Housing Navigator For Homeless Military Veteran Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Long Beach, CA

16h•Onsite

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 fulfilling lives. With a history spanning nearly a century, MHALA provides comprehensive services in healthcare, homelessness and housing, employment, and financial wellness, with specialized programs for Veterans and transition-age youth. The agency emphasizes a supportive work culture that values communication, collaboration, transparency, and work-life balance, offering a 35-hour workweek and encouraging self-care. MHALA is committed to diversity and fosters a team-oriented environment with opportunities for professional growth. They offer competitive salaries and a full benefits package, including an employee assistance program and generous paid time off.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and a minimum of 1 year of significant, hands-on experience in rehabilitation services or housing services for disabled and/or homeless persons OR an Associate degree in general studies and no previous job experience OR a bachelor’s degree in a human services field, business administration, public administration or similar with no previous job experience.
Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
Must be or quickly become familiar with federal, state and local housing subsidy programs and their sources.
Must be or quickly become familiar with the practices and procedures for preparation of applications for subsidized housing and disabled/low-income housing loans.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with public and private housing providers, mental health consumers and their family members or client advocates, vendors and other staff.
Excellent verbal communication skills, writing skills and computer skills.
Highly organized and detail oriented, and able to prioritize and juggle multiple projects without losing productivity.
Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and 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

Veteran status preferred.

Responsibilities

Work in tandem with HUD-VASH team to provide ongoing support in identifying housing needs and locating suitable housing for veteran members.
Collaborate with HUD-VASH and SSVF staff to maintain a regular inventory of available housing in the community.
Build and maintain relationships with property owners and managers to expedite the housing process and serve as a point of contact for concerns.
Focus on housing identification, landlord engagement, and housing placement support consistent with SSVF’s housing-first, time-limited intervention model.
Interface with HUD-VASH, SSVF, and other agencies to obtain permanent housing for veterans and their families.
Actively assist and coach participants in completing housing applications and act as a housing counselor and advocate.
Educate members on their lease agreements and tenant rights.
Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers to increase access to affordable housing.
Inform potential landlords about SSVF services and their benefits.
Participate in groups focused on increasing housing resources for the homeless and advocate for the housing needs of homeless veterans.
Negotiate with property owners to overcome barriers to housing placement for participants.
Identify landlords willing to work with participants who have high barriers to housing.
Serve as a point of contact for property owners/managers regarding veteran tenant concerns and facilitate support.
Provide accurate information to landlords regarding SSVF services, temporary financial assistance (TFA), and program expectations.
Coordinate with SSVF case managers and HUD-VASH teams to identify appropriate housing options based on participant needs, income, and eligibility.
Assist in the introduction of participants to landlords and supporting staff.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and other agency operations.
Work cooperatively with other staff to ensure seamless delivery of supportive services.
Utilize 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 program documentation standards and ensure timely submission of required data collection documents (e.g., HMIS).
Complete and maintain all records and documentation for program compliance and accountability.
Assist with case management and administrative support tasks, including collecting documentation, delivering checks, supporting housing placements, and assisting with case management functions during high demand periods.
Communicate openly with supervisors regarding workload and priorities, and seek supervision when needed.
Maintain flexibility in daily tasks to support Veteran outcomes.
Engage in duties as directed by program management.