Criminal Justice Specialist

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is the largest provider of behavioral health services in Western Massachusetts and has recently expanded across the state. We were recognized by The Boston Globe as the 10th Best Employer in Massachusetts and are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work. Since 1938, BHN has been committed to providing high-quality, affordable, and culturally responsive behavioral health care—and we’re looking for a Criminal Justice Specialist to serve as the primary liaison between the PACT Program and Criminal Justice system to assist individuals served navigate the Criminal Justice system. The Criminal Justice Specialist coordinates releases from incarcerations and integration into the community.

What You’ll Do

• Reviews and becomes familiar with PACT model.
• Assists with coordination of parole, probation, and Mental Health Court.
• Provides on-going information, periodic reviews, and documentation to support treatment and Treatment Plan goals and objectives.
• Helps the team and individuals served navigate, inform, and plausibly predict criminal justice and court process for the individuals served. Makes recommendations as needed.
• Becomes familiar with Mentally Ill/Problematic Sexual Behaviors (MI/PSB) programming and supports risk management of individuals served with MI/PSB issues.
• Monitors overall health and well-being and assists with all aspects of medication treatment and administration.
• Becomes trained and well versed in the Sequential Intercept Model and Motivational Interviewing.
• Assists individuals served in maintaining and enhancing their social support network through opportunities to meet new friends, build stronger relationships with family members and guardians, and foster engagement in community groups, organizations, and relationships.
• Provides safe and timely transportation in own vehicle, as needed for medical appointments, recreational activities, shopping, errands, court appearances, etc.
• Completes progress notes for all individuals served by the end of each shift.
• Completes program specific forms and required time-sensitive documentation such as Incident Reports and Medication Occurrence Reports in a timely manner.
• Provides crisis intervention and emergency services as needed.
• Provides outreach services to individuals served on a frequent basis.
• Serves as primary case manager for assigned caseload.
• Acts as primary implementer of strategies to meet Treatment Plan goals.
• Represents program and agency in attending DMH Forensic Meetings and other meetings as required by supervisor.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provides coverage at all PACT locations as needed.
• Works weekends, second shifts, and holidays as needed by supervisor.
• Attends in-services, meetings and trainings as assigned and scheduled, keeps mandatory trainings up to date.
• Completes individually assigned program-specific responsibilities.
• Recognizes and reports program-specific safety and maintenance concerns.
• Completes risk plans and crisis plans as required by supervisor.
• Performs other tasks as requested by supervisor.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits – Comprehensive package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off
• Career Growth Opportunities – One-third of our positions are filled through internal promotions
• Mission-Driven Work – Make a direct impact in the lives of individuals in recovery
• Supportive Culture – Join a collaborative team dedicated to compassionate, evidence-based care

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology or Criminal Justice preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain MAP certification with introductory period of employment (6 months).
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of the criminal justice system and acts as primary liaison representing individuals served as well as the agency (e.g. for probation hearings, court appearances, and in correctional facilities).
• Commitment to empowerment and growth, human rights, and community integration of individuals served.
• Demonstrates willingness and ability to treat challenging and diverse client populations, including a forensic population.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in supporting clients with a variety of different cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of community resources, and how to help clients access them.
• Demonstrates willingness to work with individuals who are forensically involved within the Sequential Intercept model.

We Hire for Purpose

Since 1938, BHN has been dedicated to serving communities with compassion, respect, and cultural responsiveness. Join us in our mission to help individuals reclaim their lives and strengthen communities.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you! Click “Apply for Job” below or visit to apply today. You can also email your resume directly to Jacob Lechner at [email protected] .

BHN maintains its commitment to social justice and diversity and strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Pay: $45,760 - $54,912 per year

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