Behavioral Health System Navigator Jail Based at Pottawattamie County, IA

About the Department

Are you ready for a career that combines public service, teamwork, and personal growth? The Pottawattamie County Jail is now hiring a Behavioral Health System Navigator.  At the Pottawattamie County Jail, we believe in fostering a dynamic work environment that supports growth and development.

The Behavioral Health System Navigator for Jails is responsible for assisting with the navigation, support and coordination of reentry plans for inmates with mental illness and co-occurring disorders within designated jails in southwest Iowa. The Navigator will assist inmates in understanding their options, connect to care, and overcome barriers that may stand in their way. The Navigator’s goal is to assist in establishing a clear path to services that fit their individual needs. This position also provides follow-up monitoring and service coordination support for inmates up to 3 months post-release.

Pottawattamie County offers employees a strong benefit plan at a reasonable cost. Our benefit offerings include health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and other voluntary benefits.

To highlight some of our amazing benefits:
 

• We offer a family plan at $233.82 per month cost to the employee, with an additional $30 savings if the employee participates in the wellness program
• $1,500 family deductible
• 100% employer paid long-term disability coverage
• premium free single dental coverage
• generous paid time off; sick leave and vacation leave
• IPERS retirement; Unlike benefits from other retirement plans, IPERS benefits aren’t tied to the performance of the stock market. With IPERS, you don’t need to make complicated investment decisions for your retirement dreams to become a reality.

Position Duties

Meets with inmates at jail facility to assess the need for community based mental health/substance abuse/basic need services upon reentry and identify resources.

Develops a transition plan with identified inmates using input from the jail screening, assessment and interview with inmates and other parties.

Refers inmates as needed to mental health/substance abuse services, community programming, basic needs resources, and other similar programs or services using brief, evidence-based screening tools, as needed, to help clarify needs and guide the next steps in a respectful and responsive way.

Collaborate with jail staff, law enforcement, probation/parole officers, courts, attorneys, community providers, and family members to support inmates with behavioral health needs, especially during transitions back into the community and in efforts to reduce recidivism.

Assists in understanding how to utilize and/or apply for services provided through various state and federal agencies. 

Support inmates in overcoming common barriers to care, such as insurance issues, transportation, or language needs, including helping with service applications when needed.

Ensure all interactions are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in respect for the person’s lived experience.

Act as an advocate for the needs, rights and interests of the inmates.

Ongoing Support and Follow-Up

Stay connected after the initial referral, ensuring people have access to the help they need when they need it.

Support inmates through transitions from the jail into the community. 

Set reasonable goals with individuals and follow up to ensure services were accessed successfully and assist if further help is needed. 

Building and Maintaining Community Partnerships

Build strong relationships with local providers, peer-facilitated programs, community organizations and support networks. 

Develop effective and inclusive community outreach to establish community referral pathways.

Stay updated on services and supports available in the community and share that information with inmates seeking support.

Attend community meetings or events to stay informed of resources, changes, and trends to promote collaborative approaches to care.

Training and Development

Participate in ongoing training to maintain knowledge of behavioral health best practices, evidence-based interventions, and evolving community resources.

Must complete the required facility training, to include but not be limited to defensive tactics, CPR and First Aid.

Stay current on BH-ASO policies, Medicaid and non-Medicaid benefits, and statewide resource availability.

Participate in quality improvement efforts, training, and cross-system collaboration.

Compliance and Risk Management

Maintains files according to any established procedure. Utilize case management software (if required), referral platforms and eligibility tools to document assessments, track service delivery and close loop referrals, monitor individual progress, ensure accountability in system navigation, and determine eligibility for Medicaid or other benefits.

Document all navigation activities accurately and in a timely manner using designated systems.

Adhere strictly to privacy regulations, confidentiality standards (HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2), and other compliance requirements related to client interactions and documentation.

Ensure compliance with identified state and federal Jail Standards including adherence to safety and security measures prescribed for the jail. 

Performs other duties as directed or as the situation dictates.

Minimum Qualifications

At least two years of experience working in behavioral health, care coordination, or system navigation roles.

Experience working in a correctional or secure environment is highly desirable.

Experience in providing re-integration planning and/or case management experience preferred.

Knowledge of Iowa’s behavioral health system, including Medicaid-funded and non-Medicaid services as well as other state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to mental health, benefits, programs and services.

Experience working with individuals with various disabilities including intellectual disabilities, serious mental illness (SMI), substance use disorders (SUD), or co-occurring conditions. 

Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills with a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach.

Ability to quickly analyze, retain composure, and utilize sound independent judgment and actions in stressful and emergency situations, occasionally with violent or hostile inmates.

Comfortable working independently, remotely, and in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to be self-motivated, results-oriented, skilled in prioritizing multiple initiatives and meet deadlines.

Ability to operate standard office equipment and proficiency with electronic documentation, virtual communication tools, data systems and analytics tools (Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Power Point). Ability to learn Jail Management System.

Ability to maintain an accurate and confidential system of communications, documents, and correspondence. 

Ability to compile, maintain, and submit required reports, records, and forms accurately and in a timely manner applying proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Knowledge of programs and benefits available to persons with disabilities (i.e. residential programs, vocational programs, housing), Department of Human Services programs, Home and Community Based, and how to access these programs.

Ability to communicate, present information, establish and maintain working relationships and respond to questions from inmates, supervisors, co-workers, jail personnel, and individuals from outside agencies.

Other Qualifications

Bachelor’s or associate degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or a related behavioral health field required; experience may be substituted. People with lived experience working with the developmentally disabled, intellectually disabled and mentally ill and peer support experience are highly encouraged to apply. 

Must possess a valid driver’s license at the time of hire and maintain it while employed.

Must attend training to maintain licensing (if applicable), Mandatory Abuse Reporting, and continuing education requirements.

Must complete the required facility training to include but not be limited to defensive tactics, CPR and First Aid.

Experience working in a correctional or secure environment is highly desirable.

Experience in providing re-integration planning and/or case management experience preferred.