Case Manager and Coach for Homeless Recovery and Mental Health

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 community around mental health issues.

MHALA fosters a team-oriented culture that values communication, collaboration, transparency, and work/life balance. Employees enjoy a 35-hour workweek, opportunities for growth, and a commitment to diversity at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within an integrated mobile team to provide street outreach, community-based case management, and linkage to independent permanent housing for homeless individuals.
• Conduct outreach and engagement efforts through an intensive, sustained, and consistent process.
• Develop and complete a mental health treatment recovery plan with each member, identifying personal goals and needs.
• Provide case management support in securing stable housing, including:
  • Assisting members with overcoming barriers to permanent housing.
  • Accessing funding and educating members on tenants’ rights.
  • Responding immediately to housing concerns to avoid eviction.
  • Conducting regular home visits and collaborating with property managers/developers to help members retain housing.
• Provide transportation, including transporting individuals to services and accompanying them on public transportation.
• Deliver life skills training to help individuals gain, restore, improve, or maintain daily independent living skills, such as:
  • Money management.
  • Grooming and hygiene.
  • Meal preparation.
  • Public transportation navigation.
  • Household management.
  • Developing social/leisure activities.
  • Employment and educational goals.
• Support members by mentoring, advocating, role-modeling, and providing education to help them reach mental health recovery goals.
• Participate in ongoing trainings (e.g., DMH trainings) to learn effective intervention strategies for this population.
• Advocate for members to help them obtain and retain housing, healthcare benefits, financial entitlements, and other resources.
• Maintain all records and documentation in compliance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements, including:
  • 24-hour note entry turnaround.
  • 48-hour note correction turnaround.
  • Monthly billing requirement of 85 hours.
  • Timely completion of paperwork for QA team review.
• Actively participate in regular team meetings with proactive communication around member concerns.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of one year of experience providing outreach or psychosocial rehabilitation services to homeless and/or disabled populations.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field preferred.
• Bilingual applicants preferred.
• Persons with lived mental health experience preferred.
• Flexible work schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and on-call cell phone services.
• Valid CPR and basic first aid certificate preferred.
• Ability to provide services in the field (e.g., member’s home, locations where homeless individuals congregate).
• Ability to deliver culturally and linguistically respectful interventions based on individual needs.
• High level of empathy and understanding for individuals with urgent, multiple needs and complex behavioral characteristics.
• Knowledge of community resources and evidence-based practices, such as:
  • Motivational interviewing.
  • Harm reduction.
  • Supported employment and education.
  • Intensive case management.
  • Housing first modalities.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Knowledge of substance abuse and dual diagnosis characteristics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Valid Class C driver’s license, reliable vehicle, proof of automobile insurance, and ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance (conditions of employment).
• TB clearance and annual re-testing (conditions of continued employment).
• Employment verification from three past employers within the most recent 7-year period.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Full benefits package.
• Employee assistance program.
• Generous paid time off.
• 35-hour workweek.

Pay

$24.00 per hour (actual compensation determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law).

Schedule

35 hours per week, on-site. Flexible schedule may include some evenings or weekends.