Mental Health Outreach Engagement and Promotion Specialist

Description

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. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of 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.

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. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

Community Mental Health Promoter

35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour

(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Summary: United Mental Health Promoters (UMHP) project is a community outreach, navigation, and engagement effort, which serves to support access to care by engaging with residents and developing community partnerships. The project focuses on provision of services to address mental health risks/symptoms from developing and/or worsening.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct outreach and engagement within the community, to create community awareness and educational opportunities on the impact & development of mental illness
• Create and implement in-person activities, events and workshops to engage and outreach target population
• Recruit and conduct Community Resiliency Model workshops
• Conduct resource-mapping and develop/utilize a needs assessment in collaboration with community entities/residents to expand understanding of core issues in the community
• Provide one-on-one psychosocial support meetings and navigation services or collaboration with community members to identify essential supports and linkage as needed by participants
• Provide individual and community advocacy
• Facilitate educational groups such as community psychoeducation
• Provide trauma-informed activities such as art therapy, mindfulness, healing gardens, etc.
• Help to establish and maintain community led groups (peer-to-peer support)
• Implement a trauma informed approach, to include empathy and compassion
• Provide linkage and support to community members via community events and/or one-on-one
• Document all activities, service plans and input data on a regular basis into EHR
• Attend regular staff meetings, DMH required (meetings/trainings) as well as community meetings

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED with one year of experience providing psychosocial rehab related services to homeless and/or disabled population
• Must exhibit good personal judgment, a non-bias attitude, sensitivity, and discretion when dealing with others
• Applicants with lived experience of homelessness, mental health concerns, or substance use desirable
• Ability to provide a welcoming environment and skill in engaging new members
• Must possess a high level of tolerance, patience and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple needs, issues and problematic behavioral characteristics
• Must be sensitive to racial, cultural, ethnic, or other community-based concerns that cause barriers to care
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to juggle multiple tasks without losing productivity
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel Outlook
• Knowledge of social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, desirable
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services and fast-paced environment
• Must be able to maintain an empathetic view for individuals in severe need and be able to juggle a variety of barriers that keep individuals from successful personal and community living
• Knowledge and practical application of motivational interviewing and harm reduction desired
• Knowledge of juvenile justice systems, court systems, and foster care highly desirable
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and on call cell phone services when necessary
• Spanish speaking a plus, but not required
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance are conditions of employment
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
• COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period