DSHS BHHA Diversion Navigator

Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to support at-risk individuals, strengthen community safety, and build strong partnerships across Washington’s justice and behavioral health systems?

Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) is seeking a mission-driven, relationship-centered Diversion Navigator to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, communicates with clarity and confidence, and believes in practical, person-centered solutions that keep people connected to care and out of deeper system involvement.

You’ll join a collaborative group that values trust, shared problem-solving, and a commitment to “making it happen” for the people and communities we serve.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

• Effective coordination and support for individuals navigating behavioral health, housing, and justice systems
• Your strong communication skills with courts, attorneys, jails, and community partners
• Ability to build trust quickly with clients and stakeholders
• Skill in case management, planning, and follow-through
• Your commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and high-quality service delivery

• Building trusting relationships with clients to understand their needs, goals, and barriers
• Coordinating access to behavioral health care, housing supports, and community services
• Meeting with individuals in custody to assess eligibility, readiness, and release planning needs by utilizing a structured professional judgement tool.
• Advocate to courts on behalf of clients by providing a Recommended Diversion Plan and attend court in-person/virtually.
• Helping clients attend appointments, maintain medication adherence, and stay connected to services
• Managing an active caseload while meeting documentation and program compliance requirements
• Providing clear, consistent updates to courts and legal partners about client progress
• Presenting diversion options and community-based alternatives to support informed court decisions
• Collaborating with courts, attorneys, jails, and providers to maintain diversion policies and practices
• Creating and maintaining workflows, materials, and guidance that support program operations
• Participating in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing program development activities
• Reviewing program data, preparing reports, and using Lean or other improvement methods to strengthen service delivery

• Professionals with a master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or human services
• Minimum three years of professional experience in community mental health (non-inpatient)
• Minimum two years of case management experience providing direct care support to at-risk clients in the community

• A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or human services
• Minimum five years of professional experience in community mental health (non-inpatient)
• Minimum five years of case management experience providing direct care support to at-risk clients in the community

• A minimum of nine years of professional experience working in community mental health must be non-inpatient services. And concurrently, a minimum of five years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community.

• Experience managing professional staff or leading a central business function such as centralized intake or diversion coordination
• Knowledge of Washington criminal court processes, competency evaluation procedures, and county-specific variations
• Experience working with behavioral health providers, housing programs, CPS,…