Veteran Employment Job Developer and Education Specialist

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.

Veteran Employment and Education Specialist

35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour

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

Responsibilities: Under the general supervision of the Program Manager assist Veteran households to improve and enhance their level of employment and/or education goals by identifying employment and/or further education interests, skills, experience and options in order to facilitate the member’s development and pursuit of a plan that leads to employment and/or education in the community based on the 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 in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).

• Provide employment services including but not limited to assist members in developing skills, revise resumes, and recommend training or educational programs to help members develop their skills. employment preparation, job development, job placement and retention services by linking members to employment department or other employment resources in the community.
• Assist members with identifying their strengths, goals and talents in view of helping them find work. In some cases, they might connect job seekers to training or educational programs to help them develop their skills.
• Develops a Housing Plan with each member that determines and identifies member’s personal needs and goals related to pursuing employment and/or furthering education as well as social, functional, financial, an educational/vocational barrier to employment stability.
• Visits members in their place of residence, or in the community on an as-needed basis, in order to ensure they are actively pursuing employment or education opportunities and assist with transportation to their interviews or education appointments.
• Identify and present resources available to meet those needs. Work collaboratively with Employment Services, VA, Local Community Collages and community partners to help members meet their employment or education goals.
• Be an active part of the learning by participating in related trainings.
• Work cooperatively with other staff to assure the smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services to the agency.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations and community life of the Agency.
• Work cooperatively with other staff to assure the smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services to the Agency and the veterans and the families it serves.
• Independently or in collaboration with program staff, complete and maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements Monitor participant and landlord satisfaction.
• Use trauma-informed, strengths-based, harm reduction, and housing first approaches in all stakeholder interactions.
• Adhere to ethical principles about confidentiality, informed consent, compliance with relevant laws and agency policies (i.e. critical incident reporting, HIPAA).
• Completes and maintains all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.
• Participate in and understand the requirements of Program Audits and CARF Surveys.
• Engage in other duties as directed by program management as needed.

Other Position Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred.
• Veteran encouraged to apply.
• Must have 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 have good basic English writing skills, good basic computer skills, be highly organized, and have excellent communication skills.
• Must be flexible and able to multi-task without losing productivity.
• 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.
• Flexible work schedule.
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment.
• Must be able to maintain an empathetic view for the dilemma of individuals in severe need and be able to juggle creatively and successfully around a variety of barriers that keep individuals from successful personal and community living.
• CPR Certified.
• COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of this position. Accommodations will be considered upon proof of a legal exemption.