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

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Lancaster, CA

About The Position

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) is a leading nonprofit mental health agency dedicated to helping individuals with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives. With a comprehensive approach to integrated services, MHALA supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually in areas such as healthcare, homelessness, employment, and wellness. The agency also offers specialized programs for Veterans and transition-age youth, alongside training initiatives for the behavioral health workforce and the community. MHALA prioritizes employee well-being, fostering a culture of communication, collaboration, transparency, and work-life balance, including a 35-hour workweek and opportunities for self-care. The agency is committed to diversity and offers a competitive salary and 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
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.
TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

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.

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 eligible benefits, including VA pension and social security benefits.
Working with local landlords and property managers to identify suitable housing and serving as a liaison between veteran tenants and landlords.
Mediating and advocating on behalf of members to help them obtain and keep their housing.
Updating and maintaining accurate case files in accordance with contractor guidelines and VA program requirements.
Entering and maintaining client information in a secure database.
Supporting program documentation standards and ensuring timely submission of required data collection documents.
Collaborating with members to establish a working budget for housing sustainability.
Interfacing with government, community, and private agencies to obtain resources for transitional and permanent housing.
Assisting and coaching members through the application process and providing follow-up.
Acting as a housing counselor and advocate for members to obtain and keep housing, healthcare benefits, and entitlements.
Conducting presentations on MHALA's housing programs and working with landlords to generate housing opportunities.
Providing or arranging necessary services for members moving into new housing, using Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction practices.
Providing or arranging regular home visits, in-home case management support, and community-based referrals.
Representing MHALA at community housing provider meetings, HUD-VASH, and LAHSA meetings.
Staying current with technical and administrative changes in housing programs and requirements.
Networking with other veteran and mainstream service agencies to share resources and develop programs.
Attending and participating in staff meetings and other agency operations.
Working cooperatively with other staff to ensure seamless delivery of supportive services.
Engaging in collateral duties as directed by program management.