Behavioral Health Patient Step-Down Navigator

SUN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP•Houston, TX

About The Position

Deblin Health Concepts is dedicated to supporting individuals navigating mental health concerns by providing compassionate, personalized care. Our mission is to create meaningful, positive changes in the lives of those we serve by delivering high-quality, comprehensive behavioral health services that foster healing and growth. Deblin Health Concepts is part of SUN Behavioral Health, a national behavioral healthcare company committed to delivering exceptional treatment aligned with our mission of solving unmet needs in the communities we serve. Our values—chosen by our employees—reflect what matters most: safety, teamwork, integrity, and compassion. It’s our people who make the difference. We foster workplaces where behavioral healthcare professionals feel valued, supported, and proud of the impact they make every day. Position Summary: The Behavioral Health Patient Step-Down Navigator provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals accessing mental health and substance use services. This role ensures that clients receive timely care, understand their treatment options, and are connected to appropriate community resources. The navigator plays a key role in reducing barriers to care and supporting recovery through advocacy, coordination, and education. The Patient Step-Down Navigator plays a critical role in ensuring continuity of care for individuals transitioning from the inpatient psychiatric unit to outpatient services and community-based support systems. Working closely with the clinical team and under the direction of the Director of Clinical Services, the Navigator facilitates connections to outpatient programs, mental health providers, community clinics, and social support services to promote patient stabilization and recovery post-discharge.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, public health, human services, or related field (required).
2+ years of experience in behavioral health, case management, or peer navigation (preferred).
Knowledge of mental health diagnoses, treatment modalities, and trauma-informed care.
Ability to engage individuals experiencing crisis, substance use, or serious mental illness with empathy and professionalism.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Proficient in electronic health records (EHR) and documentation practices.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual abilities and/or lived experience in behavioral health recovery (preferred).
Certified Peer Specialist or similar credentials (preferred but not required).

Responsibilities

Completing ANSA/CANS for all patients
Coordinating with Intake/ICM/Med Management
Coordinating with Sun IOP/PHP regarding referrals
Management and coordination of discharges/follow up with Sun referrals
Coordinate and facilitate aftercare planning in collaboration with the multidisciplinary treatment team.
Establish and maintain relationships with external providers and community agencies to streamline referrals and ensure warm handoffs.
Participate in case conferences, clinical rounds, and staff meetings to update on patient appropriateness and placement status.
Educate clients on treatment options, crisis intervention resources, and self-management strategies.
Guide clients and families through the behavioral health care system, including community resources, outpatient services, and follow-up care.
Provide information and emotional support to individuals navigating mental health or substance use challenges.
Assist with scheduling psychiatric evaluations, therapy sessions, and referrals to specialty services.
Support care coordination between providers, case managers, social workers, and external agencies.
Help clients overcome barriers to care such as transportation, insurance coverage, stigma, or language.
Track client progress and document interactions in electronic health records in accordance with HIPAA standards.
Ensure all documentation is timely, accurate, and compliant with applicable regulations and standards.
Advocate for clients’ needs while promoting autonomy, dignity, and cultural competence.
Facilitate access to community services, including housing assistance, food security, peer support, and employment programs, including facilitating required assessments for case management services.
And any other duties assigned per supervisor.