Behavioral Health Navigator (190 Days)

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:
In accordance with RCW 28A.310.510, and under the direction of the Threat Assessment Program Manager, the Behavioral Health Navigator (BHN) is responsible for increasing access to behavioral health services and supports for students and families by facilitating regional cross-system coordination and will support school districts to develop and implement comprehensive suicide prevention and behavioral health supports for students. The BHN is an integral part of the School Safety Center, which includes the Student Threat Management Program and Comprehensive School Safety Services.

Essential Functions:
Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Collaborates with others, including other staff in the Regional School Safety Center and Behavioral Health and Prevention Services Department, for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services in accordance with program requirements.
• Maintains an inventory of NWESD programs and resources for the purpose of linking school districts to appropriate resources (i.e. MTSS, Mental Health providers, Intervention or Behavior Specialists, and Migrant Services representatives) and coordinating across internal programs.
• Coordinates regional behavioral health resources, service providers, schools, school districts, and communities for the purpose of removing barriers for access to services.
• Facilitates meetings for the purpose of implementing project planning and coordination to help identify appropriate actions and develop recommendations.
• Facilitates partnerships and coordination between school districts and existing regional and local systems of behavioral health care services (e.g. surveying, providing technical assistance, needs/gap assessments, resource mapping, etc.) to assist in implementing a plan for recognizing and responding to emotional and behavioral distress, increasing student and family access to services and supports, and coordination across systems.
• Investigates and documents barriers to behavioral health services for students for the purpose of creating resource materials that assist schools in connecting students to services.
• Maintains a variety of records for the purpose of providing up-to-date information.
• Monitors the adequacy of systems level supports for students in need of behavioral health services to enhance coordination and access of mental health services for youth and families.
• Identifies and applies for grants to aid program funding.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. ESD, OSPI, districts, school buildings, community partners, peer positions across the state, etc.) for the purpose of increasing access to behavioral healthcare services; and for conveying and gathering information regarding a wide variety of subjects required to perform project responsibilities.
• Prepare a variety of written materials and reports for the purpose of documenting activities, providing references, and conveying information.
• Provides consultation and training to school site and community teams about behavioral health topics to educate staff, parents, students, and community members.
• Provides support and mentoring to team members for the purpose of ensuring services are provided within program guidelines.
  Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Willingness to be trained in and participate in the various models of prevention, intervention, and assessment as designated by, and in support of the Regional School Safety program.Ability to work with and build positive relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to initiate and manage projects independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate as part of multiple intersecting teams.
• Knowledge of strategies used in adult education and training, and skill in effectively delivering training to adult learners.
• Knowledge of grants and associated requirements.
• Knowledge of pertinent codes, policies, regulations, laws, agencies, and resources.
• Knowledge of school safety policies, protocols, procedures, and practices.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed messaging and systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of equity within educational systems.
• Ability to deal with obstacles and constraints positively.
• Ability to adjust to and utilize new approaches in the performance of his/her duties.
• Ability and willingness to seek out and take advantage of opportunities for professional growth.
• Ability to review and interpret technical information.
• Ability to write technical materials.
• Ability to analyze situations to define issues and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Ability to schedule and manage multiple activities, meetings, and events simultaneously.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office products and database software.
• Ability to deal with obstacles and constraints positively.
• Ability to schedule and manage multiple activities, meetings, and events simultaneously.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in related field and 2 years of experience working in education. Master’s Degree in School Administration, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Clinical Social Work preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel may be required for school district and other agency visits, training sessions, workshops, and other committee representation. Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds. Sitting for extended periods of time may be required. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.
Hazards: Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount. Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status or physical or mental disability.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.