Behavioral Health Navigator

Behavioral Health Navigator

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment

General

Summary:

This position is grant-funded. This position is subject to background check

Reporting to the Behavioral Health Navigator Team Lead, the Behavioral Health Navigator serves a critical role in bridging the gap between incarceration and community reintegration for individuals with acute to high-risk behavioral health needs. This position operates within a dual-setting framework, working in both a pre-release correctional and community reentry setting based on participant need.

The Behavioral Health Navigator is responsible for providing comprehensive clinical reentry services, including initial screenings and assessments, and facilitating groups focused on mental wellness. By maintaining a caseload of approximately 25 high-needs participants, the Navigator ensures continuity of care, addressing social determinants of health and clinical barriers to successful reentry.

Performance Results Description The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values. Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity, and Evidence-Based Innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Stakeholder Interface Conduct initial behavioral health screenings and health-related social-needs assessments (including ASAM, IM+CANS, and biopsychosocial reentry assessments) within 24-48 hours of engagement to determine immediate clinical and reentry needs. Facilitate psycho educational groups focused on mental wellness, trauma recovery, and stabilization to prepare clients for release and community adjustment. Maintain a dedicated caseload of at least 25 individuals, ensuring regular contact, engagement, and monitoring of progress toward clinical and reentry goals.

Develop and implement individualized service plans that incorporate both behavioral health treatment and pre-release/reentry support needs. Assist clients in navigating and applying for Medicaid/SNAP benefits and reactivating coverage to ensure immediate access to healthcare upon release. Coordinate warm handoffs to appropriate treatment providers, housing resources, employment services, and community-based organizations. Advocate for participants by addressing systemic barriers to reentry, legal issues, and access to social services.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Outreach Actively participate in integrated staffings with internal teams, correctional staff, and external providers to coordinate care and case planning.

Tracking, Document and Reporting Maintain accurate client records, case notes, and treatment plans in Salesforce, Care Logic, and other electronic health record systems in compliance with agency standards. Track client referrals and follow up on service engagement and outcomes. Ensure all services are documented in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Illinois Rule 2060, and Medicaid standards. Conduct monthly self-reviews of documentation to uphold quality standards and contractual requirements.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong understanding of justice-involved populations, the barriers they face, and the dynamics of working within correctional facilities. Familiarity with evidence-based counseling techniques (Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, etc.), trauma-informed care, and ASAM criteria. Proficiency in electronic health record systems such as Care Logic, as well as Microsoft Office applications. Knowledge of Illinois Medicaid, Rule 132, Rule 2060, and HIPAA/confidentiality Ability to engage and build trust with diverse client populations, including those with histories of incarceration, trauma, and severe mental illness.

Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging).

Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree required in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related human services field. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a substance use treatment, mental health, or reentry service. Individuals with lived experience in recovery and/or the justice system are highly preferred. Minimum of 1 year of case management experience required. Experience working with high-risk or acute behavioral health populations is highly preferred.

Experience facilitating group therapy or psycho educational workshops.

Licenses and or Certifications Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) preferred. Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or equivalent credentials…