Mental Health Outreach Engagement and Promotion 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, supporting over 19,000 low‑income and no‑income individuals annually with integrated services in mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, including special programs for veterans and transition‑age youth. The organization also offers training programs for behavioral health workforce members and for the broader community, and prioritizes employee well‑being with a healthy work/life balance, a 35‑hour workweek, and a culture of diversity and transparency.

Summary

The United Mental Health Promoters (UMHP) project is a community outreach and empowerment initiative designed to strengthen communities. It uses evidence‑based outreach, engagement, education, and awareness practices to reduce barriers to care and develop supportive networks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and engagement within the community, creating awareness and educational opportunities on mental illness.
• Create and implement in‑person activities, events, and workshops to engage the target population.
• Recruit and conduct Community Resiliency Model workshops.
• Provide training and informational events to support recovery related to COVID‑19 and other disasters linked to trauma.
• Provide individual and community advocacy.
• Facilitate educational groups such as community psychoeducation.
• Offer trauma‑informed activities, including art therapy, mindfulness, and healing gardens.
• Help establish and maintain community‑led peer support groups.
• Implement a trauma‑informed approach that includes empathy and compassion.
• Provide linkage and support to community members through events and one‑on‑one interactions.
• Document all activities, service plans, and input data regularly into the EHR.
• Attend regular staff meetings, Department of Mental Health required trainings, and community meetings.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or GED with at least one year of experience providing psychosocial rehabilitation services to homeless and/or disabled populations.
• Good personal judgment, non‑bias attitude, sensitivity, and discretion when interacting with others.
• Desirable lived experience of homelessness, mental health concerns, or substance use.
• Ability to create a welcoming environment and engage new members.
• High tolerance, patience, and understanding for individuals presenting with urgent, complex needs.
• Sensitivity to racial, cultural, ethnic, or community‑based barriers to care.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks without losing productivity.
• Team‑oriented approach to member services and fast‑paced environment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Desirable knowledge of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
• Knowledge and practical application of motivational interviewing and harm reduction.
• Highly desirable knowledge of juvenile justice systems, court systems, and foster care.
• Flexible work schedule, including some evenings or weekends, and on‑call cell phone availability when necessary.
• Spanish speaking is a plus but not required.
• 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 retesting every year are conditions of continued employment.
• COVID‑19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, but may become so in the future; failure to comply with agency vaccine policies may result in termination.
• Employment verification directly from three past employers within the most recent 7‑year period.

Salary: $24.00 per hour.