Outreach Specialist for Homeless and Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.

MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.

MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.

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.

Outreach Specialist

35 hours per week / $24.50 - $25.50 per hour

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

Summary: Under the team leader's general supervision, provide outreach, engagement, and linkage/referral services for individuals experiencing homelessness in SPA 1. Work as a part of a team providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness with possibly serious mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and chronic physical health conditions based on a 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 opportunity employer and service provider. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).

• Coordinate and provide outreach services for individuals within the SPA 1 areas.
• Work collaboratively within an integrated mobile team to provide linkage, outreach, community-based case management, housing, mental health, and primary care services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Make independent assessments to identify individual needs as necessary and initiate communication and collaboration within the integrated team and with referral sources to provide the resources to meet those needs
• Utilize evidence-based practices in service delivery such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction, supported employment and education, intensive case management, housing first, and critical time intervention
• Be an active part of the learning in this project by participating in other training (LAHSA training, DMH training, and other sources) that introduce different interventions that could be an effective strategy for this population
• Provide health education, resources, liaison with community health providers, and counseling on specific health issues
• Build collaborative partnerships with existing and new community resources and providers for linkage and support purposes.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations and community life of the program site(s)
• Complete all documentation and maintain all paperwork and other required documentation for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHA standards and funding source requirements.
• Provide linkage support, coaching, counseling, mentoring, instruction, training, feedback, and positive reinforcement for members in areas such as physical health care, money management, grooming and hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation, and other independent living skills
• Mediate and advocate on behalf of individuals to help them obtain and keep health care benefits, entitlements, etc.
• Read, perform research, attend classes, workshops, or seminars and participate in other professional development activities in order to maintain and enhance personal and professional skills.
• Must provide all services in the field.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• One year of experience providing psychosocial rehab-related services to a disabled population, preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred
• Driving with a current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and the ability to be ensured by MHA liability insurance are conditions of employment
• Bilingual; Spanish/English speaking preferred
• Hospice experience medical and/or in a hospital setting is preferred
• Familiarity with local community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and/or low income
• Must have good basic English writing skills, good basic computer skills, and be highly organized. Must have excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to have the ability to juggle multiple tasks without losing productivity.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services; demonstrate knowledge of community resources
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for a work atmosphere that is very busy and highly unstructured and for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple needs, issues, and problematic behavioral characteristics
• Must know or very quickly become knowledgeable of the characteristics of individuals who are substance abusing and/or dually diagnosed, and have knowledge of local services available for dually diagnosed individuals
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and on-call cell phone services when necessary
• TB clearance and yearly re-testing are conditions of employment