DSHS BHHA Forensic Navigator Supervisor

DSHS BHHA Forensic Navigator Supervisor

Salary

$110,000.00 - $120,000.00 Annually

Location

King County - Seattle - S. Seattle, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Non-Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06916

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

BHHA

Opening Date

08/24/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

Description

DSHS and the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) are currently seeking a temporary, non-permanent (3-month) Forensic Navigator Program Supervisor. The Forensic Navigator Program Supervisor oversees the service delivery and supervises Forensic Navigator staff located in assigned region.

Forensic Navigators, while being officers of the court, assess OCRP suitability, provide interim case management, and act as community liaison support to a highly vulnerable population. In this role, you will assign case work to manage staffing to meet the demands outlined in the Trueblood Amended Settlement Agreement. Youll be responsible for assigning job duties, distributing workload, training staff, setting benchmarks, collecting and auditing data, devising and implementing work procedures and policies, and assessing the quality of work on the local level.

Additionally, youll work with the Forensic Navigator Program Administrator to create, revise, and implement policies for forensic navigators. Furthermore, the incumbent in this position provides direct supervision to staff members ensures that DSHS and OFMHS policies are followed.

You will ensure Forensic Navigators are meeting performance standards outlined in the Trueblood Settlement Agreement. Youll manage processes under RCW10.77 and provide education to other hospital programs and other state institutions and agencies, including State courts, prosecution offices, defense attorney offices, Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) offices and jails.

Regional travel may be required for this position. Position must hold a valid drivers license if operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business.

Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Some of What Youll Do

• Maintain parameters of program to divert eligible individuals out of the criminal court system and into community-based treatment programs in assigned region.
• Develop and implement action plans, track progress and provide reports and presentations in assigned region. Partner with stakeholders as appropriate to accomplish initiative goals.
• Serve as a regional subject matter expert in regards to leadership, support to Forensic Navigator Program and community partnerships.
• Conduct training and education sessions on forensic navigator services with internal and external partners including other state hospital programs, other state institutions and agencies, state courts, prosecution offices, defense attorney offices, etc.
• Assign job duties and distribute work load to ensure appropriate use of resources and effective performance of duties in support of the mission, goals, and operations of the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services.
• Ensure Forensic Navigators in assigned region are maintaining appropriate standards of care and are meeting performance standards. Ensure duties and responsibilities are carried out within applicable policies and standards.

What Were Looking for

• Master's degree in Social Work/Social Sciences, Psychology, or Criminal Justice.
• Four or more years of experience in community case management and/or working in the community mental health field.
• Four or more years of experience working with individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental illness.
• An understanding of the Trueblood Settlement Agreement and how to communicate the necessity of compliance to staff.
• Minimum of one year experience in high level/high profile projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with diverse staff and patients to accomplish the office's mission.
• Leadership and management skills and abilities including: - good judgement, independent problem- solving, decision-making, responsiveness, conflict resolution, time management, excellent oral and written communication, relationship skills.
• Capacity to adjust to an environment with high pace change due to organizational and settlement requirements;

OR

• Equivalent relevant professional experience/education.

Preferred / desired education, experience and competencies:

• Master's degree in Social Work or Psychology and is a licensed clinician.
• Prior experience working as a Forensic Navigator for at least one year.
• Five years supervisory experience. It is preferred that they have 10 years' experience with in mental health setting or related social service field and have an understanding of process related to the criminal court system.

See Why People Choose to Work for DSHS:

Questions? If you have questions about job number 06916, please contact Kathy Simmons, or phone (360) 725-5810.

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid drivers license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here(Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov