Therapist Social Worker Counselor for Adult Mental Health Services AMFT ASW APCC

Job Description

Job Description

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.

There are many benefits of being an ASW, AMFT, or APCC with MHALA such as:

• Hybrid work schedule
• Clinical supervision hours
• MHALA covering cost of important trainings and seminars, such as the 3-day DMH sponsored Dialectical Behavior Therapy training
• Paid time off to attend those trainings, and also the days leading up to LCSW/LMFT/LPCC licensure exam

Personal Service Coordinator / AMFT ASW APCC

35 hours per week / $34.00 to $34.50 per hour

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

Summary: The goal of this position is to respond and be responsible for all inquiries from the community, DMH and/or family members; engage referrals, conduct clinical and needs assessments triage to MHALA and community resources. This is both a direct service and an administrative position.

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).

• Provides clinical consultation and support as needed and requested by the staff. Provides and supervises intakes and initial assessments
• Provide license dependent clinical services that may include but not limited to psychosocial assessments, diagnosis, clinical treatment or linkage to mental health services
• Provide rehabilitation interventions to assist individuals to gain, restore, improve or maintain quality of life such as, but not limited to conducting outreach and engagement, medication management, independent livings skills (money management, grooming and hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation), and/or employment/educational goals
• Responsible for conducting outreach and engagement and assess individuals for eligibility and enrollment into program services
• Provide crisis interventions including: assessing acute psychiatric and other emergency situations, initiating hospitalizations and responding appropriately by region (South Bay and Antelope Valley)
• Provide collateral supports which include contacting family members and/or significant other with the individual’s authorization to discuss how they can assist the person with their care/treatment goals
• Work collaboratively within the team to provide clinical guidance, such as identifying member needs as necessary and initiate communication within the integrated team to provide the resources to meet those needs
• Be an active part of the learning in this project by participating in other trainings mental health or related trainings) that introduce different interventions that could be an effective strategy with this population
• Maintains all records and documentation, utilizing various technological resources needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements
• Active participation in regular team meetings with pro-active communication around member concerns
• Maintain billing and/or program objective requirements.
• The position requires paperwork completed in accordance with MHALA, and County Contracted Provider standards and funding source requirements.

Program Specific:

• Coordinates movement of people from one doorkeeper to another – and consults on and mediates decision making
• Manages phone inquiries dispersing when appropriate and/or by responding to the inquiry
• Provides support to other staff involved in initial contact and directly (and indirectly) provides services to prospective members while they are in the outreach /transition phase
• Maintains all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHA standards and funding source requirements
• Facilitates MHA relationship with referral sources / community
• Oversees MHALA referrals, tracks outcomes and looks for a need to expand the menu of services if called for
• Explain governmental benefits, requirements and procedures, including eligibility requirements to members and fellow staff
• Completes all paperwork and maintains all records and documentation required for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHA standards and funding source requirements
• Will pursue LPS designation if/when eligible in order to facilitate 5150 involuntary holds when needed

P osition Requirements:

• Masters degree in Social Work (MSW), Masters in Counseling (MA/MS) or APCC required
• Registration with California Board of Behavioral Sciences as Associate Social Worker (ASW) or Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT) required
• Minimum of one year experience (including internship) providing services to individuals who have a mental illness and who are homeless preferred
• Experience working with target population
• Must have good basic English writing skills, good basic computer skills, be highly organized, and have excellent communication skills.
• Must be flexible and able to multi-task without losing productivity
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for a work atmosphere that is very busy and highly unstructured and for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple needs, issues, and problematic behavioral characteristics
• Must know or quickly become knowledgeable of characteristics of individuals who are substance abusing and/or dually diagnosed and have knowledge of local services available for dually diagnosed individuals.
• Flexible work schedule to include some nights, weekends and holidays
• Must be able to maintain an empathetic view for the dilemma of individuals in severe need and be able to juggle creatively and successfully around a variety of barriers that keep individuals from successful personal and community living
• CPR Certified
• 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