Mental Health Navigator

About Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD)

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is the third-largest juvenile justice agency in the country and the second-largest department in Harris County, employing over 1,200 professionals dedicated to youth justice transformation and reform. HCJPD is committed to improving outcomes for youth, reducing racial disproportionality, and ensuring a safe environment for both staff and residents. We continuously innovate by implementing systemic changes to lower detention populations and promote positive youth development.

The Health Services division of the HCJPD is responsible for the medical, psychological, and treatment programs within the agency. The services operated within this division include the medical staff that assess and treat youth in the detention center and post-adjudicated facilities. In addition, the division has mental health therapists who provide crisis counseling, and individual, group, and family therapy to youth both in the detention center and under community supervision.

Lastly, the Health Services division oversees the four specialty courts that operate within the agency to help address some of the underlying factors that may be impacting a youth’s functioning.

The Mental Health Navigator serves as a liaison between Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD), the youth and family, and community resources related to mental health. This person also serves as the coordinator for youth involved with Rapid Response and Threat Assessment.

• Identifies and builds relationships with mental health community partners and agencies throughout Harris County. Serves as a liaison for HCJPD and community resources, specializing in mental health.
• Meets with youth and families to assess for mental health needs, triage and make appropriate referrals for the family, and follow up to ensure services have met the family's needs.
• Advocates for mental health services for youth, and attends youth's meetings and court hearings, when necessary.
• Works within a multidisciplinary team, including professionals from different agencies. Maintains accurate and confidential documentation.
• Completes field visits, documentation, and attends hearings for youth, including Rapid Response and Threat Assessment

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Employment Opportunity Plan .aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call  or email

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Qualifying applicants must complete the HCJPD Standard Basic Spelling & Grammar assessment with a minimum score of 80%.

• Bachelor's degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and either:
• A) One (1) year of graduate study at an accredited college or university (18 completed post-graduate hours) in Criminology, Corrections, Counseling, Law, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other closely related fields.

OR

• B) At least 1500 hours of paid or non-paid experience in a social service, community, corrections, or juvenile agency that deals with offenders or disadvantaged people. These hours must have been earned within twelve (12) months, which do not have to be consecutive months.

• Must possess a thorough understanding of adolescent mental illness and associated issues, and juvenile justice system.
• Must be able to work with other professionals at all levels of the juvenile justice system, including judges, attorneys, psychiatrists, psychologists, administrators, probation and detention officers.
• Demonstrates good decision-making skills and sustains a high level of judgment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an active certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer in accordance with TJJD requirements.
• Must be 21 years of age.