Forensic Discharge Planner

About the Role

Hampton‑Newport News Community Services Board (H‑NNCSB) is seeking a Forensic Discharge Planner to support individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who are involved with the criminal justice system. This position serves as an important liaison between local jails, state psychiatric hospitals, community providers, and H‑NNCSB, helping individuals connect with appropriate behavioral health services and community resources. The Forensic Discharge Planner works to identify treatment needs, coordinate services, and develop realistic discharge plans that promote continuity of care and successful transitions back into the community. The role also supports early diversion and rapid‑release opportunities, identifying appropriate alternatives to incarceration when clinically and legally appropriate. At H‑NNCSB, your work directly contributes to helping individuals with behavioral health needs access appropriate treatment, community resources, and opportunities for successful reintegration into the community. The selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation, DMV record check, Child Registry search, drug screening test and employment reference checks.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between jails, state psychiatric hospitals, H‑NNCSB, and community service providers to coordinate behavioral health services.
• Interview individuals in jails and other forensic settings to assess needs, gather information, and identify appropriate services and supports.
• Collect, complete, and maintain required documentation for referrals, treatment services, and discharge planning.
• Determine eligibility for referrals and appropriate community‑based behavioral health services.
• Make treatment recommendations based on individual needs, available resources, and clinical information.
• Develop realistic, individualized discharge plans for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).
• Coordinate discharge planning and service linkage to promote continuity of care following release or discharge.
• Engage individuals in early diversionary opportunities, identifying alternatives to incarceration or opportunities for rapid release when appropriate.
• Coordinate services and communicate with behavioral health professionals, criminal justice personnel, healthcare providers, families, and other involved supports.
• Establish service linkages and coordinate referrals to community resources, treatment providers, housing, and other supportive services.
• Follow agency policies, applicable regulations, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely records related to assessments, referrals, treatment recommendations, and discharge planning.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field of study.
• Three (3) years of direct‑care experience providing case management and/or counseling services to the assigned client population.
• Experience working with multiple community agencies coordinating health care plans and interventions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Forensic experience.
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) or Qualified Mental Health Professional – Trainee.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Annual and Sick Leave
• 11 paid Holidays
• Employee Discounts
• Additional benefits

Pay

Annual Salary: $57,119

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm