Case Manager for Homeless Housing Harm Reduction and Mental Health Services in Burnley

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, supporting 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. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth and fosters diversity at all levels of the organization.

The Personal Service Coordinator (PSC) is required to provide support to the daily operation of the Homeless Service Center, which provides access to basic services as well as harm reduction, harm reduction safety classes, sex safety tools, information and referrals, short-term case management for supportive services, and case management to homeless individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, and engaging in sex work by utilizing motivational interviewing and harm reduction practice modalities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete intakes and track members entering into the Homeless Service Center with logs and worksheets provided.
• Provide supply distribution, trainings, and safety courses.
• Assist and support members with barriers and link them to supportive services such as employment, case management, medical & insurance, documentation support assistance, mobile clinic, and health care.
• Ensure members are linked and supported with accessing medical and mental health care, safe substance use services, and overdose prevention education.
• Provide individualized coaching and positive reinforcement to members in budgeting skills, hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation, and other independent living skills necessary for housing success.
• Ensure that all member interactions are person-centered, goal-focused, and in line with evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed care, harm reduction tools/supplies trainings, motivational interviewing, and the housing first model.
• Provide mediation and advocate on behalf of members to best support their needs.
• Maintain proper documentation required for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA.
• Attend ongoing training as directed for professional growth and to effectively meet the needs of members.
• Responsible for reporting abuse as a mandated reporter.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED, plus two years' experience working in social services field and/or schooling.
• Demonstrate knowledge of community resources and show compassion and empathy to our homeless neighbours.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Be able to work in an office Monday through Friday schedule 8 am to 4 pm.
• Driving with a current class C driver's license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and the ability to be insured by MHALA's liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment.
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period.