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Behavioral Health Navigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAFER Foundation

Behavioral Health Navigator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53K/yr

Reporting to the Behavioral Health Navigator Team Lead, the Behavioral Health Navigator serves a critical role in bridging the gap between incarceration and community reintegration for individuals ...

Safer Foundation

Behavioral Health Navigator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Reporting to the Behavioral Health Navigator Team Lead, the Behavioral Health Navigator serves a critical role in bridging the gap between incarceration and community reintegration for individuals ...

SAFER Foundation

Behavioral Health Navigator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53K/yr

The Behavioral Health Navigator plays a critical role in supporting individuals in custody with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and in need of preparation for release back into the ...

MIMH Professional Training

$55 - $75/hr

The Behavioral Health Navigator plays a critical role in supporting individuals in custody with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and in need of preparation for release back into the ...

PMHCC Inc.

Behavioral Health Navigator

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$56K - $65K/yr

The Navigator provides direct support, education and resources to ensure successful outcomes for ... Partner with Early Intervention staff and Behavioral Health providers to offer training and ...

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Behavioral Health Navigator information

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How much do behavioral health navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health navigator in the United States is $27.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health navigator?

Behavioral Health Navigators are professionals who assist individuals in accessing and coordinating mental health and substance use services. They help clients understand their treatment options, connect with providers, and overcome barriers to care such as insurance issues or transportation. Behavioral Health Navigators often work in healthcare settings, community organizations, or social service agencies, acting as a bridge between clients and the behavioral health system. Their goal is to ensure individuals receive timely and appropriate care while providing guidance and support throughout the process.

How does a behavioral health navigator typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support patient care?

Behavioral Health Navigators work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including social workers, therapists, primary care providers, and case managers, to ensure patients receive comprehensive care. They regularly facilitate communication between patients and providers, coordinate referrals, and help bridge gaps between physical and mental health services. This collaborative approach not only streamlines the patient experience but also ensures that care plans are tailored to individual needs, improving outcomes and patient satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health navigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Navigator, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records (EHR), and community resource databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and effectively support clients navigating behavioral health systems. These skills are crucial for ensuring clients receive coordinated care, appropriate resources, and positive mental health outcomes.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Navigator vs Behavioral Health Case Manager?

AspectBehavioral Health NavigatorBehavioral Health Case Manager
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like Certified Peer Specialist often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; licensure or certification may be required depending on state
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, hospitals, outpatient settingsHospitals, clinics, community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health organizationsHealthcare facilities, social service agencies
Common Search & ComparisonBehavioral Health Navigator vs Behavioral Health Case Manager

Behavioral Health Navigators primarily assist clients in navigating mental health services, providing support and resource guidance. Behavioral Health Case Managers often have a broader role, including care coordination and treatment planning. While both roles work within mental health settings, Navigators focus on guidance and resource connection, whereas Case Managers handle comprehensive case management tasks.

More about Behavioral Health Navigator jobs

What cities are hiring for Behavioral Health Navigator jobs?

Cities with the most Behavioral Health Navigator job openings:

What states have the most Behavioral Health Navigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Behavioral Health Navigator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Navigator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Navigator jobs are:

Behavioral Health Navigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Navigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,657 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Behavioral Health Navigator

SAFER Foundation

Chicago, IL • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment

General Summary:

This position is grant-funded. This position is subject to background check.

Reporting to the Behavioral Health Navigator Team Lead, the Behavioral Health Navigator serves a critical role in bridging the gap between incarceration and community reintegration for individuals with acute to high-risk behavioral health needs. This position operates within a dual-setting framework, working in both a pre-release correctional and community reentry setting based on participant need.

The Behavioral Health Navigator is responsible for providing comprehensive clinical reentry services, including initial screenings and assessments, and facilitating groups focused on mental wellness. By maintaining a caseload of approximately 25 high-needs participants, the Navigator ensures continuity of care, addressing social determinants of health and clinical barriers to successful reentry.

Performance Results Description

The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.

Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity, and Evidence-Based Innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Interface:

  • Conduct initial behavioral health screenings and health-related social-needs assessments (including ASAM, IM+CANS, and biopsychosocial reentry assessments) within 24-48 hours of engagement to determine immediate clinical and reentry needs.
  • Facilitate psychoeducational groups focused on mental wellness, trauma recovery, and stabilization to prepare clients for release and community adjustment.
  • Maintain a dedicated caseload of at least 25 individuals, ensuring regular contact, engagement, and monitoring of progress toward clinical and reentry goals.
  • Develop and implement individualized service plans that incorporate both behavioral health treatment and pre-release/reentry support needs.
  • Assist clients in navigating and applying for Medicaid/SNAP benefits and reactivating coverage to ensure immediate access to healthcare upon release.
  • Coordinate warm handoffs to appropriate treatment providers, housing resources, employment services, and community-based organizations.
  • Advocate for participants by addressing systemic barriers to reentry, legal issues, and access to social services.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Outreach

  • Actively participate in integrated staffings with internal teams, correctional staff, and external providers to coordinate care and case planning.

Tracking, Document and Reporting

  • Maintain accurate client records, case notes, and treatment plans in Salesforce, CareLogic, and other electronic health record systems in compliance with agency standards.
  • Track client referrals and follow up on service engagement and outcomes.
  • Ensure all services are documented in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Illinois Rule 2060, and Medicaid standards.
  • Conduct monthly self-reviews of documentation to uphold quality standards and contractual requirements.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong understanding of justice-involved populations, the barriers they face, and the dynamics of working within correctional facilities.
  • Familiarity with evidence-based counseling techniques (Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, etc.), trauma-informed care, and ASAM criteria.
  • Proficiency in electronic health record systems such as CareLogic, as well as Microsoft Office applications.
  • Knowledge of Illinois Medicaid, Rule 132, Rule 2060, and HIPAA/confidentiality
  • Ability to engage and build trust with diverse client populations, including those with histories of incarceration, trauma, and severe mental illness.
  • Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging).
Education and Experience:
  •  Bachelor’s Degree required in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related human services field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in a substance use treatment, mental health, or reentry service.
  • Individuals with lived experience in recovery and/or the justice system are highly preferred.
  • Minimum of 1 year of case management experience required. 
  • Experience working with high-risk or acute behavioral health populations is highly preferred.
  • Experience facilitating group therapy or psychoeducational workshops.
Licenses and or Certifications:
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) preferred.
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or equivalent credentials preferred.

Background Check: This role is subject to a background check in accordance with Illinois Medicaid Rule 132 to render behavioral health services in a licensed facility, and the Illinois Department of Corrections access to correctional facilities


Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans 

www.saferfoundation.org

No Phone Calls Please