Salary: $90,000.00 - $103,500.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04783
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionDSHS BHHA Diversion NavigatorAre 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.
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
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
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 a 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.
Questions? Please contact the recruiter at and reference 04783.
Supplemental InformationPrior 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 driver's 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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" on your website and on printed materials.
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. That's 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 BenefitsEmployees 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 CompensationState 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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 (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 (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 , 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 LeaveWashington 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 LeaveLeave Sharing
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
