Senior Mental Health Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Venice Community Housing (“VCH”), a community-based, nonprofit organization, supports and builds equitable and inclusive communities by providing affordable housing with supportive services, education, employment programs, and public policy advocacy. With housing development as its core service, VCH believes that we must challenge the root causes of housing injustice and homelessness, and actively confront all forms of racism, in order to ensure equitable communities with access to healthy, safe, and affordable homes for all. Just as it is important for low-income and unhoused people to have access to stable housing, it is also important that our Westside communities be inclusive and restore access for communities of color that have been forcibly removed. We unite our community with passion and commitment to equity.

Currently, VCH is engaged in a variety of housing and community development programs, owning and managing 340 units of affordable and supportive housing. As part of a nationwide focus on the crisis of homelessness and housing affordability, VCH is in a growth phase with an additional 400 units in the predevelopment/construction stages. Our vision is that our compassionate approach to these solutions will serve as a model to other communities across the country.

The Resident Services Department provides programs and services that seek to stabilize, engage, and empower all we serve through case management, educational workshops, tenant engagement activities, supportive services resources and referrals.

The Senior Mental Health Specialist reports to the Director of Resident Services and works in close coordination with the broader Resident Services team, property management, and community partners. This position has focus on one property but may provide coverage elsewhere where and when needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide direct mental health assessment, crisis intervention, case management, and supportive services to residents, including adults and transition-age youth
• Work with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that resident goals and behavioral management needs are met
• Deliver trauma-informed, people–centered services tailored to residents dealing with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and histories of chronic homelessness 
• Develop and implement individualized case management, service plans, and safety plans in coordination with residents’ broader support networks, medical providers, and community partners
• Provide assessment, crisis intervention, mental health, and case management services directly to VCH residents and program participants
• Provide psychotherapy, counseling, and psycho-education using individual, group, and family modalities; apply evidence-based interventions (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, DBT, CBT, Seeking Safety)
• Utilize short-term and longer-term clinical interventions targeting trauma, mental health symptom reduction, and substance use harm reduction or cessation
• Help develop resident case management plans that are coordinated and integrated with a comprehensive range of medical and psychosocial services to address social, emotional, and practical needs
• Provide consultation to and coordinate care for residents needing specialty mental health and/or substance use disorder services, including external referrals, as needed
• Advocate for VCH residents and program participants to ensure access to appropriate care 
• Facilitate case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings for residents with complex or high-acuity needs
• Proactively engage residents in common areas, hallways, and community spaces to build rapport and trust in an environment where many residents may be resistant to or disengaged from traditional service delivery
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all services, progress notes, assessments, and data required to meet funder and program requirements
• Other related duties as assigned by the Director of Resident Services or identified by the programs management team

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Required: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in social work, human services, or a related field
• Required: Licensure as an LMFT/LMSW in the state of California 
• Minimum three years of experience in providing social services to adults and/or transition-age youth (experience with serving people who have experienced homelessness and experience with substance use disorders a plus)
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of trauma on behavioral and medical conditions
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health conditions
• Strong ability to engage resistant, distrustful, or high-acuity clients in a non-coercive, strengths-based manner
• Knowledgeable of evidence-based treatments (DBT, CBT, Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing) 
• Knowledge of principles, procedures, methods, and techniques of mental health emergency procedures such as 5150, CPS reporting, APS reporting, and Tarasoff
• Excellent communication, de-escalation, and boundary-setting skills in high-stress, unpredictable environments
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and with diverse residents, community partners, and staff
• Valid California Driver License, reliable vehicle and proof of insurance, or other mode of transportation to facilitate movement between sites
• Must pass criminal background check
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Stationary position approximately 40% of the time; regular movement throughout the property including common areas, outdoor spaces, resident units, stairwells, and hallways. Operates standard office equipment (computer, phone, copier). Ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Visual acuity required for computer work, documentation, and driving. Must be comfortable working in environments where substance use activity may be present.

SALARY
The payrate for the position is $45/hour to $55/hour; benefits include professional development budget, coaching programs, vacation and sick time, 15 paid holidays and 1 personal day. This is a part-time, non-exempt position, working approximately 20-30 hours/week.