Case Manager for Veteran Homeless Housing and Benefits Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Long Beach, CA

13d

About The Position

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) is seeking 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, assessment, and engagement and helps veterans and their families access community resources through intensive case management grounded in housing-first and psychosocial rehabilitation approaches. The role includes assisting members with housing applications, rental subsidies, and other resources; advocating for access to housing, health care benefits, and entitlements; arranging services and home-based support; and collaborating with landlords, community organizations, and service providers. The specialist also represents MHALA at relevant community meetings, supports program documentation and required data collection, and helps members create sustainable household budgets. The position is 35 hours per week and pays $24.00 per hour. Actual compensation is determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law. MHALA describes its culture as team-oriented, collaborative, and supportive of work/life balance, and offers a competitive salary and full benefits package, an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED plus two years of providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled, low-income, and/or homeless population; this experience is described as preferred.
Knowledge of health care and social service resource systems and self-help intervention strategies.
Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills, including use of Motivational Interviewing, a Harm Reduction approach, 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; 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).
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.
Current Class C driver's license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance; these are conditions of employment.
TB clearance and annual retesting; these are conditions of employment.
Employment verification directly from three past employers within the most recent seven-year period.

Nice To Haves

Veteran status or experience; veterans are encouraged to apply.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Interface with government, community, and private agencies to obtain rental subsidies, subsidized loans, and other resources for transitional and permanent housing for veterans and their families.
Assist and coach members through all steps of housing and other application processes.
Follow up during applications and act as a housing counselor and advocate to help members obtain and retain housing, health care benefits, and entitlements.
Conduct individual and community-based presentations about MHALA housing programs and work with landlords and property management companies to generate housing opportunities through 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 support, and community-based referrals to help members remain successfully housed.
Liaise with landlords, service providers, and other tenants when needed to clarify expectations and resolve problems.
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 networks.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and day-to-day agency operations and community life.
Work cooperatively with staff to ensure seamless delivery of supportive services to the agency, veterans, and their families.
Support staff in meeting program documentation standards and ensure required program and HMIS data collection documents are submitted by their due dates, including documentation with a 24-hour turnaround where required.
Collaborate with members to establish household budgets that support sustainable housing, accounting for expenses and income sources.
Mediate and advocate on behalf of members to help them obtain and retain housing.
Perform other collateral duties as assigned.