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LA Family Housing

Mental Health Specialist (Los Angeles/Valley)

LA Family Housing, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079

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Mental Health Specialist (Los Angeles/Valley) Join

LA Family Housing , a leading nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness for 40+ years.

USD $31.95/Hr

Why Join Us Our Permanent Supportive Housing program connects people to safe homes, comprehensive services, and hope. We value innovation, collaboration, and equity, and we provide a purpose‑driven environment where your impact matters.

The Position The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) provides direct clinical intervention to participants (individuals and families) in Permanent Supportive Housing sites. Working as part of a multidisciplinary ICMS team, the MHS collaborates to identify participants requiring mental health services, offers crisis prevention/intervention, and coordinates care with community partners.

What You’ll Do

Conduct mental health, substance use, and safety/risk assessments on identified participants.

Coordinate referrals to evidence‑based community mental health providers, VA, VA hospital social work teams, and other resources.

Lead transition of care planning, discharge coordination, and care coordination activities.

Apply Harm Reduction, Housing First, Low Barrier, and Trauma‑Informed Care philosophies when working with individuals experiencing homelessness.

Collaborate with medical providers to triage participants to needed medical care.

Complete risk assessments, safety plans, and liaise with the Psychiatric Mobile Response Team (PMRT) for active danger or severe mental health disorder.

Follow mandated reporting guidelines, communicate with protective and emergency services as needed, and complete incident and follow‑up documentation.

Advocate on participants’ behalf with other organizations and/or government agencies when appropriate.

Support & Coordination

Coordinate services with non‑clinical staff, co‑facilitate meetings, and provide guidance through case consultations.

Provide training for social services staff in coordination with the supervisor.

Offer crisis intervention and conflict management techniques.

Promote health and wellness through medication management education.

Precept MSW interns or MFT interns and utilize interns in supporting participants.

Assist in onboarding activities for new hires related to mental health assessment, documentation, linkage, and safety procedures.

Ensure that referrals are completed and provide advocacy as needed.

Maintain thorough and accurate records in written form and through HMIS/CHAMP.

Other Responsibilities

Attend regular staff, agency, and community meetings as directed.

Drive a personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and periodically use agency vehicles to transport clients.

Perform additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

What You’re Skilled At

Deep knowledge of barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness, including health, substance abuse, mental health challenges, domestic violence, and undocumented status.

Clinical experience working with participants with multiple diagnoses, including mental illness, substance abuse, and/or physical illness.

Proficiency in DSM‑5, crisis intervention, and evidence‑based practices.

Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; ability to advocate on behalf of participants.

Bilingual: Spanish/English desired.

Experience & Licensure

A master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or eligible Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) from an accredited university is required.

Must obtain an ACSW, MFT or LPCC practice number from the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) within six months of hire or already possess it.

Licensing hours will be offered once BBS registration and ASW/MFT/LPCC practice number have been confirmed.

Candidates in final semester of an MSW/MFT program or eligible LPCC with proof of expected graduation date are also eligible. BBS licensing required within six months of graduation.

What We Offer

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, 529 Education Savings Plan, 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule, paid sick, vacation, 13 observed holidays, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

Professional Development Funds, Emergency Funds, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Legal Access Plan, Company Sponsored Employee Events, Employee Appreciation Program.

Equal Employment Opportunity LAFH is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Fair Chance Act LAFH will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you.

Physical Demands & Environmental Conditions Presence in a pet‑friendly environment required. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for employees with disabilities.

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