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.

** Please note that the weekly schedule for this position is Wednesday to Sunday **

Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Psychiatric Technician

35 hours per week/$26.00 - $30.50 per hour

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

Summary: Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, provide outreach, engagement, and linkage to services for individuals experiencing homelessness in SPA 8. Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing services to address health issues, attend to modifiable risk factors, and assist members in becoming engaged partners to improve overall health and well-being. Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA)s approach to care is member driven, recovery based, and designed to meet the unique needs of each person. This position will also act as a resource for the multi-disciplinary team regarding management of physical healthcare needs. Direct health care may be provided in the field as part of the street based medicine team.

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 any undue hardship to the agencys operations. MHALA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history.

• Coordinate and provide outreach services for individuals experiencing homelessness within SPA 8
• Provide any needed or requested license dependent physical or mental health service(s)
• Provide health education, resources, and partner/liaison with multi-disciplinary team and community healthcare providers
• Administer medications/injections as prescribed by MD or NP
• Demonstrate responsibility for proper transcribing, administration, monitoring, and managing of medications.
• Display knowledge of adverse side effects, indications for use, and contraindications of medications
• Complete assessments regarding physical and mental health status. Assist to develop appropriate plan of care and interventions under the direction of MD or NP
• Assist in the collection of health information.
• Monitor and manage health conditions by taking measurements of weight/BMI, blood pressure, and glucose levels
• Work collaboratively within the multi-disciplinary team to outreach and linkage to community based services for physical and mental health care
• Provide education to individuals experiencing homelessness regarding health promotion, medications, and disease management.
• Teach skills to build individuals ability to handle health concerns independently and educate the multi-disciplinary team on members health care concerns/illness and care plan
• Maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.
• Develop collaborative relationship with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physical health care providers and multi-disciplinary personnel to address complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.

Position Requirements:

• Current licensure with the State of California as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT). Maintain valid CPR and basic first aid certificate.
• One-year experience providing nursing services to population with mental health/ substance needs, preferred.
• Must possess a high level of tolerance, patience, and understanding for individuals who present for services with multiple needs, issues, and problematic behavioral characteristics in a busy and unstructured work atmosphere
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
• Work schedule to include some evenings, and on-call cell phone services when necessary
• Driving with current class C drivers license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALAs liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• COVID-19 vaccination is required for this position. Accommodations will be considered with proof of a legal exemption.