PDP ReEntry Navigator

PMHCC•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Behavioral Health Navigator supports individuals to help them remain successfully in the community, helps individuals connect to service to assist from further penetration in the criminal justice system, provides connections to services serve as alternatives to arrest and incarceration, and supports community reentry from incarceration. This position will be based at the Reentry trailer on the PDP campus. The Forensic Behavioral Health Navigator will serve all programs offered by the Behavioral Health and Justice Division of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) which are at the intersection of the behavioral health and criminal justice. Navigators will specialize in work at one intercept point (i.e., police, pre-trial, jail reentry, probation and parole), and will work across these intercepts in response to the needs of the population of justice-involved individuals with behavioral health needs.

Requirements

Strong clinical and case management skills.
Demonstrated understanding of and ability to navigate the behavioral health and criminal justice systems in Philadelphia.
Knowledge of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and co-occurring challenges.
Knowledge of how behavioral health issues intersect with the criminal justice system in the City of Philadelphia.
Cross-cultural skills and experience with culturally diverse populations.
Knowledge of benefits, how to activate benefits, and how to leverage benefits to access treatment and resources.
Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals and agencies representing varying perspectives and interests.
Recognizing signs and symptoms of mental illness
Understanding medications
Understanding special populations
Connecting with families and consumers
Employing de-escalation techniques to improve and manage behavior
Initiating 302 petitions
Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or a related clinical field with at least 2 years of experience working with individuals with serious mental illness.
Candidates must have a working knowledge of the Philadelphia Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice systems.

Nice To Haves

Recovery experience preferred.
Knowledge of multiple languages a plus.

Responsibilities

Critical point of engagement for individuals upon release from local custody.
Serves a pivotal role in coordinating services and identifying resources to help people get off to a good start.
Acts as a trusted source for individuals seeking support.
Real-time access to the Kensington Wellness Support Center team for transportation/rideshare needs and other supports.
Provides a calm listening ear and constructive support.
Facilitating linkages to community treatment and outside support systems.
Assists with referrals to obtain Medical Assistance.
Assists with referrals to obtain case management.
Arrange appointments for behavioral health, medical, and other care and services.
Works in person at various locations such as the Reentry trailer, CJC, and Pretrial Services.
Other duties and locations can be assigned based on community needs.
Work to strengthen collaboration between BHJD/DBHIDS and other City agencies, including the Philadelphia Municipal Court and Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Defender Association of Philadelphia, City of Philadelphia’s Managing Director’s Office of Criminal Justice, and the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.
Provide high level of timely and effective communication with internal and external partners to ensure program goals and objectives are met.
Conduct screenings and assessments and provide treatment plans based on individual needs for program participants.
Complete behavioral health treatment/service history research for participants, where appropriate.
Facilitate linkages to appropriate treatment providers and other social services based on the needs of the participant.
Network with area community providers and provide resource coordination.
Activate maximum benefits (e.g., Medicaid, SSI) for individuals so they can access needed services and supports.
Interface with criminal justice representatives as needed to support the goals of each BHJD/DBHIDS program.
Enter and maintain clinical and program data.
Maintain accurate, confidential records to document services provided using appropriate databases
Remain current with resource and referral information
Attend and participate in staff meetings and supervision.
Other duties as assigned