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.

There are many benefits of being an ASW, AMFT, or APCC with MHALA such as:

• Hybrid work schedule
• Clinical supervision hours
• MHALA covering cost of important trainings and seminars, such as the 3-day DMH sponsored Dialectical Behavior Therapy training
• Paid time off to attend those trainings, and also the days leading up to LCSW/LMFT/LPCC licensure exam
• Performance Pay bonus program with the potential to earn an additional $1,600 per month

Personal Service Coordinator/ASW MFT APCC

35 hours per week / $29.50 - $33.50 per hour

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

Summary: Under the general supervision of the program manager assist individuals in finding and accessing requested services through the application of intensive case management services. Provide license-dependent mental and/or physical health services to members as needed. Perform assessments and approves other documentation as required by funding sources based on the 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. MHA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The Agency will consider individuals with a criminal history.

• Provide coaching, counseling, mentoring, instruction, training, feedback and positive reinforcement for members in areas such as grooming and hygiene, coping skills, public transportation and other independent living skills under principles of psychosocial rehabilitation model for treatment and services
• Perform intakes, initial assessments, and other assessments as Department of Mental Health (DMH) contract requires
• Provide outreach and engagement services for FSP referrals as well as Mini Mental Status Exams to assess for eligibility
• Develop a Recovery Plan and/or Personal Service Plan with each member that identifies his/her personal needs and goals
• Assist individuals in locating and obtaining requested services, including housing, food, health care, substance abuse treatment, benefits and entitlements, etc.
• Knowledgeable of the harm reduction philosophy and effective in the practice motivational interviewing
• Mediate and advocate on behalf of individuals to obtain these services
• Interact with members in the community, such as at their residence, hospitals, at appointments, etc., in order to engage them in services and to help them live successfully in the community
• Provide individual and group therapy
• Participate in staff and community meetings and in the day-to-day operations of the program as needed
• Assist and support program documentation standards of staff in accordance with MHALA, LACDMH County Contracted Provider standards and funding source requirements, and documents in Electronic Health record (EHR), including 24 hour turnaround documentation. Maintain a billing average of five hours per day into the CareLogic System
• Independently or in collaboration with Quality Assurance (QA) staff complete and maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHA standards and funding source requirements
• Provide clinical guidance for multi-disciplinary team and supervision of interns

Position requirements:

• Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) or Masters in Counseling (MA/MS) AND registration with California Board of Behavioral Sciences as ASW/AMFT/APCC required
• Clinical experience in mental health, disabled, and/or underserved populations preferred
• Willingness to become LPS designated to write 5150 holds for members when needed
• Participate in program designed to attain supervised hours and be willing to pursue Licensed Clinical Social Worker status
• 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
• Must be able to maintain an empathetic view for the dilemma of individuals in severe need and be able to juggle creatively and successfully around a variety of barriers that keep individuals from successful personal and community living
• Knowledge of community resources, housing, social security and general relief systems and ability to navigate within these systems
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services and fast-paced environment
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Valid CPR certificate preferred
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and participation in after-hours on-call rotation
• TB clearance and yearly re-testing is a condition of employment
• COVID vaccination is required for this position. Accommodations will be considered upon proof of a legal exemption.