Mental Health Specialist , Metro

About the position

The Mental Health Specialist conducts outreach and housing navigation activities with a focus on chronically homeless and highly vulnerable individuals. S/he is a member of an interdisciplinary team that will provide services to clients on the streets and in encampments. The Mental Health Specialist will provide mental health assessments and crisis intervention within scope of practice to clients in need of assistance. S/he will also address the individuals immediate needs and work to engage them in the housing navigation process. This position will enhance existing outreach services to provide clinical and mental health interventions appropriate to the clients mental health needs.

Responsibilities

• Conducts outreach activities to engage chronically homeless individuals toward pursuing permanent housing options.
• Receives, assesses, and triages referrals from walk-ins and other collaborative partners.
• Conducts standardized screening and triages chronically homeless individuals.
• Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.
• Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers.
• Provides mental health assessments, counseling, and interventions when indicated, using Recovery Model and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Connects individuals to other supportive services as needed such as mental health, health, substance abuse, legal, employment, etc.
• Documents services and completes data entry into HMIS database.
• Provides linkage to mainstream resources, such as DPSS or Social Security Disability.
• Provides transportation assistance for the purposes of stabilizing the current housing crisis.
• Conducts follow-up activities to ensure completion of the crisis housing plan.
• Identifies appropriate interventions to address and resolve the homeless status of program participants.
• Assists individuals with accessing permanent housing opportunities including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, affordable housing, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in human services or similar field (i.e. psychology, sociology, social work).
• 1 year of experience working in a mental health or behavior health field setting performing case management work.
• Knowledge of emergency housing, transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.
• Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter Plus Care and others.
• Current knowledge of social work practices and principles related to best practice standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, G-Mail).
• Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in HMIS Homeless Management Information System.
• Possess valid California driver's license and have access to properly registered vehicle.

Nice-to-haves

• Masters Degree (MSW, MFT, or Psychology) desirable.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Benefits

• 5 Paid Flex Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 12 Paid Vacation Days
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 403b Account Match