Mental Health Specialist - Interim Housing (Boyle Heights)

Why Join Us Position is located in Boyle Heights and requires travel to the Valley at least twice per week. Join a leading nonprofit agency in Homeless Services and Real Estate Development that has 40 years of experience and has impacted 17,000+ lives each year. You will help end homelessness and make a difference in people’s lives. USD $32.90/Hr. The Position The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) provides direct clinical intervention to participants (families and individual adults) in Interim Housing Sites or as part of a street‑based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MHS identifies participants needing mental health services through assessments, referrals, and coordination of care with partner agencies; connects participants to community‑based and mental health care; provides crisis prevention and intervention; recommends level of care options; and supports participants with evidence‑based clinical modalities. The MHS delivers in‑person individual one‑on‑one care and leads groups, consulting on cases and modeling appropriate interventions with the multidisciplinary team. The role requires thorough clinical assessment, accurate documentation, and close collaboration with community‑based programs linked to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Department of Health Services (DHS). What You’ll Do Provide in‑person, individual and group clinical case management and behavioral health services to people experiencing homelessness in interim housing settings or within a homeless outreach team. Conduct mental health, substance use and safety/risk assessments on identified participants. Create relationships with mental health service providers, Department of Mental Health, VA and hospital social work teams; refer participants for services; maintain a resource listing of mental health services. Engage in discharge planning and lead care coordination activities. Utilize Harm Reduction, Housing First, Low Barrier and Trauma‑Informed Care philosophies when working with individuals experiencing homelessness. Collaborate with medical providers to triage PEH to needed medical care. Complete risk assessment and safety plan; liaise with Psychiatric Mobile Response Team (PMRT) if danger to self/others is suspected. Follow mandated reporting guidelines with communication to protective and emergency services; complete follow‑up documentation as required, including incident reports. Advocate on participants’ behalf with other organizations and/or government agencies when appropriate. Coordinate services with non‑clinical staff: co‑facilitate meetings, organize participant mental health events, provide guidance and clinical support through case consultations, and provide training for social services staff (in coordination with Supervisor). Provide crisis intervention and conflict management techniques. Support medication monitoring services, helping participants take medications correctly and promote health and wellness. Provide task supervision to MSW interns and act as a Preceptor or Field Instructor to MSW or MFT interns as needed. Assist in onboarding activities for MHS new‑hires related to mental health assessment, documentation, linkage, and safety procedures. Ensure that referrals are completed; provide advocacy as needed. Maintain thorough and accurate records in both written form and through HMIS/CHAMP. Attend regular staff, agency, and community meetings as designated by supervisor. Drive personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and agency vehicles periodically to transport clients. Perform additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor. What You’re Skilled At Demonstrated knowledge of issues facing program participants (health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, child welfare, trauma, poverty, criminal justice, resources for undocumented persons). Knowledge of barriers people experiencing homelessness face (chronic health, substance abuse, domestic violence, undocumented status); capable of extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation. Knowledge of social service agencies and community resources, including best practices of case management and mental health interventions. Clinical experience working with participants with multiple diagnoses including mental illness, substance abuse, and/or physical illness. Knowledge of DSM‑5. Training or experience in crisis intervention. Certifications in current evidence‑based practices preferred. Ability to manage emotionally charged situations by providing crisis intervention in field‑based or interim housing environments. Experience working in a team environment; multidisciplinary team experience preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to advocate on behalf of LAFH participants. Spanish/English bilingual preferred. Good organizational skills; ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks and projects. Self‑directed and internally motivated. Other Requirements Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change. Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards. Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification. Pass post‑offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances. Regular travel required; use of a personal vehicle between worksites and other locations required. Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standing. Ability to work a 9/80 work schedule. Experience Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or eligible Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) program from an accredited university required. Must obtain an ACSW, MFT or LPCC practice number from the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) within six months of hire or already possess it. Licensing hours will be offered once BBS registration and practice number have been confirmed. Alternatively Candidates in their final semester of an MSW/MFT program or eligible LPCC program with proof of expected graduation date are also eligible. ACSW, MFT or LPCC practice number from BBS must be obtained within six months of graduation. Licensing hours will be offered once BBS registration and practice number have been confirmed. What We Offer Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance; 403B Retirement Plan; 529 Education Savings Plan; Long‑Term Disability; Employee Assistance Program; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); Legal Access Plan; Employee Appreciation Program; Company‑Sponsored Employee Events; Staff Development; 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule; Paid Sick, Vacation and 13 Observed Holidays; Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility; Professional Development Funds; Emergency Funds. Physical Demands, Environmental Conditions, Equipment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made. Potential demands include walking, climbing stairs, handling, finger/grasp/feel objects and equipment, reaching, communicating, mobility, repetitive motions, visual activity, driving, and entering buildings. Comfortable working in a pet‑friendly environment is required. If an accommodation is needed, please inform the Human Resources Department. Equal Employment Opportunity LAFH is committed and proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran. Fair Chance Act LA Family Housing will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if LA Family Housing is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. #J-18808-Ljbffr LA Family Housing