DSHS BHHA Forensic Navigator

State of Washington•King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 make a difference. 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 hybrid opportunity, where work occurs both in the field and from home. This is a temporary assignment anticipated to last 12-months. There will be some travel required on occasion. King County employees are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Please note that although this role is a flex/hybrid role, you will be required to work in the field on a regular basis where all meetings, interviews, and observations will take place.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or human services field; AND Minimum four years of professional experience working in community mental health, must be non-inpatient services; AND Minimum four years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community.
Able to demonstrate understanding of the criminal court system.
Master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or human services field preferred/desired; AND Minimum two years of professional experience working in community mental health, must be non-inpatient services; AND Minimum two years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community.
Able to demonstrate understanding of the criminal court system.
Equivalent professional experience/education as described above.

Responsibilities

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.