Mental Health Specialist - Outreach

L.A. Family Housing Corporation•North Hollywood, CA

7d•$33

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) is responsible for providing direct clinical intervention to participants (families and individual adults) in Interim Housing Site(s) or as part of a street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MHS will identify participants needing mental health services through assessments, referrals, and coordination of care with partner agencies. The MHS will connect participants to community based and mental health care, provide crisis prevention and intervention, recommend level of care options, and support participants by utilizing evidenced based clinical modalities The MHS will provide in-person individual one-on-one care and lead groups. The MHS will also support their team by consulting on cases, providing recommendations for services and modeling appropriate interventions with members of their multidisciplinary team. The MHS must be able to complete thorough clinical assessment, maintain accurate clinical documentation, and collaborate closely with various community-based programs connected to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Department of Health Services (DHS).

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of issues facing program participants (e.g. health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, child welfare, trauma, poverty, criminal justice, resources for undocumented persons)
Knowledge of barriers people experiencing homelessness face (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, being undocumented)
Must be able to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation
Knowledge of social service agencies and community resources, including best practices of case management and mental health interventions
Clinical experience in working with participants with multiple diagnoses including mental illness, substance abuse and/or physical illness
Knowledge of DSM-5 required (attained either from schoolwork or work experience)
Training/experience in crisis intervention
Manage emotionally charged situations by providing crisis intervention in a field-based or interim housing type environments
Experience working in a team environment. (Experience on a multidisciplinary team preferred.)
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to advocate on behalf of LAFH participants
Good organizational skills, and ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks and projects
Self-directed and internally motivated
Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change
Able to maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
Ability to pass post offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances
Travel is a regular duty for this position and is required 30% of the time
Use of a personal vehicle to travel between worksites and other locations is required
Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standing
Ability to work a 9/80 work schedule
A master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or eligible Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) program from an accredited university is required.
Must obtain an ACSW, MFT or LPCC practice number from the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) within six months of hire or already possess it.
Licensing hours will be offered once BBS registration and ASW/MFT/LPCC practice number have been confirmed.
Alternatively, Candidates in their final semester of an MSW/MFT program or eligible Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) program with proof of expected graduation date are also eligible.
In this case, the ACSW, MFT or LPCC practice number from BBS must be obtained within six months of graduation.
Licensing hours will be offered once BBS registration and ASW/MFT/LPCC practice number have been confirmed.

Nice To Haves

Certifications in current evidenced based practices preferred
Bilingual: Spanish/English preferred
Experience on a multidisciplinary team preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver in-person clinical case management and behavioral health services to homeless individuals in interim housing or outreach teams.
Conduct mental health, substance use, and safety assessments for identified participants.
Forge partnerships with mental health service providers, Department of Mental Health, VA, and hospital social work teams, referring participants and maintaining resource listings.
Lead discharge planning and care coordination efforts, aligned with Harm Reduction, Housing First, and Trauma-Informed Care principles.
Collaborate with medical providers to ensure triage to necessary medical care for participants.
Employ crisis intervention and conflict management techniques when needed.
Assist with medication monitoring, promoting healthy habits.
Provide task supervision to MSW interns, serving as a Preceptor or Field Instructor as required.
Aid in onboarding activities for MHS new-hires, offering expertise in assessment, documentation, linkage, and safety protocols.
Ensure accurate records via written forms and HMIS/CHAMP.
Attend relevant staff, agency, and community meetings as directed by your supervisor.
Drive personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drive agency vehicles periodically to transport clients
Additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, 529 Education Savings Plan, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Legal Access Plan, Employee Appreciation Program, Company Sponsored Employee Events, Staff Development, 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule, Paid Sick, Vacation and 13 Observed Holidays, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility, Professional Development Funds, Emergency Funds, and more!

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