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

Mental Health America of Los Angeles•Lancaster, CA

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, assessment, and engagement, and helps veterans and their families access community resources through intensive case management grounded in housing-first and psychosocial rehabilitation models. The role includes developing individualized household case plans; supporting access to employment, benefits, housing, and health care; and coordinating with landlords, government agencies, community organizations, and private providers. The Specialist also maintains accurate case files and database records, supports housing sustainability through budgeting and follow-up, conducts program presentations, and represents MHALA in housing and veteran-service networks. This position is 35 hours per week and pays $24.00 per hour. Actual compensation depends on experience and other factors permitted by law. MHALA describes its culture as collaborative and supportive of work/life balance, with a 35-hour workweek, competitive salary, full benefits, an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

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, harm-reduction approaches, 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 meet 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 effectively 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, including some evenings or weekends when necessary.
TB clearance and annual retesting are 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 landlords and property managers to identify suitable housing and serve as a liaison between veteran tenants and landlords; mediate and advocate to help members 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 and meet program documentation and data-submission requirements, including applicable 24-hour turnaround requirements.
Work with members to establish household budgets that support housing sustainability, including expenses and income sources.
Coordinate with government, community, and private agencies to seek rental subsidies, subsidized loans, and other transitional or permanent housing resources.
Coach members through housing and other resource applications, provide follow-up, and advocate for access to housing, health care benefits, and entitlements.
Conduct individual and community-based presentations about MHALA housing programs and develop housing opportunities through outreach, advocacy, information, and education with landlords and property managers.
Use motivational interviewing and harm-reduction practices to provide or arrange services for members moving into housing; arrange home visits, in-home case management, and community referrals to support housing stability.
Represent MHALA at community housing provider, HUD-VASH, LAHSA, and similar meetings; stay current on housing program requirements and administrative changes.
Network with veteran and mainstream service agencies to share resources, develop programs, address common problems, and maintain referral relationships.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and agency operations, collaborating with staff to ensure coordinated services.
Perform collateral duties as directed by program management.
Maintain TB clearance and undergo annual retesting as a condition of continued employment.
Provide employment verification directly from three past employers within the most recent seven-year period.