Case Manager for HUD Homeless Housing and Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Long Beach, CA

1h•$24

About The Position

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 / Nspire Inspector 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 the Program Manager provide high quality Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS) to clients eligible for permanent housing through the City of Long Beach and matched to the Street to Home program. Provide a client-centered approach and provide excellent customer service that is sensitive to the challenges that people experiencing homelessness with a range of medical and behavioral health issues face as they move into and maintain permanent supportive housing. Employ a “whatever it takes” approach to assist clients in their transition from homelessness to permanent supportive housing by following the “housing first” model. Responsible for conducting inspections of housing units to ensure compliance with HUD’s Nspire and local housing codes. This role supports the housing program by evaluating units for initial occupancy, annual recertifications, and complaint investigations to maintain safe, decent, and sanitary living conditions for program participants.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of experience providing psychosocial rehab related services to a disabled population required.
Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Be able to learn and utilize Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Electronic Health Records Systems (EHR).
Have experience working with clients with mental illness, chronic health issues, and substance use disorders.
Have expertise in the following areas: chronic homelessness, outreach and engagement strategies, intensive case management services, best practice models, mental health and substance use disorder services, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, affordable housing and public benefits applications, housing and landlord/tenant rights, eviction prevention, etc.
Ability to maintain a caseload ratio of one (1) full-time equivalent intensive case manager up to 20 clients with a VI-SPDAT of 8+.
Flexible work schedule to include some early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays.
TB clearance and yearly re-test are conditions of employment.
Comfortable conducting street-based outreach, home visits, and community-based services.
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

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, or related field preferred
Experience with Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Electronic Health Service Records Systems (EHR) preferred
Experience in permanent supportive housing (PSH) or managing graduation/discharge plans for clients moving to independent living preferred.
Background working as a liaison with community providers, landlords, or public systems (e.g., courts, probation, hospitals).

Responsibilities

Assist individuals at every stage of the housing stabilization process including flexible services to meet the individual needs of clients in Street to Home.
Conduct intake and enrollment activities with eligible clients, assist clients with other program eligibility documentation, complete project intake forms, authorization and enroll into ICMS.
Assist with temporary housing referrals and assistance until permanent housing can be secured
Ensure all documentation is prepared and entered into appropriate systems on a monthly basis
Assist at all levels of move-in to permanent housing, assist clients to become document ready, assist with all applications and paperwork, coordinate client move-in and orient new tenants to their unit/building.
Assist clients with access to services and address their immediate needs, conduct Recovery Plan, develop and implement individualized case management services plan in collaboration with and authorized by the client based on the client’s comprehensive assessments and reassessments. The service plan shall address the clients’ needs, goals, steps to reach goals, timeframes for completing goals, and disposition of each goal as it is met or changed
Ensure clients have access to health, mental health, and substance use disorder services. Assists clients with establishing medical support and continuity with their medical provider.
Assist clients with obtaining income and/or establishing benefits, with locating and securing employment and volunteer and/or educational activities, assist with basic needs, life skills, community participation, improving and/or maintaining daily independent living skills, social/leisure, personal hygiene skills, budgeting and money management, legal issues and making appropriate referrals to overcome barriers to accessing and obtaining permanent housing, and provide transportation as needed
Provide housing location services, educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities. Educate client on the appropriate use of crisis intervention services versus 911 emergency calls, etc.
Provide eviction prevention counseling; work with property management to help clients resolve issues that threaten their housing stability including tenant rights and responsibilities, conduct housing retention plan for encouraging maintenance of housing.
Complete all paperwork in compliance with applicable laws, professional licensure requirements, in accordance with MHALA, and Long Beach HMIS (Clarity) documentation system with a 6 day turnaround requirement
Read, perform research, attend classes, workshops or seminars and participate in other professional development activities in order to maintain and enhance personal and professional skills
Conduct regular reassessments and readiness evaluations to determine client eligibility and preparedness for program graduation.
Support clients in building community support networks, peer connections, and community resources (i.e. senior housing waitlists, mental health linkages, etc.)
Collaborate with clients and team members to develop individualized care plans, identifying clear milestones for program completion, increased independence, and sustainable housing stability.
Perform Nspire inspections of rental units for initial lease-ups, annual re-inspections, and special/complaint inspections.
Document inspection results and maintain accurate records in the housing program system.
Communicate inspection findings to landlords, tenants, and program staff.
Provide guidance to property owners and tenants on HQS compliance.
Follow up on failed inspections and verify completion of required repairs.