Case Manager and Coach for DMH Recovery and Mental Health Services

About the Organization

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, supporting over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. The agency achieves impact in 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. The agency fosters a team-oriented culture that values communication, collaboration, transparency, and a healthy work/life balance. Employees enjoy a 35-hour workweek and are encouraged to engage in self-care. MHALA promotes diversity at all levels and offers opportunities for growth.

About the Role

Under the general supervision of a program manager, you will outreach, assess, and engage potential members for MHALA ISC services. You will assist individuals in finding and accessing requested services through intensive case management, and help members transition to appropriate levels of care based on the psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment.

Responsibilities

• Engage and enroll new members.
• Develop a Recovery Plan with each member that identifies their personal needs and goals.
• Mediate and advocate on behalf of members to help them obtain and keep housing, healthcare benefits, entitlements, etc.
• Visit members in their place of residence, hospital, or jail as needed to help them live successfully and prevent homelessness.
• Transport members to appointments and on errands when appropriate.
• Observe members’ individual and group activities both inside the program and in the community. Provide coaching, counseling, mentoring, instruction, training, feedback, and positive reinforcement in areas such as money management, grooming, hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation, and other independent living skills.
• Devise and implement strategies for outreach to members who tend to isolate themselves.
• Provide timely information and feedback to the program manager regarding emergent agency, program, team, or member issues.
• Assist members and the team in achieving community integration, education, and employment goals.
• Participate in staff and community meetings and in the day-to-day operations of the program as needed.
• Complete program documentation and paperwork in accordance with MHALA, County Contracted Provider, and funding source standards, including documenting 5 hours of interventions per day with a 24-hour turnaround.

Requirements

• Bilingual Spanish speaking ability highly preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year of experience providing psychosocial rehab-related services to a disabled population required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human-related field preferred.
• Valid Class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• High level of tolerance, patience, and understanding for individuals with multiple needs and problematic behavioral characteristics in a busy and unstructured work atmosphere.
• Ability to develop, nurture, and maintain good community relations on behalf of the organization.
• Knowledge of the harm reduction philosophy and proficiency in motivational interviewing.
• Ability to function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Valid CPR certificate preferred.
• Knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and on-call cell phone services when necessary.
• TB clearance and annual re-testing are conditions of continued employment.

Employment verification directly from three past employers within the most recent 7-year period is required. MHALA is an equal opportunity employer and considers individuals with a criminal history in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA). COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required but may become a requirement in the future.

Pay

$24.00 per hour.

Schedule

35 hours per week.

Benefits

MHALA offers a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program and generous paid time off.