Job Abstract

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.

MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.

MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.

MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.

MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

Veteran Housing and Benefit Specialist

35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour

(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Summary: Under direct supervision of the Program Manager, provide housing placement, support and case management services for eligible homeless veteran families through outreach, assessment and engagement of potential members. Assist veterans and their families in finding and accessing requested community linkages and resources through the application of intensive case management services based on housing first and psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agencys operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider, the Agency will consider individuals with a criminal history.

• Developing individualized case plans for each veteran household.
• Identify the veterans goals and what action steps should be taken to achieve those goals.
• Assisting veterans in obtaining employment or higher-paying employment.
• Assisting veterans in applying for any benefits for which they may be eligible, including V.A. pension benefits, social security benefits, etc.
• Working with local landlords and property managers to identify suitable housing for local veterans and to serve as a liaison between veteran tenants and their landlords.
• Mediates and advocates on behalf of the member to help him/her obtain and keep their housing.
• Update and maintain an accurate case file for each veteran, in accordance with the primary contractors guidelines and with the VAs program guidebook.
• Entering client information into a secure database, updating, and maintaining the data with the database.
• Assist and support program documentation standards of staff in accordance with MHALA, county contracted provider, and funding source standards and requirements, and documents in required program, including 24 hour turnaround documentation to ensure all required data collection documents (as applicable to your program (HMIS) are submitted on or before due date.
• Collaborate with member to establish a working budget for sustainability of housing including all expenses and income sources of the household.
• Interface with government, community and private agencies to obtain rental subsidies, subsidized loans or other available resources for transitional and permanent housing for veterans and their families.
• Assist and coach members in all steps of completing the application process. Provide follow-up during the application process, and act as a housing counselor and advocate for members to help obtain and keep housing, health care benefits, entitlements, etc.
• Conducts individual and community-based presentations regarding MHALAs housing programs and work with landlords and property management companies to generate housing opportunities through advocacy, information and education
• With Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction practices, provide and/or arrange for necessary services for members moving into new housing.
• Provide or arrange for regular home visits, in-home case management support and community-based referrals to assist members in staying successfully housed.
• Represent MHALA at community housing provider meetings, HUD-VASH and LAHSA meetings and other similar events.
• Work to stay current with technical and administrative changes in various housing programs and their requirements.
• Networks with other veteran and mainstream service agencies to share ideas and resources, develop effective programs, solve common problems and maintain a professional network of referral resources for housing and support services.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations and community life of the agency.
• Work cooperatively with other staff to assure the smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services to the agency and the veterans and their families it serves.
• Engage in collateral duties as directed by program management as needed.

Other position requirements:

• High School diploma or GED required
• One year of providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled population/low income and/or homeless population required
• Veterans encouraged to apply
• Bachelors degree in Social Work or related field preferred
• Driving with current class C drivers license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• Knowledge of health care, social service resource systems and self-help intervention strategies.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills including use of motivational interviewing, harm reduction approach, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong oral/written communication and listening skills.
• Must be team-oriented, self-directed, have good listening and communication skills, the ability to empathize and relate positively to a wide variety of people and dedicated to fulfilling the demands of the position.
• Experience working in diverse settings with people across all socio-economic spectrums.
• Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word and Excel)
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to effectively manage multiple assignments through accuracy and thoroughness.
• Engage in collateral duties as directed by program management as needed.
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends when necessary.
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of employment.
• COVID-19 vaccination is required for this position. Accommodations will be considered with proof of a legal exemption.