Forensic Behavioral Health Navigator

Position Summary:

Forensic Behavioral Health Navigators help individuals with mental illness and co occurring substance use disorders “navigate” the criminal justice and behavioral health systems - including the maze of treatment programs, courts, law enforcement, probation and parole, and community support services so that they can live successful lives in the community. Navigators reduce barriers that keep individuals with behavioral health challenges from getting timely treatment by identifying behavioral health needs and connecting individuals to appropriate resources and away from jail. The linkage is intended to divert individuals from further penetration in the criminal justice system, provide alternatives to arrest and incarceration, support reentry from jail.

The Behavioral Health Navigator will serve all programs offered by the Behavioral Health and Justice Division (BHJD) of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) which are at the intersection of the behavioral health and criminal justice. Navigator will work across intercepts in response to the needs of the population of justice-involved individuals with behavioral health needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work to strengthen collaboration between BHJD/DBHIDS and other City agencies, including the Philadelphia Municipal Court and Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Defender Association of Philadelphia, City of Philadelphia’s Managing Director’s Office of Criminal Justice, and the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.
• Provide high level of timely and effective communication with internal and external partners to ensure program goals and objectives are met.
• Conduct screenings and assessments and provide treatment plans based on individual needs for program participants.
• Complete behavioral health treatment/service history research for participants, where appropriate.
• Facilitate linkages to appropriate treatment providers and other social services based on the needs of the participant.
• Network with area community providers and provide resource coordination.
• Activate maximum benefits (e.g., Medicaid, SSI) for individuals so they can access needed services and supports.
• Interface with criminal justice representatives as needed to support the goals of each BHJD/DBHIDS program.
• Enter and maintain clinical and program data.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and supervision.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Participate in Court Dates as needed
• Provide summary of contact with the participant, need identification, and care recommendation/coordination

Skills Required:

• Strong clinical and case management skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to navigate the behavioral health and criminal justice systems in Philadelphia.
• Knowledge of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and co occurring challenges.
• Knowledge of how behavioral health issues intersect with the criminal justice system in the City of Philadelphia.
• Cross-cultural skills and experience with culturally diverse populations. Recovery experience preferred.
• Knowledge of benefits, how to activate benefits, and how to leverage benefits to access treatment and resources.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of multiple languages a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals and agencies representing varying perspectives and interests.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field with at least 5 years of experience working with individuals with substance use, mental health and co-occurring challenges preferred. Candidates must have a working knowledge of the Philadelphia Behavioral Health System and the Philadelphia Criminal Justice system. Background in case management and care coordination preferred.

Physical Demands:

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as maneuvering in office space reaching file cabinets, fax and copier machines when necessary. Must be able to sit for up to 2 hours looking at a computer monitor and using a keyboard and mouse to perform data entry functions. Able to travel locally via public transportation and on foot to various criminal justice and behavioral health partner locations. Valid driver’s license and use of personal licensed and insured vehicle during work hours as needed. Ability to pass criminal background check and background check required by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. Ability to effectively utilize computers, databases, and related common office software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.

Essential Functions:

Engage individuals with behavioral health challenges, conduct clinical screenings and

assessments, link to community service providers, liaise with behavioral health and criminal justice providers.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the law.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• What are your salary requirements?
• Do you live within 60 miles of the city of Philadelphia?
• Do you have a working knowledge of the Philadelphia Behavioral Health & Criminal Justice System?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• working w/ individuals w/ mental health and challenges: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person