Case Manager for Homeless Housing Outreach Mental Health Services

Job Description

Job 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.

Personal Service Coordinator

35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour

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

Summary: Under the general supervision of program manager, outreach, assess and engage potential members for HSSP (Housing Supportive Service Programs) FSP-ICM services. Assist individuals in finding and accessing requested services through the application of intensive case management services. Assist members in transitioning to appropriate levels of care or services as needed on the bases on psycho-social rehabilitation model of treatment and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).

• Outreach and Engage and enroll new members who are referred to our program. Develop a Recovery Plan and/or Personal Service Plan with each member that identifies his/her personal needs and goals
• Mediate and advocate on behalf of the member to help him/her obtain and keep housing, health care benefits, entitlements etc.
• Visit members in their place of residence, hospital or jail on an as-needed basis, in order to help them live successfully and to prevent them from becoming homeless
• Transport members to appointments and on errands when appropriate
• Oversee and monitor members’ individual and group activities both inside the program and out in the community. Provide coaching, counseling, mentoring, instruction, training, feedback and positive reinforcement for members in areas such as money management, grooming and hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation and other independent living skills
• Devise and implement strategies for outreach to members who tend to isolate themselves
• Provide timely information and feedback to team leader with regard to emergent staff, team or participant issues.
• Assist members and the team in achieving community integration, education and employment goals.
• Participate in staff and community meetings and in the day-to-day operations of the program as needed
• Assist and support program documentation standards of staff in accordance with MHALA, County Contracted Provider, and funding source standards and requirements, and documents in required program, including 24-hour turnaround time

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with ICMS (Intensive Case Management Services) and PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) is highly recommended but not required.
• Familiarity with housing resources, support services, and the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability is a plus.
• Experience with individuals who use substances and may benefit from harm reduction approaches, including motivational interviewing and low-barrier engagement; familiarity with community-based substance use resources.
• Experience collaborating with housing teams, landlords, or community partners to address client housing barriers is beneficial.

Auxiliary Housing Support (in emergencies or as backup): As part of the HSSP (Housing and Supportive Services Program), candidates should be prepared to provide housing-related support to members in emergencies or when the ICMS Housing Team is unavailable. Responsibilities may include assisting with urgent housing applications, gathering documentation, and coordinating with housing providers, while maintaining a primary focus on mental health services. The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative approach, supporting both mental health and housing stability for individuals facing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of one year of experience providing psychosocial rehab related services to a disabled population required
• Bachelor’s degree in a human related field preferred
• Must possess a high level of tolerance, patience, and understanding for individuals who present for services with multiple needs, issues, and problematic behavioral characteristics in a busy and unstructured work atmosphere
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to develop, nurture and maintain good community relations on behalf of the organization
• Knowledgeable of the harm reduction philosophy and effective in the practice motivational interviewing
• Must meet target billing and productivity goal(s) - 85 hours a month for full time staff.
• Must demonstrate a “safety first” mentality and engage in practices that promote a safe, healthful environment for all program participants, staff and visitors and providing the best care, welfare, safety and security for everyone at MHALA
• All required data collection documents (as applicable to TAY FSP and OCS program) are submitted on time
• Knowledge of community resources, housing, social security and general relief systems and ability to navigate within these systems.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services and fast-paced environment
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services
• Valid CPR certificate preferred
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and on call cell phone services when necessary
• 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