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 Western 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 transform lives. 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.
 
This is a primarily telework opportunity, with some travel as business needs require. There are opportunities available in Thurston County, Mason County, and the Salish Region (Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties).  
 
 Some of what you’ll do:

• Assist with the 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 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

 We are looking for professionals with:

• Master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or human services field 
• Three years of professional experience working in community mental health
• Three years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community
    OR
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or human services field 
• Five years of professional experience working in community mental health
• Five years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community

 
Interested? Please include the following with your application:

• Completed detailed profile
• Cover letter
• Current Resume
• Four current professional references (including most recent supervisor)

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Jourdan.Phipps@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 10951.
 
Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission 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.