Housing Navigator For Homeless Military Veteran Mental Health Services

About the role

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health services, advocacy, innovation, and training in Los Angeles County. With over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals served annually, MHALA focuses on integrated services in mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with specialized programs for Veterans and transitioning youth. MHALA also offers training programs for the behavioral health workforce and the broader community.

Responsibilities

• Interface with HUD-VASH, SSVF, and other government, community, and private agencies to secure permanent housing for veterans and their families.
• Actively assist and coach participants through the application process for housing.
• Provide follow-up support during the application process and serve as a housing counselor and advocate when needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords and property managers to facilitate housing placement.
• Inform landlords about SSVF services and benefits.
• Represent MHALA in advocating for housing needs of homeless veterans and participating in groups to increase housing resources.
• Negotiate with property owners to resolve issues related to housing placement.
• Respond to concerns from property owners and managers regarding veteran tenants.
• Provide accurate information to landlords about SSVF services, TFA, and program expectations.
• Collaborate with SSVF case managers and HUD-VASH teams to identify appropriate housing options based on participant needs.
• Support housing placements and assist with case management functions as needed.
• Communicate openly with supervisors and seek support when needed.
• Engage in duties as directed by program management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least 1 year of significant, hands-on experience in rehabilitation services or housing services for disabled and/or homeless persons, or an Associate degree in general studies with no previous job experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, business administration, public administration, or similar with no previous job experience.
• Veteran status preferred.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local housing subsidy programs and practices for preparing applications for subsidized housing and disabled/low-income housing loans.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, computer skills, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with public and private housing providers, mental health consumers, and their family members or client advocates.
• Current Class C driver's license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and the ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance.
• TB clearance and annual re-testing are conditions of employment.
• Coverage for COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots may be required in the future.