Temporary Jail Navigator

The City of Kirkland's Police Department is seeking to hire a Temporary Jail Navigator!
Note: This position is classified as temporary and currently funded through 12/31/2026.

Why Kirkland?

• Works with incarcerated person and other program staff to develop a comprehensive transition plan, outlining the needs and action plan for linking them to appropriate community services.
• Conducts in-jail client interviews to assess the client's status and need for specific services in relation to treatment, benefits, employment, housing, family, and community functioning.
• Serves as the central point of contact between the Corrections Division and community service providers.
• Keeps detailed records and maintains case management for inmates served. Provides data and statistics for analysis when requested.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with partners, City staff, first responders, and incarcerated individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Establishes working relationships with local and regional resources for the transition of incarcerated persons back to the community.
• Continually seeks out new resources which can be used to benefit incarcerated persons.
• Prepares and presents informative pamphlets to incarcerated persons.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Prepares written, oral, and visual reports for Jail staff, Police Command staff, City Council, and public to explain the Department's response to the needs of incarcerated persons for successful transition back into the community.
• Develops appropriate forms to document actions taken to determine and provide resources for incarcerated persons.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the complexities of substance use, behavioral health, and homelessness.
• Understanding of data collection and analysis, social service research methodologies, and principles and techniques of program evaluation and monitoring.
• Familiarity with client record documentation requirements; and of client services plan development and implementation.
• Ability to organize weekly schedule, prioritize tasks, follow through on given assignments, accurately show progress.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining professional boundaries with clients and ensure confidentiality of participants.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including management of case notes and records; ability to track and report out program metrics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, allowing for effective communication with diverse populations.
• Ability to make presentations, facilitate processes, provide effective training, and implement services.
• Effectively communicate and work with a culturally, ethnically, and socio-economically diverse population who may require assistance dealing with substance use disorders, domestic violence, mental health, housing, employment, parenting, disabilities, and literacy issues.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm in stressful situations, relate to various personality styles in a calm, professional manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field.
• Experience: 2 years of experience working in a social service setting, specifically supporting individuals with alcohol or substance use disorder. Experience working with behavioral or mental health conditions.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Bi/multilingual preferred.
• Direct experience in human services provision and/or experience working in the public health or nonprofit service provider sector preferred.
• Become compliant with state and FBI CJIS Division policies and regulations, including verification of a state of residency and national fingerprint-based record check.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
The work is primarily performed in an office environment in the jail. Face-to-face conversations with inmates will be required. The position will be accompanied by a corrections officer any time they are interacting with inmates. Must be able to move objects up to 20 pounds.

Selection Process
Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 425-587-3111.