Case Manager and Coach for Homeless Recovery and Mental Health

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Lancaster, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) is hiring a Personal Service Coordinator to provide street outreach, community-based case management, and linkage to independent permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness. The coordinator works collaboratively as part of an integrated mobile team and supports members in pursuing mental health recovery goals and stable community living. The role includes sustained outreach and engagement, developing individualized mental health treatment recovery plans, helping members secure and retain housing, providing transportation and life-skills training, and advocating for access to housing, healthcare, and financial benefits. The coordinator also mentors and supports members, participates in ongoing learning and team meetings, and maintains timely records, billing, and other program documentation. Services are provided in the field, including members’ homes and places where homeless individuals congregate. The position is 35 hours per week at $24.00 per hour. The stated compensation may vary based on experience and other factors permitted by law. The schedule must be flexible enough to include some evenings or weekends, and the role includes on-call cell phone services.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of experience providing outreach psychosocial rehabilitation-related services to homeless and/or disabled populations.
Ability to provide services in the field, including in members’ homes and locations where homeless individuals congregate.
Ability to provide culturally and linguistically respectful and responsive interventions based on individuals’ cultural identities, within scope of license or clinical training.
Ability to maintain an empathetic perspective toward people in severe need and creatively address barriers to successful personal and community living.
Ability to work with individuals presenting urgent, multiple needs and challenging behavioral characteristics.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of evidence-based interventions such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction, supported employment and education, intensive case management, and housing-first modalities.
Ability to function well in a multidisciplinary, team-oriented approach in a fast-paced work environment.
Knowledge of characteristics of individuals who misuse substances and/or have co-occurring diagnoses.
Knowledge of technological and computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Current Class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance; these are conditions of employment.
TB clearance and annual retesting; these are conditions of continued employment.
Employment verification directly from three past employers within the most recent seven-year period.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
Bilingual ability.
Lived mental health experience.
Valid CPR and basic first aid certificate.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively within an integrated mobile team to provide street outreach, community-based case management, and linkage to independent permanent housing.
Conduct intensive, sustained, and consistent outreach and engagement with people experiencing homelessness.
Develop and complete a mental health treatment recovery plan with each member, identifying personal goals and needs.
Support members in securing and retaining stable independent housing, including addressing barriers, accessing funding, educating members about tenants’ rights, responding to housing concerns, conducting home visits, and collaborating with housing partners.
Provide transportation to referred services and accompany members on public transportation when needed.
Provide life-skills training in areas such as money management, grooming and hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation, household management, social and leisure activities, and employment or education goals.
Mentor, advocate for, role-model, and educate members within scope of practice to support their mental health recovery goals.
Participate in ongoing learning and trainings, including DMH trainings and other sources that introduce potentially effective interventions.
Advocate for members seeking and maintaining housing, healthcare benefits, financial entitlements, and other supports.
Maintain program records and documentation using technological resources and in accordance with agency standards and funding-source requirements.
Meet documentation and billing timelines, including 24-hour note entry and 48-hour note correction turnaround requirements, monthly hour requirements, an 85-hour monthly billing goal, and timely completion of paperwork and queue items.
Participate actively in regular team meetings and communicate proactively about member concerns.
Provide services in the field, including members’ homes and locations where homeless individuals congregate.
Maintain a flexible schedule that includes some evenings or weekends and provide on-call cell phone services.