Mental Health Specialist Jobs

About The Position

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.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and full benefits package
• Employee assistance program
• Generous paid time off
• 35-hour workweek