Outreach Specialist for Veteran Mental Health Services

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.

Veteran Outreach Specialist

35 hours per week / $24.00 - $25.00 per hour

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

Summary: Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, through the application of intensive community outreach, identify and assist homeless and at-risk of homeless veterans and families with accessing services and resources through the Military Resource Center based on the psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services. The SSVF Veterans Outreach Specialist will also be responsible for outreaching those veterans located in housing, streets, referrals, etc., to determine eligibility for the program by administering the SSVF Assessment tool.

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).

• Maintain an outreach log of prospective veterans in SSVF program and provide the number of Veterans outreached in the community on a bi-weekly basis to program intake staff.
• Provide information and resource linkage for veterans in the service area by direction to Military Resource Center
• Work as part of a team, makes regular visits to local institutions and other community sites where homeless veterans are known to be present [i.e., community shelters, community access centers, local veteran’s services, hospital emergency rooms, local jail, soup kitchens, community parks, other social service agencies, etc]. Establish and maintain good rapport and regular contact with local agency workers and administrators [i.e., police, fire, MET team, emergency room workers, parks & recreation workers, etc.] who are a source of referrals of homeless veterans in need of assistance and services
• Participate actively in the program’s established system(s) for accepting and responding to community-based requests to provide assistance for homeless veterans. Implement strategies for and conducts outreach to hard-to-engage homeless veterans who are identified by local community referral sources, or who are living on the streets in the identified community/service area
• Assists Housing and Benefits Specialist with Veterans in locating requested services to include housing, food, health care, benefits, transportation and entitlements, etc. on a case-by-case basis or at HBS request.
• Provide identification of and prescreening for eligibility of potential applicants. Coordinate initial screening and assessment with case management team, participates in Stand Downs and all other VA/community outreach activities as directed by Program Manager
• Responsible for meeting approved prescreen outcomes for veteran enrollments on a monthly basis
• Provide information about SSVF services and information on community resources to current and potential participants
• Work cooperatively with team members to help ensure smooth and seamless delivery of comprehensive services to program participants
• Attend meetings and case conferences in the community
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization in public interactions, local community events, meetings, that will further build the brand and encourage local partnerships
• Participate in staff and community meetings and in the day-to-day operations of the program as needed
• Maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and SSVF requirements, and all billing and supporting documentation shall be entered into LAHSA’s HMIS (data record system) within 24 hours from the date of service delivery
• All required data collection documents (as applicable to your program: HMIS) are submitted on or before due date
• Help problem solve with the Veteran to identify an immediate safe place, even if temporary, to stay within the Veteran’s network of family, friends, or other social supports.
• In partnership with other community stakeholders, ensures immediate or continued access to crisis services/shelter and connection to permanent housing through coordinated entry.
• Engage in collateral duties as directed by program management as needed.

Position Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED required
• One year of providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled population/low income and/or homeless population required
• Veterans encouraged to apply
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred
• Knowledge of health care, social service resource systems and self-help intervention strategies.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills including use of motivational interviewing, harm reduction approach, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong oral/written communication and listening skills.
• Must be team-oriented, self-directed, have good listening and communication skills, the ability to empathize and relate positively to a wide variety of people and dedicated to fulfilling the demands of the position.
• Experience working in diverse settings with people across all socio-economic spectrums.
• Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word and Excel)
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to effectively manage multiple assignments through accuracy and thoroughness.
• 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’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