Mental Health Specialist (Los Angeles/Valley)

L.A. Family Housing Corporation • Los Angeles, CA

16d

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) plays a vital role in providing direct clinical intervention to participants (families and individual adults) in Permanent Supportive Housing-Project Based Sites. Working as part of a site-based multidisciplinary ICMS team, the MHS collaborates closely with the team to identify participants requiring mental health services through case conferencing, assessments, and referrals. Serving as the primary point of contact for mental health-related services and linkage coordination with partner agencies, the MHS connects participants to community-based and mental health care, offers crisis prevention and intervention, and provides support using evidence-based clinical modalities.

Requirements

• 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues facing program participants, including health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, child welfare, trauma, poverty, criminal justice, and resources for undocumented persons.
• Familiarity with barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness, such as chronic health conditions, substance abuse, mental health challenges, domestic violence, and undocumented status.
• Clinical experience working with participants with multiple diagnoses, including mental illness, substance abuse, and/or physical illness.
• Proficiency in DSM-5 (obtained through schoolwork or work experience).
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; ability to advocate on behalf of LAFH participants.
• Willingness to work on-call, during after-hours, or on weekends when requested
• Adaptability and ability to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing environment
• Availability to work on-call, after hours, or weekends
• Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change
• Ability to be comfortable in a pet-friendly environment
• 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 may be 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

Nice To Haves

• Training/experience in crisis intervention and certifications in current evidenced-based practices preferred.
• Bilingual: Spanish/English desired

Responsibilities

• Conducts mental health, substance use, and safety/risk assessments on identified participants.
• Creates relationships with mental health service providers, Department of Mental Health, VA, and hospital social work teams. Refers participants for services and maintains a resource listing of mental health services for LA Family Housing program participants.
• Engages in discharge and transition of care planning and leads care coordination activities.
• Utilizes Harm Reduction, Housing First, Low Barrier, and Trauma-Informed Care philosophies when working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Works collaboratively with medical providers to ensure people experiencing homelessness are triaged to needed medical care.
• Completes risk assessments and safety plans and liaises with the Psychiatric Mobile Response Team (PMRT) if danger to self/others resulting from a mental health disorder or grave disability is suspected.
• Follows mandated reporting guidelines, communicates with protective and emergency services as needed, and completes follow-up documentation, including incident reports.
• Advocates on participants' behalf with other organizations and/or government agencies when appropriate.
• Coordinates services with other non-clinical staff, including co-facilitating meetings, organizing participant mental health events, and providing guidance, direction, and clinical support through case consultations.
• Provides training for social services staff (in coordination with Supervisor).
• Provides crisis intervention and conflict management techniques.
• Promotes health and wellness through medication management education.
• Provides task supervision to MSW interns and utilizes the interns in providing support to participants, serving as a Preceptor or Field Instructor to MSW or MFT interns as needed.
• Assists in onboarding activities for MHS new-hires related to mental health assessment, documentation, linkage, and safety procedures.
• Ensures that referrals are completed and provides advocacy as needed.
• Maintains thorough and accurate records in both written form and through HMIS/CHAMP.
• Attends various regular staff, agency, and community meetings as designated by the supervisor.
• Drives a personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drives agency vehicles periodically to transport clients.
• Additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by the 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees