Healthcare Navigator for Veteran Homeless and Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Long Beach, CA

3d•$25 - $26•Hybrid

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 live meaningful and healthy lives. With nearly a century of experience, MHALA is one of the largest providers of mental health services in Los Angeles County, supporting over 19,000 individuals annually across various integrated services including mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness. The agency also offers training programs for the behavioral health workforce and the community. MHALA prioritizes employee well-being, fostering a culture of communication, collaboration, transparency, and work-life balance, with a 35-hour workweek. They encourage diversity and offer opportunities for growth, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive 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.
TB clearance and re-testing every year.
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 closely with SSVF staff, HUD-VASH, the VA, and community partners to reduce barriers to care and housing.
Provide direct program support as needed, including assisting with case management and administrative tasks.
Work closely with the Veteran’s assigned multidisciplinary team to provide timely, appropriate, veteran-centered care.
Conduct healthcare needs screenings to identify medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment needs that impact housing stability.
Develop individualized case plans for each veteran household, identifying goals and action steps.
Update and maintain accurate case files in accordance with contractor and VA guidelines.
Enter, update, and maintain client information into a secure database, ensuring timely submission of required data collection documents.
Assist veterans with enrollment in VA healthcare and other public benefits, promoting continuity of care and medication adherence.
Act as a liaison between the SSVF grantee and the VA or community medical clinics and other healthcare providers, coordinating referrals and warm hand-offs.
Identify health-related barriers impacting housing stability and work with program staff to resolve them.
Attend staff meetings and participate in agency operations.
Complete and maintain all records and documentation for program compliance.
Use trauma-informed, strengths-based, harm reduction, and housing first approaches.
Adhere to ethical principles regarding confidentiality, informed consent, and compliance with 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 high demand periods.
Communicate openly with supervisors regarding workload and priorities.
Maintain flexibility in daily tasks to support Veteran outcomes.
Engage in duties as directed by program management.
Assist with activities that directly support the veteran’s ability to obtain and/or maintain permanent housing under SSVF guidelines.
Interface with HUD-VASH, SSVF, and other agencies to obtain permanent housing for veterans and their families.
Assist and coach participants in the application process for housing, providing follow-up and acting as a housing counselor and advocate.
Act as a liaison between the SSVF grantee, VASH, and landlords/community providers, coordinating linkage and referral for housing assistance.
Recruit and engage housing providers/landlords, assess and address housing needs, and cultivate relationships with community partners.
Serve as the initial point of contact for new property owners and managers regarding SSVF services.
Negotiate with property owners regarding housing placement challenges.
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.