DSHS BHHA Diversion Navigator

DSHS BHHA Diversion Navigator

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.

• 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

OR

• 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

• 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, foster care licensing, or similar partners
• Strong skills in motivational interviewing, de‑escalation, and conflict resolution
• Ability to design workflows, develop materials, and support program planning and evaluation
• Understanding of person‑centered planning, consumer choice, and self‑direction
• Ability to communicate clearly and inclusively with internal and external partners
• Skill in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to support decision‑making and continuous improvement

The Department of Social and Health Services’ vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and…