Interim Program Coordinator for Veteran Homeless and 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.

Interim Program Coordinator

35 hours per week / $30.00 - $31.00 per hour

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

Responsibilities: Under direct supervision of the Program Manager, assist with the daily operations, arrange, coordinate, monitor and assure all delivered services by the Housing Specialist case management team relevant to meeting the needs of SSVF program and veteran households' overall maintaining or obtaining housing stability.

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. 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).

• Determine member housing needs, as well as social, functional, financial, and educational/vocational barriers to housing stability. Identify and present resources available to meet those needs
• Check TFA documentation for accuracy and consistency to review and approve TFA check requests. Confirm that requests for financial support conform to strict guidelines regarding services provided by the SSVF program.
• Oversee development of individual housing plans in collaboration with Shallow Subsidy and SSVF case managers
• Serves as Rapid Resolution specialist on team, helping to guide rest of team in implementing diversion services.
• Oversee program documentation standards of staff. Provide coaching to correct errors and recommend/provide technical assistance when needed.
• Lead discussions and action to resolve case-specific situations regarding member progress.
• Carry a member list for VA referrals and assist as the interim PSC when there are staff shortages
• Interface with government, community and private agencies to obtain rental subsidies, subsidized loans or other available resources for transitional and permanent housing for veterans and their families.
• Assist and coach members in all steps of completing the application process.
• Provide follow-up during the application process, and act as a housing counselor and advocate for members to help obtain and keep housing, health care benefits, entitlements, etc.
• Conducts individual and community-based presentations regarding MHALA’s housing programs and work with landlords and property management companies to generate housing opportunities through advocacy, information and education
• Through the use of Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction practices, provide and/or arrange for necessary services for members moving into new housing.
• Provide or arrange for regular home visits, in-home case management support and community-based referrals to assist members in staying successfully housed. When necessary, act as a liaison with the landlord, other service providers or other tenants to clarify expectations and resolve issues and problems.
• Identify and access other VA benefits and resources including assisting with filing such claims for which the member may be entitled.
• Develop and provide onboard training for new staff and refresher trainings for the team
• Serve as main point of contact for VASH referrals, Housing Navigation referrals, SPA specific BNL meetings and COC care coordination meetings
• Represent MHALA at community housing provider meetings, HUD-VASH and LAHSA meetings and other similar events.
• Work to stay current with technical and administrative changes in various housing programs and their requirements.
• Networks with other veteran and mainstream service agencies to share ideas and resources, develop effective programs, solve common problems and maintain a professional network of referral resources for housing and support services.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations and community life of the agency.
• Work cooperatively with other staff to assure the smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services to the agency and the veterans and their families it serves.
• 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 documentation to ensure all required data collection documents (as applicable to your program (HMIS) are submitted on or before due date.
• Collaborate with member to establish a working budget for sustainability of housing including all expenses and income sources of the household.
• Mediates and advocates on behalf of the member to help him/her obtain and keep housing, health care benefits, entitlements, etc.
• Engage in collateral duties as directed by program management as needed.

Other Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, preferred
• Minimum of 2 years providing psychosocial rehab related services to a disabled population
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local housing subsidy programs and the sources available for them.
• Knowledge of practices and procedures for preparation of applications for subsidized housing and disabled/low income housing loans.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with public and private housing providers, mental health consumers and their family members or client advocates, vendors and other staff.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, prose writing skills and computer skills.
• Highly organized and detail oriented, and able to prioritize and juggle multiple projects without losing productivity.
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends 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 liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of 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