Salary : $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionAre you looking for an opportunity to support at-risk individuals, strengthen community safety, and build strong partnerships across Washington's justice and behavioral health systems?
Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) is seeking a mission-driven, relationship-centered
Diversion Navigator to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, communicates with clarity and confidence, and believes in practical, person-centered solutions that keep people connected to care and out of deeper system involvement.
You'll join a collaborative group that values trust, shared problem-solving, and a commitment to "making it happen" for the people and communities we serve.
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
Success will be built on:- Effective coordination and support for individuals navigating behavioral health, housing, and justice systems
- Your strong communication skills with courts, attorneys, jails, and community partners
- Ability to build trust quickly with clients and stakeholders
- Skill in case management, planning, and follow-through
- Your commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and high-quality service delivery
Your day will include:- Building trusting relationships with clients to understand their needs, goals, and barriers
- Coordinating access to behavioral health care, housing supports, and community services
- Meeting with individuals in custody to assess eligibility, readiness, and release planning needs by utilizing a structured professional judgement tool.
- Advocate to courts on behalf of clients by providing a Recommended Diversion Plan and attend court in-person/virtually.
- Helping clients attend appointments, maintain medication adherence, and stay connected to services
- Managing an active caseload while meeting documentation and program compliance requirements
- Providing clear, consistent updates to courts and legal partners about client progress
- Presenting diversion options and community-based alternatives to support informed court decisions
- Collaborating with courts, attorneys, jails, and providers to maintain diversion policies and practices
- Creating and maintaining workflows, materials, and guidance that support program operations
- Participating in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing program development activities
- Reviewing program data, preparing reports, and using Lean or other improvement methods to strengthen service delivery
What we're looking for:- Professionals with a master's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or human services
- Minimum three years of professional experience in community mental health (non-inpatient)
- Minimum two years of case management experience providing direct care support to at-risk clients in the community
OR- A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or human services
- Minimum five years of professional experience in community mental health (non-inpatient)
- Minimum five years of case management experience providing direct care support to at-risk clients in the community
OR - A minimum of nine years of professional experience working in community mental health must be non-inpatient services. And concurrently, a minimum of five years of case management experience while providing direct care support and services to at-risk clients/patients in the community.
Preferred/desired experience and competencies:- Experience managing professional staff or leading a central business function such as centralized intake or diversion coordination
- Knowledge of Washington criminal court processes, competency evaluation procedures, and county-specific variations
- Experience working with behavioral health providers, housing programs, CPS, foster care licensing, or similar partners
- Strong skills in motivational interviewing, de-escalation, and conflict resolution
- Ability to design workflows, develop materials, and support program planning and evaluation
- Understanding of person-centered planning, consumer choice, and self-direction
- Ability to communicate clearly and inclusively with internal and external partners
- Skill in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to support decision-making and continuous improvement
Completed applications will include- A letter of interest (up to two pages) specifically addressing the knowledge, skills, and experience you have related to the job and duties.
- A current, chronological resume.
- A minimum of three professional references with contact information.
If you have questions about the job posting number 06610, contact email at
[email protected].
