Behavioral Health Navigator

SAFER FOUNDATION • Chicago, IL

88d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Navigator plays a critical role in supporting individuals in custody with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and in need of preparation for release back into the community. This position is a contractual position in partnership with the IL Dept of Corrections providing comprehensive behavioral health services, including case management, ASAM assessments, crisis intervention, group/individual counseling, and service coordination. The Behavioral Health Navigator will conduct initial screenings and assessments within 24-48 hours of client engagement, develop individualized service plans, and facilitate warm handoffs to appropriate treatment providers, housing resources, and employment services. The role requires at least 2 years of experience in a substance use treatment setting, 1 year of case management experience, and 1 year working with justice-involved individuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of experience in substance use treatment, mental health, or reentry services required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a substance use treatment environment required.
• Minimum of 1 year of case management experience required.
• Minimum of 1 year working with justice-involved individuals required.
• Experience facilitating group therapy and individual counseling sessions.
• Experience in conducting ASAM assessments and developing treatment plans.

Nice To Haves

• Individuals with lived experience in recovery and/or the justice system are highly preferred.
• Knowledge of evidence-based counseling techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care.
• Familiarity with Illinois Medicaid, public benefits, and behavioral health service networks.
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems, such as CareLogic and Salesforce.
• Ability to engage and build trust with diverse client populations, including those with histories of incarceration, trauma, and substance use.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial screenings and risk-needs assessments, including ASAM assessments and health related service needs evaluations.
• Provide individual and group counseling to clients experiencing substance use and mental health disorders.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, incorporating both behavioral health and pre-release and reentry support needs.
• Facilitate evidence-based group therapy sessions, including but not limited to relapse prevention, cognitive behavioral interventions, and psychoeducation on trauma and substance use.
• Provide brief therapy interventions, including emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and crisis stabilization.
• Assist clients in navigating Medicaid/SNAP applications and connecting to community-based behavioral health treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other recovery services.
• Provide direct crisis intervention and de-escalation for individuals experiencing acute mental health or substance use crises.
• Ensure continuity of care by coordinating referrals to medical, behavioral health, housing, employment, and legal services.
• Monitor client progress, conduct follow-ups, and adjust service plans as needed to support long-term recovery and reintegration.
• Maintain a caseload of approximately 25 participants, ensuring regular contact and engagement.
• Work collaboratively with reentry programs, behavioral health providers, correctional facilities, community organizations, and social service agencies to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Participate in integrated staffings with internal teams and external providers to coordinate care and case planning.
• Advocate for participants by addressing barriers to reentry, behavioral health treatment, and social services.
• Maintain accurate client records and case notes in Salesforce, CareLogic, and other electronic health record systems.
• Complete ASAM assessments, progress notes, and treatment plans in compliance with Illinois Rule 2060 and Medicaid standards.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other privacy/confidentiality regulations.
• Conduct monthly self-reviews of documentation to uphold quality standards and contractual requirements.
• Track client referrals and follow-up on service engagement and outcomes.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance – Care for you and eligible family members
• Choice of two (2) Medical Plan options from BlueCross BlueShield
• Dental Insurance – Offered by BCBS, Individual coverage 100% paid by Safer!
• Vision – Low-cost co-pays for in-network exam, frames & contacts
• Life Insurance – Basic Life (equal to 1.5 times your salary) 100% paid by Safer!
• 403b Retirement Plan – Generous Company match to help you save more!
• Vacation days (non-manager) and Company Holidays (2025); more than industry standard
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Benefits such as Pet Insurance, Critical Illness, & Travel

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees