DSHS BHHA Diversion Navigator

About the role

Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) is seeking a mission-driven, relationship-centered Diversion Navigator to support at-risk individuals, strengthen community safety, and build strong partnerships across Washington’s justice and behavioral health systems. 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.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with clients to understand their needs, goals, and barriers.
• Coordinate access to behavioral health care, housing supports, and community services.
• Meet 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 or virtually.
• Help clients attend appointments, maintain medication adherence, and stay connected to services.
• Manage an active caseload while meeting documentation and program compliance requirements.
• Provide clear, consistent updates to courts and legal partners about client progress.
• Present diversion options and community-based alternatives to support informed court decisions.
• Collaborate with courts, attorneys, jails, and providers to maintain diversion policies and practices.
• Create and maintain workflows, materials, and guidance that support program operations.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing program development activities.
• Review program data, prepare reports, and use Lean or other improvement methods to strengthen service delivery.

Qualifications

We are looking for professionals who meet one of the following sets of qualifications:

• Option 1:
  • 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.
• Option 2:
  • 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.
• Option 3:
  • Minimum nine years of professional experience working in community mental health (non-inpatient services).
  • Minimum five years of case management experience providing direct care support to at-risk clients in the community.

Preferred 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.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. 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.