Case Manager and Coach for Homeless Recovery and Mental Health

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health services, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century. As one of the most comprehensive social service agencies in LA County, MHALA provides integrated mental health, physical health, wellness, employment, housing, education and outreach services, with special programs for transition age youth and Veterans.

MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.

MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

Personal Service Coordinator

35 hours per week/$20.00 - $24.00 per hour

(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Summary: Under the general supervision of program manager, outreach, assess and engage potential members for MHALA ISC services. Assist individuals in finding and accessing requested services through the application of intensive case management services. Assist members in transitioning to appropriate levels of care or services as needed on the bases on psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The Agency will consider individuals with a criminal history.

• Engage and enroll new members. Develop a Recovery Plan with each member that identifies his/her personal needs and goals
• Mediate and advocate on behalf of the member to help him/her obtain and keep housing, health care benefits, entitlements etc.
• Visit members in their place of residence, hospital or jail on an as-needed basis, in order to help them live successfully and to prevent them from becoming homeless
• Transport members to appointments and on errands when appropriate
• Observe members’ individual and group activities both inside the program and out in the community. Provide coaching, counseling, mentoring, instruction, training, feedback and positive reinforcement for members in areas such as money management, grooming and hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation and other independent living skills
• Devise and implement strategies for outreach to members who tend to isolate themselves
• Provide timely information and feedback to program manager with regard to emergent agency, program, team or member issues.
• Assist members and the team in achieving community integration, education and employment goals.
• Participate in staff and community meetings and in the day-to-day operations of the program as needed
• Complete program documentation and paperwork in accordance with MHALA, County Contracted Provider, and funding source standards and requirements. This includes documenting 5 hours of interventions per day with a 24-hour turnaround.

Position requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of one year of experience providing psychosocial rehab related services to a disabled population required
• Bachelor degree in a human related field preferred
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment
• Must possess a high level of tolerance, patience, and understanding for individuals who present for services with multiple needs, issues, and problematic behavioral characteristics in a busy and unstructured work atmosphere
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to develop, nurture and maintain good community relations on behalf of the organization
• Knowledgeable of the harm reduction philosophy and effective in the practice motivational interviewing
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services
• Valid CPR certificate preferred
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and on call cell phone services when necessary
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
• COVID vaccination is required for this position. Accommodations will be considered with proof of a legal exemption.