Community Health Worker (Court Navigator)

Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene•Long Island, NY

About The Position

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. is seeking qualiﬁed candidates to ﬁll the full-time position of Community Health Workers (Court Navigators) with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Bureau of Health Promotion for Justice Impacted Populations. Bureau of Health Promotion of Justice Impacted Populations (BHPJIP) promotes community-based, health-led, cross-sector strategies that reduce criminal-justice involvement and improve the transition of individuals back to the community after incarceration and community supervision. BHPJIP seeks to improve the physical, mental, and behavioral health and well-being of marginalized populations, with specific emphasis on persons involved and impacted by the criminal legal system. BHPJIP trains and employs peer-led Community and Court-based Health Workers who specialize in connecting justice involved persons to the healthcare and community resources that they need to succeed. The Health Department through court-based health workers can play in addressing the complex health and social needs of persons with criminal legal system involvement. This position sits within the New York City Health Justice Network (NYC HJN), an innovative program that aims to holistically improve the physical, behavioral, emotional health and wellbeing of persons impacted by the criminal legal system. The NYC HJN Court Navigator will support individuals who have court involvement or have been released from incarceration by providing voluntary connections to healthcare and community based social services, including employment, vital documents, behavioral health and mental health services. Community Health Workers/Court Navigators play a vital role in working with identified participants who are interested in receiving voluntary services.

Requirements

Certification as a New York Certificate Peer Specialist (NYSPS) by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB). Those without NYSPS with the understanding that employment is contingent on the person becoming certified within 6 months of employment.
High school diploma or GED
One-year demonstrated professional experience in the mental health, criminal justice or substance abuse field.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Personal experience of recovery of mental health and/or substance use disorder
Preference will be given to the candidate's lived experience navigating the criminal legal system, mental health, and substance use treatment.
Knowledge of the concerns and challenges of persons living with SMI and/or SUD; AND/OR
Knowledge of the Recovery process and the ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes
Able to work collaboratively and in a fast-paced environment
Excellent time and work management skills
Skilled in Microsoft Office and database applications

Responsibilities

Engagement & Support: Build trust using peer engagement strategies like person-centered and trauma-informed approaches. Offer resiliency-based support and warm hand-offs to community services.
Connecting to Services: Help individuals access mental health and treatment programs suited to their needs, including SPOA, FACT teams, INSET, case management, and SOS teams if available.
Action Plans & Peer Support: Collaborate with participants to create individualized action plans that highlight their goals and steps forward while also providing peer support.
Follow-Up & Encouragement: Ensure smooth transitions by checking in with individuals and providers to strengthen engagement in the program
Record-Keeping & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of participant interactions, referrals, and outcomes, preparing reports as needed.
Collaboration: Establish strong relationships within court-based settings, community organizations, and primary care clinics to enhance support networks.
Community, Court, & Co-located Services: Work comfortably within court and legal settings while effectively managing time and responsibilities.
Supervision & Training: Stay up to date on required in-house trainings including other trainings as required
Cultural Competence: Ensure services are inclusive and respectful, acknowledging diverse backgrounds and needs.
Able to travel to multiple locations as needed
Able to work a flexible schedule (e.g., provide coverage for someone in the clinics, court, or community setting)
Able to work independently and on a team