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.
Success will be built on:
- 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
Your day will include:
- 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
What we’re looking for:
- 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
OR
- 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.
Preferred/desired experience and competencies:
- 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
Completed applications will include
- A letter of interest (up to two pages) specifically addressing the knowledge, skills, and experience you have related to the job and duties.
- A current, chronological resume.
- A minimum of three professional references with contact information.
If you have questions about the job posting number 06610, contact email at raoa@dshs.wa.gov.
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 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.
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(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
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