Housing Navigator For Homeless Military Veteran Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Long Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) is a leading nonprofit mental health agency with a long history of service, advocacy, innovation, and training. MHALA is dedicated to helping individuals with mental health needs lead healthy lives in their communities. As one of the largest comprehensive mental health agencies in Los Angeles County, MHALA supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually through integrated services. The agency focuses on mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with specialized programs for Veterans and transition-age youth. MHALA also provides training for the behavioral health workforce and the community. The agency values its employees, emphasizing communication, collaboration, transparency, and work-life balance, encouraging self-care with a 35-hour workweek. MHALA 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

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 the sources available for them.
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, 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.
Work alongside veteran members and SSVF staff in locating suitable housing.
Collaborate with HUD-VASH and SSVF to create a regular inventory of available housing in the community.
Build relationships with property owners and managers to expedite the housing process.
Serve as a point of contact for property owners and managers regarding 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 the application process.
Provide active follow-up during the application process and act as a housing counselor and advocate.
Ensure members are aware and educated regarding their lease and tenant rights.
Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers.
Be the initial point of contact for property owners and managers offering apartments for rent.
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.
Develop relationships through these groups to increase housing resources throughout the CoC.
Negotiate with property owners when there are difficulties in placing participants into housing.
Identify landlords willing to work with participants who may have high barriers to housing.
Serve as a point of contact for property owners/managers with problems or concerns regarding a veteran tenant and navigate support to address the concern.
Provide accurate information to landlords regarding SSVF services, temporary financial assistance (TFA), and program expectations.
Work in coordination with SSVF case managers and HUD-VASH teams to identify appropriate housing options.
Assist in the introduction of participants to landlords and staff to build trust.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and other aspects of the agency’s operations.
Work cooperatively with other staff to ensure smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services.
Use trauma-informed, strengths-based, harm reduction, and housing first approaches in all stakeholder interactions.
Adhere to ethical principles about confidentiality, informed consent, compliance with relevant laws and agency policies.
Assist and support program documentation standards in accordance with MHALA, county contracted provider, and funding source standards.
Complete and maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability.
Assist with case management and administrative support tasks, including collecting documentation, delivering program checks, Veteran shopping needs, supporting housing placements, and temporarily assisting with case management functions 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.