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.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or Masters in Counseling (MA/MS) AND valid registration with California Board of Behavioral Sciences as ASW/AMFT/APCC required
• Minimum of one year experience (including internship) providing services to individuals who have a mental illness and who are homeless preferred
• Experience working with Transitional Age Youth and young adults (ages 18–~30), with a strong understanding of the developmental, clinical, and social service needs unique to this population is highly preferred.
• 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, Teams, iOS
• 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 quickly become knowledgeable of 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 nights, weekends and holidays
• Willingness to participate in on call-rotation for FSP and HSSP enrolled members which includes weekend and holidays in a rotating shift assignment and weekly team LPS assignments. LPS designated individuals participate in a separate, longer one or two week rotation.
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
• COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period
• 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
• Bilingual preferred, not required

• Provide license dependent clinical services that may include but not limited to psychosocial assessments, diagnosis, clinical treatment or linkage to mental health services
• Provide coaching, counseling, mentoring, instruction, training, feedback and positive reinforcement for members in areas such as grooming and hygiene, coping skills, public transportation and other independent living skills under principles of psychosocial rehabilitation model for treatment and services.
• May occasionally assist as part of the team, individuals in locating and obtaining requested services, including maintaining housing, food, health care, substance abuse treatment, benefits and entitlements, etc.
• Supporting in completion of clinical reports, letters, documentation, IHSS applications, SSI, DPSS forms and applications to support, mediate and advocate on behalf of individuals in maintaining entitled benefits.
• Knowledgeable of the harm reduction philosophy and effective in the practice of motivational interviewing
• Responsible for conducting outreach and engagement and assess individuals for eligibility and enrollment into program services
• Support in assessment, managing, de-escalating, and intervening in potential crisis situations with members and assessing safety and need for 5150 or supporting in de-escalation.
• Provide collateral supports which include contacting family members and/or significant other with the individual’s authorization to discuss how they can assist the person with their care/treatment goals
• Work collaboratively within the team to provide clinical guidance, such as identifying member needs as necessary and initiate communication within the integrated team to provide the resources to meet those needs
• Be an active part of the learning in this project by participating in other trainings mental health or related trainings) that introduce different interventions that could be an effective strategy with this population
• Maintains all records and documentation, utilizing various technological resources needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements
• Interact with members in the community, such as at their residence, hospitals, at appointments, etc., in order to engage them in services and to help them live successfully in the community
• Active participation in regular team meetings with pro-active communication around member concerns
• Assist and support program documentation standards of staff in accordance with MHALA, LACDMH County Contracted Provider standards and funding source requirements, and documents in Electronic Health record (EHR), including 24 hour turnaround documentation requirement. Maintain a billing average of 4.25 hours per day into the CareLogic System for 85 hours per month and complete all required paperwork associated with members.
• Must have a LPS designation or be qualified in a timely manner by the LA County Department of Mental Health to write involuntary holds per section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code.
• Must demonstrate the skills and ability to observe, notice, reflect on and report thoughts, emotions and/or physical sensations experienced when engaged in decision making and interactions with others in the performance of duties and tasks related to the position.
• Must meet target billing and productivity goal(s) within 24 hours, 85 hours a month for full time staff.
• Must demonstrate a “safety first” mentality and engage in practices that promote a safe, healthful environment for all program participants, staff and visitors and providing the best care, welfare, safety and security for everyone at MHALA
• All required data collection documents (as applicable to TAY FSP and OCS program) are submitted on time
• Knowledge of community resources, housing, social security and general relief systems and ability to navigate within these systems.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services and fast-paced environment
• Ability to qualify for jail clearance to outreach new members who are incarcerate