Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

Forensic Behavioral Health Navigators help individuals with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders "navigate" the criminal justice and behavioral health systems- including the maze of treatment programs, courts, law enforcement, probation and parole, and community support services so that they can live successful lives in the community. Navigators reduce barriers that keep individuals with behavioral health challenges from getting timely treatment by identifying behavioral health needs and connecting individuals to appropriate resources and away from jail. The linkage is intended to divert individuals from further penetration in the criminal justice system, provide alternatives to arrest and incarceration, support reentry from jail.

The Neighborhood Wellness Court (NWC) Behavioral Health Navigator will serve the Behavioral Health and Justice Division (BHJD) of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbilities Services (DBHIDS) and the Office of Public Safety (OPS) at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice in the NWC. The NWC navigator will work closely with a multi-disciplinary team to assess, refer, and monitor individuals with behavioral health and substance use needs while navigating the NWC.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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, Office of Public Safety, and the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.
• Attend the Neighborhood Wellness Court, participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, debriefing, and planning sessions
• 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 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 so they can access needed services and supports
• Interface with criminal justice representatives as needed to support the goals of each BHJD/DBHIDS program
• Record and maintain clinical justice representatives as needed to support the goals of each BHJD/DBHIDS program.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and supervision with both BHJD and the NWC team.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Participate in Court Dates as needed
• Meet with individuals in the community to monitor progress and ensure continuity of care between court dates.

Skills Required:

• Strong clinical and case management skills
• Demonstrated professionalism and poise
• 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. Recovery experience preferred
• 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. Knowledge of multiple languages a plus
• 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

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field with at least 5 years of experience with working with individuals with substance use, mental health and co-occurring challenges preferred. Candidates must have a working knowledge of the Philadelphia Behavioral Health System and the Philadelphia Criminal Justice System. Background in case management and care coordination preferred. Valid driver's license and use of personal licensed and insured vehicle during work hours as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employment :

PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case by case basis in accordance with the law.

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