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 School Safety and Wellness 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 Behavioral Health Navigator is an integral part of the School Safety and Wellness Center, which includes the Student Threat Management Program and Comprehensive School Safety Program.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(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 internal and external partners to implement and maintain services in accordance with program requirements.
• Participates in prevention, intervention, and assessment activities in support of the Regional School Safety program.
• Maintains and coordinates an inventory of NWESD programs, regional behavioral health resources, and service providers to connect school districts, schools, students, and families with appropriate supports and reduce barriers to accessing services.
• Facilitates collaboration among partners and service providers to support project planning, coordination, problem-solving, and development of recommendations.
• Develops partnerships and coordinates with school districts and regional and local behavioral health systems (e.g., surveys, technical assistance, needs and gap assessments, resource mapping) to support implementation of plans for recognizing and responding to emotional and behavioral distress, increasing access to services, and improving cross-system coordination.
• Identifies, investigates, and documents barriers to behavioral health services for students and families in order to develop resource materials and improve access to supports.
• Maintains records, data, and documentation to ensure accurate and current program information.
• Monitors the effectiveness and adequacy of systems-level behavioral health supports to improve coordination and access to services for youth and families.
• Supports applications for grant funding opportunities to support program sustainability and growth.
• Participates in meetings with ESDs, OSPI, school districts, schools, community partners, and statewide peer networks to increase access to behavioral health services and exchange information relevant to program responsibilities.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, and other written materials to document activities and communicate information.
• Provides consultation, training, and technical assistance to school and community teams on behavioral health topics to support staff, students, families, and community members.
• Provides support, mentoring, and collaborates with team members to ensure services are delivered in alignment with program guidelines.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of prevention, intervention, postvention, and assessment models and practices.
• Knowledge of school safety policies, procedures, protocols, and applicable laws, regulations, agencies, and community resources.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, messaging, and systems, as well as principles of equity within educational settings.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse individuals, agencies, and community partners.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while effectively managing projects, priorities, and timelines.
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple activities, meetings, trainings, and events simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, solve problems effectively, and respond positively to obstacles and constraints.
• Commitment to ongoing professional learning and growth.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and database software.
• Knowledge of adult learning strategies and skill in effectively developing and delivering trainings to adult audiences.
• Ability to review, interpret, analyze, and communicate technical information clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues, and develop meaningful recommendations and conclusions.
• Knowledge of grant processes and compliance requirements.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in related field and 5 years of experience working in education. Master’s degree in mental health counseling field, clinical social work, or school administration preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance 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 because the position requires the incumbent to travel. Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, traveling in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.