Healthcare Navigator for Veteran Homeless and Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Long Beach, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) is a comprehensive nonprofit mental health agency dedicated to helping individuals with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives. With a history spanning nearly a century, MHALA provides integrated services in mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with specialized programs for Veterans and transition-age youth. The agency also offers training for the behavioral health workforce and the community. MHALA prioritizes employee well-being, fostering a culture of communication, collaboration, transparency, and work/life balance, encouraging self-care with a 35-hour workweek. The agency promotes diversity and a team-oriented culture with opportunities for growth, offering competitive salaries and a full benefits package, including an employee assistance program and generous paid time off.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, preferred
One year of providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled population, low income and/or unhoused population preferred.
Knowledge of healthcare, social service resource systems and self-help intervention strategies.
Knowledge of 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)
Highly organized, detail oriented, and can effectively manage multiple assignments with 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
Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period

Nice To Haves

Veterans encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Provide Veteran-centered services focused on healthcare access, housing stability, and coordination of supportive services for Veterans and their families enrolled in the SSVF program.
Collaborate with SSVF staff, HUD-VASH, the VA, and community partners to reduce barriers to care and housing.
Conduct healthcare needs screenings to identify medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment needs impacting housing stability.
Develop individualized case plans for each veteran household, identifying goals and action steps.
Update and maintain accurate case files for each veteran in accordance with contractor and VA guidelines.
Enter, update, and maintain client information into a secure database.
Assist and support program documentation standards, ensuring timely submission of required data collection documents.
Assist veterans with enrollment in VA healthcare and other public benefits (MediCAL/Medicaid, Medicare).
Promote continuity of care and medication adherence through non-clinical care coordination.
Act as a liaison between the SSVF grantee and the VA or community medical clinic and other healthcare providers.
Coordinate referrals and warm hand-offs to VA Medical Centers (VAMC), Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), and other community providers.
Identify health-related barriers impacting housing stability and work with program staff to resolve them.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and other agency operations.
Work cooperatively with other staff to ensure smooth delivery of supportive services.
Complete and maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability.
Use trauma-informed, strengths-based, harm reduction, and housing first approaches in all interactions.
Adhere to ethical principles regarding confidentiality, informed consent, and compliance with relevant laws and agency policies.
Assist with case management and administrative support tasks, including collecting documentation, delivering program checks, supporting housing placements, and assisting with case management during periods of increased demand.
Communicate openly with supervisors regarding workload and priorities.
Seek supervision when role clarifications or support is needed.
Maintain flexibility in daily tasks to support Veteran outcomes.
Engage in duties as directed by program management, assisting with activities that support veteran housing acquisition and retention.
Interface with HUD-VASH, SSVF, and other agencies to obtain permanent housing for veterans and their families.
Actively assist and coach participants in the application process for housing.
Provide active follow-up during the application process and act as a housing counselor and advocate.
Act as a liaison between the SSVF grantee, VASH, and landlords/community providers to facilitate housing access.
Recruit and engage housing providers/landlords, assess needs, and cultivate relationships with community partners.
Serve as the initial point of contact for new property owners and managers.
Inform potential landlords about SSVF services and benefits of working with the program.
Negotiate with property owners when difficulties arise in housing placement.
Identify landlords willing to work with participants with high barriers to housing.
Serve as a point of contact for property owners/managers with concerns regarding veteran tenants.
Screen landlords and assess units for appropriateness via pre-inspections or unit walk-throughs.
Generate and maintain a database of property owners and available units.
Assist in the introduction of participants to landlords and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.