Behavioral Health Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment.

General Summary :

The Behavioral Health Navigator plays a critical role in supporting individuals in custody with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and in need of preparation for release back into the community. This position is a contractual position in partnership with the IL Dept of Corrections providing comprehensive behavioral health services, including case management, ASAM assessments, crisis intervention, group / individual counseling, and service coordination.

The Behavioral Health Navigator will conduct initial screenings and assessments within 24-48 hours of client engagement, develop individualized service plans, and facilitate warm handoffs to appropriate treatment providers, housing resources, and employment services. The role requires at least 2 years of experience in a substance use treatment setting, 1 year of case management experience, and 1 year working with justice-involved individuals.

Performance Results Description

The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.

Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity, and Evidence Based Innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Stakeholder Interface and Service

• Conduct initial screenings and risk-needs assessments, including ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) assessments and health related service needs evaluations.
• Provide individual and group counseling to clients experiencing substance use and mental health disorders.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, incorporating both behavioral health and pre- release and reentry support needs.
• Facilitate evidence-based group therapy sessions, including but not limited to relapse prevention, cognitive behavioral interventions, and psychoeducation on trauma and substance use.
• Provide brief therapy interventions, including emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and crisis stabilization.
• Assist clients in navigating Medicaid / SNAP applications and connecting to community-based behavioral health treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other recovery services.
• Provide direct crisis intervention and de-escalation for individuals experiencing acute mental health or substance use crises.
• Ensure continuity of care by coordinating referrals to medical, behavioral health, housing, employment, and legal services.
• Monitor client progress, conduct follow-ups, and adjust service plans as needed to support long-term recovery and reintegration.
• Maintain a caseload of approximately 25 participants, ensuring regular contact and engagement.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Outreach

Tracking, Document, and Reporting

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Education and Experience :

Licenses and or Certifications :

Benefits :

Medical Insurance – Care for you and eligible family members

Choice of two (2) Medical Plan options from BlueCross BlueShield

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

Dental Insurance – Offered by BCBS

Individual coverage 100% paid by Safer!

Eligible family coverage available

Vision – “See” how Safer cares for your eye health

Low-cost co-pays for in-network exam, frames & contacts

Life Insurance – Protection for you & your family

Basic Life (equal to 1.5 times your salary.)

100% paid by Safer!

403b Retirement Plan – Helping you save for retirement

Generous Company match to help you save more!

Vacation & Holidays – Refresh, rewind, & enjoy at Safer!

Vacation days (non-manager)

Company Holidays (2025); more than industry standard

Paid Leave Days

Other Benefits & Perks - adding value to You!

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Benefits such as Pet Insurance, Critical Illness, & Travel

Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action / Minorities / Females / Veterans

www.saferfoundation.org

No Phone Calls Please