What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS BHA Forensic Navigator position at State of Washington?
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 Administration (BHA) in Eastern Washington 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 the lives we impact at our behavioral health treatment facilities. 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.
Please note that although this role is Flex/Hybrid, there will be a requirement to work in the field where all meetings, interviews, and observations will take place.
Some of what you'll do:
Interested? Please include the following with your completed online application:
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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. 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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" on your website and on printed materials.
Join the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) in Eastern Washington 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 the lives we impact at our behavioral health treatment facilities. 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.
Please note that although this role is Flex/Hybrid, there will be a requirement to work in the field where all meetings, interviews, and observations will take place.
Some of what you'll do:
- 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.
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or human services field is required; AND
- Five years of professional experience working in community mental health; AND
- Five years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community
- Experience working in the court systems.
OR - Master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or human services field is preferred/desired; AND
- Two years of professional experience working in community mental health; AND
- Two years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community
- Experience working in the court systems.
OR
Equivalent professional experience/education as described above.
Interested? Please include the following with your completed online application:
- Cover letter describing how your skills and experiences meet the qualifications for this role
- Current chronological resume
- Three current professional references (including 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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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. 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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" on your website and on printed materials.
Salary : $70,000 - $90,000
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