Intensive Case Manager for Homeless Housing and Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Long Beach, CA

7d•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 comprehensive approach, MHALA provides integrated services in healthcare, homelessness and housing, employment, and wellness, serving over 19,000 individuals annually. The agency also offers training programs and fosters a supportive work environment that emphasizes work-life balance, diversity, and growth opportunities. MHALA is proud to offer competitive salaries and a full benefits package, including an employee assistance program and generous paid time off.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED with a minimum 1 year of experience providing psychosocial rehab related services to a disabled population required.
Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Ability to learn and utilize Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Electronic Health Records Systems (EHR).
Experience working with clients with mental illness, chronic health issues, and substance use disorders.
Expertise in chronic homelessness, outreach and engagement strategies, intensive case management services, best practice models, mental health and substance use disorder services, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, affordable housing and public benefits applications, housing and landlord/tenant rights, and eviction prevention.
Ability to maintain a caseload ratio of one (1) full-time equivalent intensive case manager to 20 to 25 clients with a VI-SPDAT of 1 or 2.
Flexible work schedule to include some early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays.
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

Bachelor degree in a human service or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide high quality Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS) to clients eligible for permanent housing through the Department of Health Services’ (DHS) Housing for Health (HFH) and other programs.
Employ a client-centered and "whatever it takes" approach to assist clients in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
Assist individuals at every stage of the housing stabilization process, offering flexible services to meet individual client needs.
Conduct outreach and engagement, including processing referrals, establishing rapport, conducting screenings, obtaining consents, and making linkages to other services.
Perform intake and enrollment activities, assist with eligibility documentation, complete forms, and enroll clients into ICMS.
Assist with temporary housing referrals until permanent housing is secured.
Ensure all documentation is prepared and entered into appropriate systems on a monthly basis.
Assist clients with all aspects of moving into permanent housing, including document readiness, applications, paperwork, coordinating move-ins, and orienting tenants.
Help clients access services and address immediate needs, conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments, and develop individualized case management service plans in collaboration with clients.
Ensure clients have access to health, mental health, and substance use disorder services, and assist with establishing and maintaining a medical home.
Assist clients with obtaining income, establishing benefits, finding employment, and engaging in educational activities.
Provide support with basic needs, life skills, community participation, independent living skills, social/leisure activities, personal hygiene, budgeting, money management, and legal issues.
Make appropriate referrals to overcome barriers to accessing and obtaining permanent housing and provide transportation as needed.
Provide housing location services (if scattered-site) and educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities.
Educate clients on the appropriate use of crisis intervention services versus emergency calls.
Provide eviction prevention counseling and work with property management and partners to resolve issues threatening housing stability.
Complete all paperwork in compliance with applicable laws, professional licensure requirements, MHALA, CHAMP, LACDMH County Contracted Provider standards, and funding source requirements, documenting in EHR with a 24-hour turnaround.
Engage in professional development activities, including reading, research, and attending workshops, to maintain and enhance personal and professional skills.