Behavioral Health Deflection Peer Navigator

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Behavioral Health Deflection Peer Navigator is responsible for providing support and mentorship to individuals facing minor drug-related charges who are eligible for treatment deflection. Drawing from lived experience, this role helps participants develop recovery plans, connect with community resources, and navigate services across CTCLUSI’s five-county area. The Peer Navigator also collaborates with law enforcement, legal partners, and the treatment team to promote deflection services and support positive outcomes.

Notice : This is a full-time, limited-duration position funded through a grant. Current funding is secured through April 2026, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon continued funding.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meets with program participants (peers) in the community, homes, and/or legal system to establish and maintain positive, trusting relationships.
• Assists participants in identifying their personal goals through the development of a treatment/recovery plan.
• Assists participants in working on overcoming barriers to maintaining independence and helping clients practice skill building in budgeting, setting up transportation, making healthcare appointments, and connecting with benefits.
• Models and practices communication skills, recovery-oriented living skills, effective coping skills, and self-help strategies with individuals and groups.
• Provides assertive and continuous outreach activities related to direct services for participants with criminal justice involvement and behavioral health conditions (mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders).
• Establishes and Nurtures strong, trusting relationships with participants in a timely and effective manner.
• Reflects positive peer values and appropriate/professional boundaries.
• Attends community events and conferences to educate and raise awareness about law enforcement diversion and outreach for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders.
• Follows up on obtaining required services for all participant needs.
• Develops effective working relationships with project staff, community partners, and police departments.
• Represents the program, TRHC, and CTCLUSI at community events.
• Provides and/or collaborates on ongoing training related to program goals and subject matter, such as naloxone administration and distribution.
• Assesses the needs of participants with substance use and/or mental health disorders.
• Assists in the development and revision of BH Deflection-associated policies, procedures, and processes as directed.
• Assists in the development and revision of BH Deflection-related reports, memos, letters, forms, and other documents relevant to Deflection services.
• Participates in quality and organizational process improvement activities, team meetings, and committees when requested.
• Documents all clinical encounters in identified Electronic Health Record (EHR) or case management system.
• Assists Behavioral Health Director and other internal stakeholders to review trends, barriers, and propose solutions to BH Deflection processes.
• Collaborates efficiently and effectively while consistently demonstrating professionalism and maintaining positive, respectful relationships with internal teams, external partners, and Tribal members.
• Other duties as directed by management.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY & RESTRICTIONS:

• This is not a supervisory position.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Working with people in crisis who may have additional barriers/disabilities that can be mentally challenging.
• Must be able to walk, talk, hear, use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT:

• Moderate noise level with frequent interruptions and distractions.
• May be required to work in locations other than Three Rivers Health Center, such as police departments, jails, courts, or at an outreach work location.
• May be required to attend meetings, conferences and Tribal events.
• Must be willing and able to work long hours, which may include evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be willing and able to travel both locally and within the CTCLUSI service delivery area.

Experience and Skills:

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be 25 years of age or older per our vehicle use policy.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Eligibility to register as a Peer Support Specialist is required. Completion of approved Peer Support training and certification will be expected after hire.
• Lived experience with a substance use or mental health diagnosis is required.
• 1-year of verifiable experience providing peer support, care coordination, case management, or related services to similar populations within medical or behavioral health settings.
• Experience and proficiency in the use of Microsoft products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc).
• Ability to work independently and possesses a strong sense of focus, attention to detail, and task orientation.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse families and communities with the ability to be culturally sensitive, appropriate and non-judgmental.
• Maintain a calm and professional attitude even in the face of crisis and dramatic presentation.
• Maintain HIPAA standards of privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that work assignments and information gathered from day-to-day work is not shared with anyone and protects all patient and agency information.
• Strong interpersonal communication and written skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, verbally, in writing or by other acceptable means.
• This is a safety sensitive position and will be subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal history background check, which will include fingerprinting.
• This position will be subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal history background check, which will include fingerprinting.
• Must have employment eligibility in the U.S.
• Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.