Part-Time Case Manager and Coach for Homeless Recovery and Mental Health

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 for the behavioral health workforce and the larger community.

MHALA values its employees, fostering a culture of communication, collaboration, transparency, and work/life balance. Employees enjoy a 35-hour workweek, competitive salary, full benefits package, employee assistance program, and generous paid time off. The agency promotes diversity, teamwork, and growth opportunities.

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.
• Provide 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 independent 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.
  • Collaborating with property managers/developers and other partners to help members retain housing.
• Provide transportation, including transporting individuals to services and accompanying them on public transportation.
• Provide life skills training to assist individuals in gaining, restoring, improving, or maintaining daily independent living skills, such as:
  • Money management.
  • Grooming and hygiene.
  • Meal preparation.
  • Public transportation.
  • Household management.
  • Developing social/leisure activities.
  • Employment/educational goals.
• Support members by mentoring, advocating, role-modeling, and providing education to help them reach mental health recovery goals.
• Participate in continued learning through trainings (e.g., DMH trainings) to introduce effective interventions for the population served.
• Advocate on behalf of members to help them obtain and keep housing, healthcare benefits, financial entitlements, etc.
• Maintain all records and documentation using technological resources for program compliance and accountability, adhering to MHALA standards and funding source requirements.
• Meet documentation and billing requirements, including:
  • 24-hour note entry turnaround.
  • 48-hour note correction turnaround time.
  • Monthly hour’s requirement.
  • Maintaining a billing goal of 85 hours monthly.
  • Timely completion of paperwork for QA team and queue clearance.
• 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.
• Bi-lingual 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 (member’s home, locations where homeless individuals congregate).
• Ability to provide culturally and linguistically respectful interventions within the scope of license/clinical training.
• High level of empathy and understanding for individuals with urgent multiple needs and problematic behavioral characteristics.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledgeable of evidence-based practice interventions, such as:
  • Motivational interviewing.
  • Harm reduction.
  • Supported employment and education.
  • Intensive case management.
  • Housing first modalities.
• Ability to function well in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented, fast-paced work environment.
• Knowledge of characteristics of individuals who are substance abusing and/or dually diagnosed.
• Proficiency in technological and computer applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Valid Class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid 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 directly from three past employers within the most recent 7-year period.

Pay

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

Schedule

Part-time, 15-20 hours per week.

Benefits

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