Case Manager Housing and Benefits Specialist for Military Veteran Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Lancaster, CA

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) is seeking a Case Manager Housing and Benefits Specialist to provide housing placement, support, and case management services for eligible homeless veteran families. This role involves outreach, assessment, and engagement of potential members, assisting them in finding and accessing community resources. The specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Program Manager and utilize a Housing First and psychosocial rehabilitation model. MHALA is a comprehensive nonprofit mental health agency with a long history of service, advocacy, and innovation, serving over 19,000 individuals annually with integrated services in healthcare, homelessness, employment, and wellness. The agency emphasizes a healthy work/life balance, offering a 35-hour workweek and fostering a diverse, team-oriented culture with opportunities for growth. MHALA provides a competitive salary and a full benefits package, including an employee assistance program and generous paid time off.

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
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.
TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period

Nice To Haves

Veterans encouraged to apply
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred
Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends when necessary.

Responsibilities

Developing individualized case plans for each veteran household, identifying goals and action steps.
Assisting veterans in obtaining employment or higher-paying employment.
Assisting veterans in applying for any benefits for which they may be eligible, including V.A. pension benefits and social security benefits.
Working with local landlords and property managers to identify suitable housing and serving as a liaison between veteran tenants and their landlords.
Mediating and advocating on behalf of the member to help them obtain and keep their housing.
Updating and maintaining an accurate case file for each veteran in accordance with MHALA, contractor, and VA guidelines.
Entering client information into a secure database, updating, and maintaining the data.
Collaborating with members to establish a working budget for housing sustainability, including all expenses and income sources.
Interfacing with government, community, and private agencies to obtain rental subsidies, subsidized loans, or other resources for transitional and permanent housing.
Assisting and coaching members through the application process for housing and other resources, providing follow-up and acting as a housing counselor and advocate.
Conducting individual and community-based presentations regarding MHALA’s housing programs and working with landlords and property management companies to generate housing opportunities.
Providing or arranging for necessary services for members moving into new housing, including regular home visits, in-home case management support, and community-based referrals using Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction practices.
Representing MHALA at community housing provider meetings, HUD-VASH, and LAHSA meetings.
Staying current with technical and administrative changes in various housing programs and their requirements.
Networking with other veteran and mainstream service agencies to share ideas, resources, and develop effective programs.
Attending and participating in staff meetings and other aspects of the agency's operations.
Working cooperatively with other staff to ensure smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services.
Engaging in collateral duties as directed by program management.