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.

• Perform other duties as assigned 

Stakeholder Outreach & Recruitment 

• Work collaboratively with reentry programs, behavioral health providers, correctional facilities, community organizations, and social service agencies to ensure seamless service delivery.

• Participate in integrated staffings with internal teams and external providers to coordinate care and case planning.

• Advocate for participants by addressing barriers to reentry, behavioral health treatment, and social services.

Tracking, Document, and Reporting  

• Maintain accurate client records and case notes in Salesforce, CareLogic, and other electronic health record systems.

• Complete ASAM assessments, progress notes, and treatment plans in compliance with Illinois Rule 2060 and Medicaid standards.

• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other privacy/confidentiality regulations. • Conduct monthly self-reviews of documentation to uphold quality standards and contractual requirements.

• Track client referrals and follow-up on service engagement and outcomes.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in substance use disorder treatment, ASAM criteria, and behavioral health case management.

• Knowledge of evidence-based counseling techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care.

• Strong understanding of justice-involved populations and the barriers they face in accessing care.

• Familiarity with Illinois Medicaid, public benefits, and behavioral health service networks.

• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems, such as CareLogic and Salesforce.

• Ability to engage and build trust with diverse client populations, including those with histories of incarceration, trauma, and substance use.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of experience in substance use treatment, mental health, or reentry services required.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a substance use treatment environment required.

• Minimum of 1 year of case management experience required.

• Minimum of 1 year working with justice-involved individuals required.

• Experience facilitating group therapy and individual counseling sessions.

• Experience in conducting ASAM assessments and developing treatment plans.

• Individuals with lived experience in recovery and/or the justice system are highly preferred.

Licenses and or Certifications:

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) required, but LSW or LCSW can be substituted. 

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or equivalent credentials preferred but not required.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Safer Foundation is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas, including H-1B, TN, E-3, or other employment-based visas.

Work Location & Residency Requirement : This is a hybrid position based out of our Chicago office, with a required in-office schedule. Employees in this role must live in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, or Michigan at the time of hire and keep their residency in one of these states throughout employment. Employees must also be able to report to the [office] location on all required in-office days. Safer Foundation is not set up to employ staff in other states, so we cannot consider candidates who live outside these four states.

Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace

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

No Phone Calls Please