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

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Palmdale, CA

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Veteran Housing and Benefits Specialist provides housing placement, support, and case management services for eligible homeless veteran families. The role includes outreach, assessment, and engagement, and helps veterans and their families access community resources through intensive case management based on a Housing First and psychosocial rehabilitation model. The specialist develops individualized household case plans, supports members in accessing employment and benefits, and works with landlords and property managers to identify and maintain suitable housing. The position also includes housing application support, budgeting, home visits, referrals, advocacy, accurate case-file and database maintenance, and coordination with government, community, and private agencies. The specialist represents MHALA at housing and veteran-service meetings and collaborates with agency staff and community partners.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled, low-income, and/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, a Harm Reduction approach, and trauma-informed care.
Strong oral and written communication and listening skills.
Ability to work as a team-oriented, self-directed professional; empathize and relate positively to a wide variety of people; and fulfill the demands of the position.
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 function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple assignments accurately and thoroughly.
Flexible work schedule that can include some evenings or weekends when necessary.
TB clearance and annual retesting as a condition of continued employment.
Employment verification directly from three past employers within the most recent seven-year period.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop individualized case plans for each veteran household, identifying goals and action steps.
Assist veterans in obtaining employment or higher-paying employment.
Assist veterans in applying for benefits for which they may be eligible, 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.
Update and maintain accurate case files in accordance with contractor guidelines and the VA program guidebook.
Enter, update, and maintain client information in a secure database, and support required program documentation and timely data submissions, including HMIS where applicable.
Collaborate with members to establish housing-sustainability budgets covering household expenses and income sources.
Work with government, community, and private agencies to obtain rental subsidies, subsidized loans, and other resources for transitional and permanent housing.
Coach members through housing and resource applications, provide follow-up, and act as a housing counselor and advocate for housing, health care benefits, and entitlements.
Conduct individual and community presentations about MHALA housing programs and generate housing opportunities through landlord and property-management outreach, advocacy, information, and education.
Use Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction practices to provide or arrange services for members moving into new housing.
Provide or arrange regular home visits, in-home case management, and community-based referrals to support housing retention.
Represent MHALA at community housing-provider, HUD-VASH, LAHSA, and similar meetings.
Stay current with technical and administrative changes in housing programs and their requirements.
Network with veteran and mainstream service agencies to share resources, develop programs, solve common problems, and maintain referral relationships.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and other day-to-day agency operations and community life.
Work cooperatively with staff to support seamless services for the agency, veterans, and their families.
Perform collateral duties as directed by program management and other duties as assigned.