Outreach Specialist for Veteran Mental Health Services

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.

Position: Veteran Outreach Specialist
35 hours per week / $24.00 - $25.00 per hour

Summary: Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, through the application of intensive community outreach, identify and assist homeless and at-risk veterans and families with accessing services and resources through the Military Resource Center based on the psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain an outreach log of prospective veterans in the SSVF program and provide the number of Veterans outreached in the community on a bi-weekly basis to program intake staff.
• Provide information and resource linkage for veterans in the service area by direction to the Military Resource Center.
• Work as part of a team, making regular visits to local institutions and other community sites where homeless veterans are known to be present.
• Establish and maintain good rapport and regular contact with local agency workers and administrators who are a source of referrals of homeless veterans in need of assistance and services.
• Implement strategies for and conduct outreach to hard-to-engage homeless veterans identified by local community referral sources.
• Assist Housing and Benefits Specialist with Veterans in locating requested services on a case-by-case basis.
• Provide identification of and prescreening for eligibility of potential applicants.
• Coordinate initial screening and assessment with the case management team.
• Responsible for meeting approved prescreen outcomes for veteran enrollments on a monthly basis.
• Provide information about SSVF services and community resources to current and potential participants.
• Attend meetings and case conferences in the community.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization in public interactions and local community events.
• Maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability.
• Help problem solve with the Veteran to identify an immediate safe place to stay within the Veteran’s network of family, friends, or other social supports.
• Engage in collateral duties as directed by program management as needed.

Position Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• One year of providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled population/low income and/or homeless population required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of health care, social service resource systems, and self-help intervention strategies.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills including use of motivational interviewing, harm reduction approach, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong oral/written communication and listening skills.
• Must be team-oriented, self-directed, and dedicated to fulfilling the demands of the position.
• Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to effectively manage multiple assignments.
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends when necessary.
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, and proof of valid automobile 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.

Salary: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour