviceproviders and organizations. Through outreach and collaboration, the Navigatorhelps expand available resources and strengthen the network of support forjustice-involved individuals.

Through these responsibilities, theNavigator contributes to improved participant stability, enhanced cross-systemcoordination, increased community safety, and reduced ongoing involvement inthe justice system.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor’sdegree in social work, criminal justice, or a related human services field ispreferred, along with at least one year of professional experience working withjustice-involved individuals.
• Relevantprofessional experience may be considered in place of a formal degree.Candidates with some college coursework and two to three years of experienceworking with justice-involved individuals are encouraged to apply.
• Experienceworking with justice-involved populations and familiarity with the Arkansascriminal justice system are preferred.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments with justice-involved individuals to identify strengths, needs, and barriers, and guide them in connecting with appropriate services and supports.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with participants and serve as a consistent point of contact as they navigate complex systems.
• Act as a bridge between participants and service providers to increase engagement in care plans and improve follow-through with services.
• Coordinate access to community resources, treatment options, and stabilizing supports such as housing, employment, healthcare, mental health services, and substance use treatment.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation for each participant in the designated case management system, HopeHub, in accordance with program standards and funding requirements.
• Regularly update HopeHub to reflect participant engagement, progress, barriers, and outcomes in alignment with reporting expectations and performance measures.
• Refer participants to appropriate community organizations and follow up to ensure services were received and are supporting the participant’s goals and stability.
• Support participants in setting goals, building self-sufficiency, and taking ownership of their progress while providing accountability and encouragement.
• Advocate for participants across systems, including support during court appearances, probation or parole meetings, child welfare proceedings, and other service-related appointments, as appropriate.
• Provide regular progress updates to courts, probation or parole officers, attorneys, and other approved partners to ensure coordinated communication and support.
• Work effectively with participants in a variety of environments, including courts, probation and parole offices, detention facilities, community supervision settings, and community-based locations.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local service providers, justice system partners, and other community stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with fellow Navigators, Family Advocates, Coordinators, and partner organizations to support coordinated, team-based service delivery.
• Participate in Restore Hope meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Promote collaboration among agencies and contribute to a strong, supportive network of services for justice-involved individuals.
• Perform all duties in alignment with the professional standards and values of Restore Hope.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Ethical Considerations:

• Uphold Ethical Standards – Maintain a strong understanding of professional ethical guidelines and ensure those standards are reflected in daily practice. This includes avoiding coercion, respecting participant choice, and demonstrating honesty, fairness, and integrity in all interactions.
• Practice Within Scope – Provide services only within the limits of training, experience, and professional scope of practice. Seek guidance or make appropriate referrals when a participant’s needs fall outside the Navigator’s role or expertise.
• Maintain Professional Boundaries – Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries with participants at all times. This includes avoiding dual relationships and focusing on participant goals, safety, and well-being while promoting trust, respect, and accountability.

Job Location: Hot Springs

Full-Time, exempt

Position Specific components:

HWC and CPR not required for this position

Workplace Violence Prevention Training required for this position.