Outreach Specialist for Veteran Mental Health Services

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 in mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services. Special programs serve Veterans and transition-age youth. MHALA also provides training programs for the behavioral health workforce and 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 and promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth.

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, the Veteran Outreach Specialist will identify and assist homeless and at-risk veterans and families through intensive community outreach, connecting them with services and resources at the Military Resource Center based on the psychosocial rehabilitation model. The Specialist will outreach to veterans in housing, on the streets, or through referrals to determine program eligibility using the SSVF Assessment tool.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an outreach log of prospective veterans in the SSVF program and report the number of veterans outreached bi-weekly to program intake staff.
• Provide information and resource linkage for veterans in the service area, directing them to the Military Resource Center.
• Conduct regular visits to local institutions and community sites where homeless veterans are known to be present (e.g., shelters, access centers, veteran services, hospital emergency rooms, jails, soup kitchens, parks, and other social service agencies).
• Establish and maintain rapport with local agency workers and administrators (e.g., police, fire, MET team, emergency room workers, parks & recreation workers) as referral sources for homeless veterans.
• Participate in the program’s system for accepting and responding to community-based requests for assistance.
• Implement outreach strategies for hard-to-engage homeless veterans identified by community referrals or living on the streets.
• Assist the Housing and Benefits Specialist with locating services such as housing, food, healthcare, benefits, transportation, and entitlements on a case-by-case basis.
• Conduct prescreening for eligibility of potential applicants and coordinate initial screening and assessment with the case management team.
• Participate in Stand Downs and other VA/community outreach activities as directed by the Program Manager.
• Meet approved prescreen outcomes for veteran enrollments monthly.
• Provide information about SSVF services and community resources to current and potential participants.
• Work cooperatively with team members to ensure seamless delivery of comprehensive services to program participants.
• Attend community meetings and case conferences.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization at public interactions, local events, and meetings to build the brand and encourage partnerships.
• Participate in staff and community meetings and day-to-day program operations as needed.
• Maintain all records and documentation for program compliance and accountability, including entering billing and supporting documentation into LAHSA’s HMIS within 24 hours of service delivery.
• Submit required data collection documents (e.g., HMIS) on or before due dates.
• Help veterans identify immediate safe housing options within their network of family, friends, or social supports.
• In partnership with community stakeholders, ensure access to crisis services/shelter and connection to permanent housing through coordinated entry.
• Engage in collateral duties as directed by program management.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required.
• One year of experience providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled, low-income, and/or homeless population.
• Veterans encouraged to apply.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of healthcare, social service resource systems, and self-help intervention strategies.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills, including motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong oral, written, and listening communication skills.
• Team-oriented, self-directed, and able to relate positively to a wide variety of people.
• Experience working in diverse settings across the socio-economic spectrum.
• Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple assignments accurately.
• Flexible work schedule, including some evenings or weekends when necessary.
• Valid Class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of automobile insurance, and ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance.
• TB clearance and annual re-testing required.
• COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots may become a requirement in the future.
• Employment verification from three past employers within the most recent 7-year period.

Pay

$24.00 - $25.00 per hour (actual compensation determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law).

Schedule

35 hours per week.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and full benefits package.
• Employee assistance program.
• Generous paid time off.