Licensed Vocational Nurse, Psychiatric Technician, Registered Nurse For Mental Health Services [...]

About MHALA

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 one of 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 in health care, homelessness and housing, supported employment, wellness and financial services, and special programs for Veterans and transition‑age youth. The agency also provides training programs for individuals entering the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues. Employees enjoy a 35‑hour work week, a healthy work/life balance, a competitive salary, full benefits, and a diverse, collaborative culture.

Job Type: Full‑time, 35 hours per week.

Position Overview

Licensed Vocational Nurse / Licensed Psychiatric Technician / Registered Nurse (LVN + LPT: $33.50+ per hour; RN: $51.50+ per hour). The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• This is not an exhaustive task list; 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, provided it does not change the essential nature of the position or cause undue hardship.
• MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider.
• The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).

Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, the LVN, LPT, or RN will provide direct care to individuals within a community‑based mental health services agency. Responsibilities include:

• Transcribing, administering, monitoring, and managing medications, including knowledge of adverse side effects, indications, and contraindications.
• Completing assessments of physical and mental health status and developing appropriate plans of care and interventions.
• Assisting in the collection of health information.
• Monitoring health conditions by measuring weight/BMI, blood pressure, glucose and lipid levels.
• Providing coaching, counseling, mentoring, advocacy, instruction, training, feedback, and positive reinforcement for members in areas such as housing, employment, education, community integration, and case management.
• Maintaining all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.
• Developing collaborative relationships with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physical health care providers, and interdisciplinary personnel to address complex needs.
• Providing education on health promotion, medications, and disease management, focusing on skill building for independent health management.
• Displaying basic knowledge of available benefits and programs for underserved populations.
• Educating Personal Service Coordinators and aiding with medication assessments.
• Identifying and addressing barriers for each member in accordance with their personal needs and goals.
• Outreaching members at their residences, hospitals, jails, or community locations to further engage in recovery.
• Participating in staff and community meetings and in the day‑to‑day operations of the program as needed.
• Dispensing medications/injections in the agency medication room as needed.
• Maintaining billing and documentation in the CareLogic EHR daily.
• Transporting members to appointments and errands when appropriate.
• Completing paperwork in accordance with MHALA, LACDMH County Contracted Provider standards and funding source requirements, and documenting in the EHR, including 24‑hour turnaround documentation.

Position Requirements

• Current licensure in California as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Licensed Psychiatric Technician, or Registered Nurse and completion of a nursing program approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses.
• At least one year of experience providing psychosocial rehabilitation related services to a disabled population (preferred).
• Certified in CPR/AED at hire and bi‑annually thereafter.
• Willingness to pursue LPS designation when eligible to facilitate 5150 involuntary holds.
• Knowledgeable of characteristics of individuals who are substance‑abusing and/or dually diagnosed, with a willingness to promote harm‑reduction practices.
• Good basic English writing skills and computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Electronic Health Records).
• Excellent communication skills and high organizational ability.
• Ability to work well in a team‑oriented approach to member services.
• High tolerance, patience, and understanding for individuals presenting with multiple needs and behavioral challenges in a busy, unstructured environment.
• Ability to maintain good community relations on behalf of the organization.
• Flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on‑call cell‑phone services when necessary.
• Current Class C driver’s license, reliable vehicle, proof of valid insurance, and ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance.
• TB clearance and re‑testing annually.
• COVID‑19 vaccination status not currently required, but may become a requirement; failure to comply with agency policy may result in termination.
• Employment verification from three past employers within the most recent seven‑year period.

Salary: $33.50 to $51.50 per hour.