Case Manager Housing and Benefits Specialist for Military Veteran Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Lancaster, CA

13d

About The Position

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) is hiring a Veteran Housing and Benefits Specialist to provide housing placement, support, and case management services to eligible homeless veteran families. Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the specialist conducts outreach, assesses and engages potential members, and helps veterans and their families find housing and access community resources. Services use intensive case management based on housing-first and psychosocial rehabilitation models. The role includes developing individualized plans, supporting employment and benefits applications, coordinating housing resources, and advocating for members with landlords and service providers. The specialist maintains accurate case records and database information, supports required program documentation, and provides follow-up and in-home or community-based support to help members remain housed. The position also involves community outreach, presentations, professional networking, meetings, and cooperation with agency staff. This is a full-time position of 35 hours per week, paying $24.00 per hour. Actual compensation may depend on experience and other factors permitted by law. A flexible schedule may include some evenings or weekends when necessary. TB clearance and annual retesting are conditions of continued employment. COVID-19 vaccination or booster shots are not currently required, though this may change.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled, low-income, or homeless population.
Knowledge of health care and social service resource systems and self-help intervention strategies.
Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills, including motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
Strong oral and written communication and listening skills.
Ability to work in a team-oriented, self-directed manner, empathize, and relate positively to a wide variety of people.
Experience working in diverse settings with people across socioeconomic spectrums.
Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
Ability to manage multiple assignments with organization, attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness.
Flexible schedule that can include some evenings or weekends when necessary.
TB clearance and annual retesting as conditions of continued employment.
Employment verification directly from three past employers within the most recent seven-year period.

Nice To Haves

Veterans are encouraged to apply.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field.

Responsibilities

Develop individualized case plans for each veteran household, identifying goals and action steps.
Assist veterans in obtaining employment or higher-paying employment.
Help veterans apply for eligible benefits, including VA pension and Social Security benefits.
Work with local landlords and property managers to identify suitable housing and serve as a liaison between veteran tenants and landlords.
Mediate and advocate for members to help them obtain and retain housing.
Maintain accurate case files in accordance with contractor guidelines and the VA program guidebook.
Enter, update, and maintain client information in a secure database.
Support documentation standards and submit required program data, including HMIS documents, by applicable deadlines and within 24 hours where required.
Work with members to develop household budgets for sustainable housing, accounting for expenses and income.
Coordinate with government, community, and private agencies to obtain rental subsidies, subsidized loans, and other housing resources.
Coach members through application processes, provide follow-up, and advocate for housing, health care benefits, and entitlements.
Conduct individual and community presentations about MHALA housing programs and develop housing opportunities through landlord and property-management outreach.
Use motivational interviewing and harm-reduction practices to provide or arrange services for members moving into housing.
Provide or arrange regular home visits, in-home case management, and community referrals to support housing retention.
Represent MHALA at community housing provider, HUD-VASH, LAHSA, and similar meetings.
Stay current on technical and administrative changes to housing programs and requirements.
Network with veteran and mainstream service agencies to share resources, address common issues, and maintain referral relationships.
Attend staff meetings and participate in agency operations and community life.
Work cooperatively with staff to support seamless service delivery to the agency and the veterans and families it serves.
Perform collateral duties as directed by program management.