Behavioral Health Clinical Navigator II (HOP)

Behavioral Health Clinical Navigator II (HOP)

In this position you will play a critical role in the Community and Public Health (CPH) Division of the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD). As a Behavioral Health Clinical Navigator II assigned to the Homeless Outreach Program (HOP) you will conduct proactive field-based outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness; complete behavioral health assessments; provide intensive case management community navigation and clinically appropriate solution-focused interventions; and assist individuals in accessing housing healthcare behavioral health services substance use treatment and other resources that support long-term stability.

HOP works with individuals facing complex medical behavioral health substance use and housing-related challenges. The position emphasizes sustained engagement individualized goal setting coordination with service providers and advocacy for high-needs clients in community settings including downtown areas trails parks and business corridors.

As a Behavioral Health Clinical Navigator II you will:

• Conduct regular outreach as part of a team to identify and engage individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown Colorado Springs and other assigned community locations
• Complete behavioral health intakes and assessments for individuals identified through outreach or referred by community partners including those with complex or acute symptoms
• Provide intensive case management and community navigation; maintain an assigned caseload of high-needs clients and conduct consistent follow-up to support progress toward individualized goals
• Connect clients to medical care behavioral health treatment substance use treatment and recovery services housing and shelter opportunities and practical supports such as identification benefits transportation and employment resources
• Respond to requests from community partners and business leaders for outreach assessment intervention assistance and resource navigation for individuals experiencing behavioral health or medical concerns
• Use clinically appropriate behavioral interventions motivational and solution-focused approaches and psychoeducation to address barriers to improved functioning and quality of life
• Develop individualized intervention plans treatment goals and stabilization strategies with clients; reassess needs and adjust plans based on progress and changing circumstances
• Assess safety concerns encountered during outreach use verbal de-escalation when appropriate and coordinate with appropriate emergency or clinical services when a situation exceeds the HOP role or requires urgent care
• Participate in internal and external case consultation; coordinate with providers community organizations and client support systems to facilitate continuity of care and referrals
• Maintain accurate timely and confidential assessments case notes referrals services and outcomes in designated electronic records systems in accordance with applicable standards
• Advocate for clients through professional communication with healthcare housing behavioral health substance use treatment and other community partners
• Represent CPH at community meetings provide education about HOP services maintain positive partnerships and report program activities and outcomes to supervisors
• Assist supervisor with caseload assignments referral processing and other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Professional scope of practice ethical responsibilities and clinical documentation standards
• DSM-5 concepts and evidence-based behavioral health approaches including cognitive behavioral systems-based and solution-focused methods
• Needs of individuals experiencing homelessness serious mental illness co-occurring substance use disorders and complex medical or social barriers
• Goal setting treatment planning harm reduction principles and community-based resource coordination

• Build trust and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with individuals who may be difficult to engage
• Assess field safety concerns apply verbal de-escalation skills and recognize when consultation or emergency assistance is necessary
• Manage a complex caseload and formulate coordinated practical intervention plans with limited supervision
• Communicate effectively with clients community partners and interdisciplinary providers while demonstrating cultural sensitivity
• Document clinical and outreach services clearly and navigate electronic medical records after training
• Work effectively in a fluid field environment exercise sound judgment accept feedback and represent CSFD professionally

• A masters degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in social work counseling psychology or related field
• Three (3) years of full-time experience working with patients in a crisis setting
• Possess or obtain within 30 days of hire and maintain a valid non-probationary Colorado drivers license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges
• Licensed in good standing in the State of Colorado (DORA) in a counseling social work or related behavioral health field (LCSW LPC LMFT)

• Crisis intervention skills
• Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health crisis
• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently.

Primary Work Environment - Field environment (with some office time) with travel from site to site and possible exposure to extreme weather conditions
Extreme Temperature - Seasonally
Wetness and Humidity - Seasonally
Respiratory Hazards - Rarely
Noise and Vibrations - Rarely
Physical Hazards - Occasionally
Mechanical and/or Electrical Hazards - Rarely
Exposure to Communicable Diseases - Frequently

Please contact CSFD Human Resources at or for any questions about this position.

The background check process for this position includes being fingerprinted by the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Colorado Springs is committed to a welcoming culture that values our employees unique individual qualities and fosters a welcoming environment where people want to be

The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position area of assignment and specific job assignments including shift differential pay differential acting or lead special assignment hazard pay longevity cell phone allowance uniform allowance relocation awards standby call out compensatory time off tuition overtime extra duty incentive holiday premium proficiency and vacation sell back.

NOTE: This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities knowledge skills and abilities associated with the position.

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