Overview
Housing and Benefits Specialist for Military Veteran Mental Health Services at Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA).
35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour (actual compensation determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law).
Summary
Under direct supervision of the Program Manager, provide housing placement, support and case management services for eligible homeless veteran families through outreach, assessment and engagement of potential members. Assist veterans and their families in finding and accessing requested community linkages and resources through the application of intensive case management services based on housing first and psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
* Interface with government, community and private agencies to obtain rental subsidies, subsidized loans or other available resources for transitional and permanent housing for veterans and their families.
* Assist and coach members in all steps of completing the application process.
* Provide follow-up during the application process, and act as a housing counselor and advocate for members to help obtain and keep housing, health care benefits, entitlements, etc.
* Conduct individual and community-based presentations regarding MHA’s housing programs and work with landlords and property management companies to generate housing opportunities through advocacy, information and education.
* Through the use of Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction practices, provide and/or arrange for necessary services for members moving into new housing.
* Provide or arrange for regular home visits, in-home case management support and community-based referrals to assist members in staying successfully housed.
* When necessary, act as a liaison with the landlord, other service providers or other tenants to clarify expectations and resolve issues and problems.
* Represent MHALA at community housing provider meetings, HUD-VASH and LAHSA meetings and other similar events. Work to stay current with technical and administrative changes in various housing programs and their requirements.
* Networks with other veteran and mainstream service agencies to share ideas and resources, develop effective programs, solve common problems and maintain a professional network of referral resources for housing and support services.
* Attend and participate in staff meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations and community life of the agency.
* Work cooperatively with other staff to assure the smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services to the agency and the veterans and their families it serves.
* Assist and support program documentation standards of staff in accordance with MHALA, county contracted provider, and funding source standards and requirements, and documents in required program data including HMIS data submission as applicable to your program.
* Collaborate with member to establish a working budget for sustainability of housing including all expenses and income sources of the household.
* Mediates and advocates on behalf of the member to help him/her obtain and keep housing.
* Other collateral duties as needed and assigned.
Position Requirements
* High School diploma or GED plus two years of providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled population/low income and/or homeless population, preferred.
* Veterans encouraged to apply.
* Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred.
* Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment.
* 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, have good listening and communication skills, the ability to empathize and relate positively to a wide variety of people and dedicated to fulfilling the demands of the position.
* Experience working in diverse settings with people across all socio-economic spectrums.
* Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word and Excel).
* Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
* Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to effectively manage multiple assignments through accuracy and thoroughness.
* Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends when necessary.
* TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of employment.
EEO statement and basic agency notes have been incorporated in the responsibilities as part of standard practice.
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