Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health services, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century. As one of the most comprehensive social service agencies in LA County, MHALA provides integrated mental health, physical health, wellness, employment, housing, education and outreach services, with special programs for transition age youth and Veterans.

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.

Outreach Specialist/ASW

35 hours per week/$29.50 - $33.50 per hour

(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Summary: The E6 project is a program designed to coordinate the outreach, engagement, and linkage/referral services for individuals experiencing homelessness in SPA 1. The position will collaborate with the E6 Outreach Team as they work with individuals experiencing homelessness with possible serious mental illness, substance abuse disorders and chronic physical health conditions based on psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and 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, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity service provider. The Agency will consider individuals with criminal history.

• Develops a Recovery Plan and/or Personal Service Plan with each member that identifies his/her personal needs and goals
• Co-signs on members service plans developed by other staff, provide psychiatric evaluation and assessments for program participants
• Mediates and advocates on behalf of the member to help him/her obtain and keep housing, health care benefits, entitlements, etc.
• Visits members in their place of residence, hospital or jail on an as-needed basis, in order to help them live successfully and to prevent them from becoming homeless
• Transports members to appointments and on errands when appropriate
• Oversees and monitors members’ individual and group activities both inside the program and out in the community
• Provides coaching, counseling, mentoring, instruction, training, feedback and positive reinforcement for members in areas such as money management, grooming and hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation and independent living skills
• Devises and implements strategies for outreach to members who tend to isolate themselves
• Knowledgeable and practices in motivational interviewing and harm reduction
• Supports individuals and team goals in community integration and employment. Works with Community Integration. Assists members in achieving community integration and employment goals
• Participates in staff and community meetings and in the day-to-day operations of the program as needed
• Maintain a billing average of five hours per day into the Electronic Health Record
• Maintains all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.

Position requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work with ASW, or Master’s Degree in Psychology with Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis with AMFT registration number, or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and a minimum of 2 years’ experience providing direct service in programs serving mentally ill adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, or similar populations.
• 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.
• Demonstrate knowledge of community resources.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Valid CPR certificate preferred.
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be ensured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and on call cell phone services when necessary.
• TB clearance and annual re-testing are conditions of employment.
• COVID-19 vaccination is required for this position. Accommodations will be considered with proof of a legal exemption.