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 Navigator

35 hours per week / $24.00 - $26.75 per hour

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

Summary: Responsible for working in tandem with HUD-VASH team in providing ongoing support in identifying housing needs and working alongside veteran participants and SSVF staff in locating suitable housing. Will work together with HUD-VASH and SSVF to put together regular inventory of available housing in community. Housing Navigator will build relationships with property owners and managers to expedite the process of getting into housing and be a point of contact for concerns.

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.

• Interface with HUD-VASH, SSVF, and other government, community and private agencies to obtain permanent housing for veterans and their families that are suitable to their needs.
• Actively assist and coach participants in all steps of completing the application process.
• Provide active follow-up during the application process, and act as a housing counselor and advocate for participants when necessary.
• Will make sure that participant(s) are aware and educated regarding their lease and their rights as a tenant.
• Participate in groups that are focused on increasing housing resources for the homeless and will be a representative in advocating for the housing needs of homeless veterans.
• Will develop relationships through these groups to increase housing resources throughout the CoC.
• Will be the initial point of contact when making contact with new property owners and managers that have apartments for rent.
• Will inform new potential landlords regarding what SSVF services are and what the benefits would be of working with our program.
• Will negotiate with property owners when there is difficulty with getting a participant(s) into housing.
• Will identify landlords that are willing to work with those participant(s) that may have high barriers to getting into housing.
• Will be a point of contact for property owners / managers when they have problems or concerns regarding a veteran tenant and will be able to respond and navigate getting support to address the concern.
• Assist in introduction of participant(s) to landlords along with the staff that they will be working with so that landlords feel supported and trusting to rent to participant(s).
• 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 the families it serves.
• Independently or in collaboration with program staff, complete and maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.

Education and Experience Matrix--one of the following combinations is required:

• High school diploma or GED + Minimum 1 years of significant, hands-on experience in rehabilitation services or housing services for disabled and/or homeless persons.

OR

• Associate degree in general studies + No previous job experience required.

OR

• Bachelor degree in a human services field, business administration, public administration or similar + No previous job experience required.

Other Position Requirements:

• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Veteran status preferred.
• Must be or quickly become familiar with federal, state and local housing subsidy programs and the sources available for them.
• Must be or quickly become familiar with the practices and procedures for preparation of applications for subsidized housing and disabled/low income housing loans.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with public and private housing providers, mental health consumers and their family members or client advocates, vendors and other staff.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, writing skills and computer skills.
• Highly organized and detail oriented, and able to prioritize and juggle multiple projects without losing productivity.
• 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.
• 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.