Behavioral Health Navigator

Howard County•Howard, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of this Coordinator of Special Programs Health Services II, Mental Health, position is to provide clients, family members, and providers with information about the resources available in the community. The Behavioral Health Navigator (BHN) provides linkages to care and facilitates referrals to treatment services and community resources in the following primary areas: Crisis Response Services, Mental Health Services, Substance Use Services, Case Management Services, and Insurance Eligibility. The BHN guides consumers through the behavioral health care system by assisting with access issues including insurance coverage, language needs, and format of services (in-person/ telehealth). The BHN collects data on the number and nature of referrals received and tracks outcomes through surveys, phone calls, emails to ensure connection to care. The BHN uses surveys, emails or phone calls to gather client information and requests for services. They then follow up with the clients through emails and phone calls to share resources and conduct follow-up. This position supports entries into the Howard County Network of Care. The BHN educates the community and providers on the levels of care and community resources available and collaborates with outside referral sources to help navigate their customers to the appropriate resources. The position also provides consultative and supportive assistance to the Suicide Prevention Coordinator position as appropriate, including participation in the local Suicide Prevention Coalition. Participates in community coalitions and advisory groups, such as the Mental Health Community Advisory Council, the Local Health Improvement Coalition, and the Healthy Minds Suicide Prevention Coalition. Participates in collaborative meetings with community partners to address behavioral health needs of community members, including the Connection Center, and County-wide BH Navigation. This position is eligible for hybrid telework.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
One year of professional experience in assisting in the coordination of a health-related program(s) or referring people to governmental and private resources.
Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Health Care Administration classifications or Civil Affairs Specialist specialty codes in the health-related field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish.
Experience working in behavioral health, public health, social services, or related fields and navigating individuals through systems of care and connecting community members to services.
Experience with behavioral health resources in Howard County, Maryland and planning or conducting community outreach and educational activities.
Experience delivering customer service in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.
Experience collecting data, preparing reports, and participating in committees.

Responsibilities

Facilitates Linkage to Care for Consumers with Private and Public Insurance, as well as Uninsured
Receives Behavioral Health Navigation referrals and responds to inquiries from persons seeking mental health or substance use resources.
Assists consumers with behavioral health linkage activities and makes referrals to community agencies when appropriate.
Assists consumers with self-advocacy skills, and when needed, serves as the client advocate.
Assists consumers with navigation through the Behavioral Health System.
Uncovers barriers to care and develops an effective plan for alleviating these barriers to care for the safety and betterment of the consumer.
Sends out follow up surveys to seek feedback from consumers and to ensure they have received requested resources/service.
Follows up with consumers via email, text message and/or phone calls to ensure connection to requested resources and services.
Collects data and maintains documentation.
Conduct Community Outreach and Education
Conducts community education presentations on how to navigate the behavioral health treatment system, the role of the BH Navigator, to improve behavioral health literacy and to educate on community programs.
Assists with individualized targeted outreach activities with consumers to re-engage and reduce stigma.
Represents the HCHD at health/resource fairs; serves as a liaison to community groups with other service providers or community supports for the continuous improvement of services to consumers.
Participates in community coalitions and advisory groups, such as the Mental Health Community Advisory Council, the Local Health Improvement Coalition, and the Healthy Minds Suicide Prevention Coalition.
Participates in collaborative meetings with community partners to address behavioral health needs of community members, including the Connection Center, and County-wide BH Navigation.
Provide Suicide Prevention Program Support
Assists the Suicide Prevention Coordinator in management of the Teen Health Matters website with mental health and suicide prevention information, crisis hotline/resources, suicide warning signs and helpful tips to engage youth.
Assists with coordination of activities within the Suicide Prevention Coalition.
Attends quarterly Teen Health Matters coordination meeting.
Compile and Disseminate Necessary Program Information
Compiles and analyzes program metrics as requested.
Develops and communicates messaging to promote programs to digital and online media, including Teen Health Matters website content.
Maintains internal behavioral health resource lists.
Maintains contact with the Network of Care platform staff to ensure comprehensive listings of behavioral health resources.
Other Duties Assigned
Performs other related duties, including but not limited to:
Accepts responsibility for special projects as assigned.
Participates in appropriate professional education and training for roles and responsibilities of work assignments, as requested or approved by Supervisor.
Participates in Emergency Preparedness drills or actual events.
Possesses a broad understanding of HCHD services and can refer to other programs.
Keeps abreast of policies and procedures in the program, bureau and department.
Completes all required trainings.
Participates in quality improvement efforts within the program.