Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07614

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: WMS BAND 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Social Services, Forensics

Summary

DSHS BHA Forensic Navigator - WMS Band 1

Are you a passionate mental health advocate? Are you excited about an opportunity to help change how people experiencing behavioral health issues are treated in the criminal court system and in our communities?

Join the Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) and make a positive impact within our community by becoming a behavioral health advocate and helping shape the future of forensic mental health services in Washington State. The Office of Forensic Mental Health Services, Forensic Navigator program is a new approach that seeks to divert criminally involved people with diagnosed behavioral health issues, whose competency to stand trial has been called into question, out of the criminal courts and institutional hospitals and into community-based treatment programs.

As a Forensic Navigator, you will deliver professional and specialized support services to patients who are ordered by a judge to receive outpatient competency restoration treatment. The value you'll provide goes beyond a one-time interaction and gives you the opportunity to help make a difference. We are looking for team players who have a calling to work in the behavioral health field, have a strong work ethic, and consistently display good judgment. In return, you'll receive an excellent benefits package that rivals any employer in Washington State, a challenging career, and exciting chances to learn and grow.

This is a hybrid opportunity, where work occurs both in the field and from home. There will be some travel required on occasion. King County employees are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Please note that although this role is a flex/hybrid role, you will be required to work in the field on a regular basis where all meetings, interviews, and observations will take place.

Some of what you'll do:

• Assist with the development of a brand new forensic mental health program in Washington.
• Fulfill duties as Officer of the Court.
• Collect relevant information about clients, including behavioral health services and supports available that might support placement in outpatient restoration, diversion, or some combination of these programs.
• Meet with, interview, and observe clients.
• Present information to courts in order to assist their understanding of the treatment options available to clients, to support the entry of orders for diversion from the forensic mental health system, or for community-based outpatient competency restoration, and to facilitate that transition.
• Assist clients with attending appointments and classes relating to outpatient competency restoration.
• Coordinate access to housing for clients.
• Meet with clients on a regular basis to monitor progress and identify barriers.
• Provide information to courts concerning client progress and compliance with court-ordered conditions of release, which may include appearing at court hearings.
• Coordinate clients' access to community case management services and mental health services.
• Assist clients with obtaining prescribed medications, and encourage adherence to prescribed medications.
• Plan for a coordinated transition of the client to a case manager in the community behavioral health system.
• Complete timely documentation, including discharge planning and treatment summaries, caseload data entry and progress notes, and various reports.

We are looking for professionals with:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or human services field; AND
• Minimum five years of professional experience working in community mental health, must be non-inpatient services; AND
• Minimum five years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community.
• Able to demonstrate understanding of the criminal court system.

OR

• Master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or human services field preferred/desired; AND
• Minimum two years of professional experience working in community mental health, must be non-inpatient services; AND
• Minimum two years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community.
• Able to demonstrate understanding of the criminal court system.
• OR
• Equivalent professional experience/education as described above.

See why people like you choose to work for DSHS:

Interested? Please include the following with your completed online application:

• Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align to the requirements for this role
• Current chronological resume
• Three current professional references, including your current/most recent supervisor

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) 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 social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please contact the recruiter, Chris by email at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference 07614 as the subject.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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