Mental Health America of Los Angeles
Healthcare and Housing Navigator Specialist for Military Veteran Mental Health S
Mental Health America of Los Angeles, Lancaster, California, us, 93586
Healthcare and Housing Navigator Specialist for Military Veteran Mental Health Services
35 hours per week / $24.00 - $25.00 per hour
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. The agency supports 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.
MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues. The agency’s culture emphasizes communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance. Employees are encouraged to engage in self‑care and can enjoy a 35‑hour workweek, diversity across all levels, a team‑oriented culture, rising opportunities, competitive salary and full benefits package including an employee assistance program and generous paid time off.
Summary Under direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Specialist provides services that include connecting Veterans to VA health care benefits or community health care services where Veterans are not eligible for VA care. Primary duties include case management, care coordination, health education, consultation, benefits linkage, administrative duties, collaboration with the VA, COC and other healthcare service providers. The Specialist is familiar with the Los Angeles County health care system and works in tandem with the HUD‑VASH team, providing ongoing support in identifying housing needs and working alongside veteran participants and SSVF staff in locating suitable housing. The Specialist builds relationships with property owners and managers to expedite the process of getting veterans into housing and serves as a point of contact for concerns.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Work closely with the Veteran’s assigned multidisciplinary team to provide timely, appropriate, Veteran‑centered care in an equitable manner.
Develop individualized case plans for each veteran household, identifying goals and action steps.
Maintain accurate case files and secure database records in accordance with contractor guidelines and VA program guidebook.
Assist with accessing VA benefits, filing claims, and ensuring required documentation is submitted on time.
Act as liaison between SSVF, VA, community medical clinics, and other healthcare providers to coordinate care for Veterans with complex needs.
Interface with HUD‑VASH, SSVF, and other agencies to obtain permanent housing for veterans and families, coaching participants through the application process, providing follow‑up and acting as a housing counselor and advocate.
Recruit, engage, and negotiate with housing providers/landlords, assess units, cultivate relationships, and support veteran families.
Serve as point of contact for property owners/manager concerns and navigate support.
Screen landlords and assess units for appropriateness via pre‑inspections and habitability checklist.
Generate and maintain a database of property owners and available units, communicating with landlords.
Assist in introduction of participants to landlords and staff, fostering trust for rental agreements.
Attend staff meetings and collaborate with staff to deliver supportive services seamlessly.
Complete and maintain all records and documentation for program compliance and accountability, monitoring participant and landlord satisfaction.
Use trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, harm reduction, and housing‑first approaches in all interactions.
Adhere to ethical principles, confidentiality, informed consent, HIPAA, and agency policies.
Perform collateral duties as directed by program management.
Other Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in human services preferred.
Veteran encouraged to apply.
One year of providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled population / low‑income and/or homeless population preferred.
Knowledge of health care, social service resource systems and self‑help intervention strategies.
Experience recruiting landlords, property management, and real estate practice.
Knowledge of real estate, social service resource systems, and self‑help intervention strategies.
Crisis intervention, conflict resolution, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma‑informed care skills.
Strong oral/written communication and listening skills.
Team‑oriented, self‑directed, empathetic, dedicated to meeting demands.
Experience working in diverse settings with people across all socio‑economic spectrums.
Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Highly organized, detail oriented, able to manage multiple assignments.
Flexible work schedule to include evenings or weekends when necessary.
Current Class C driver’s license, vehicle, valid insurance, eligible for liability insurance coverage.
TB clearance and re‑testing every year.
COVID‑19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required but may become required; failure to comply may result in termination.
Employment verification from three past employers within the most recent 7‑year period.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Health Care Provider
Industries Mental Health Care
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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. The agency supports 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.
MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues. The agency’s culture emphasizes communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance. Employees are encouraged to engage in self‑care and can enjoy a 35‑hour workweek, diversity across all levels, a team‑oriented culture, rising opportunities, competitive salary and full benefits package including an employee assistance program and generous paid time off.
Summary Under direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Specialist provides services that include connecting Veterans to VA health care benefits or community health care services where Veterans are not eligible for VA care. Primary duties include case management, care coordination, health education, consultation, benefits linkage, administrative duties, collaboration with the VA, COC and other healthcare service providers. The Specialist is familiar with the Los Angeles County health care system and works in tandem with the HUD‑VASH team, providing ongoing support in identifying housing needs and working alongside veteran participants and SSVF staff in locating suitable housing. The Specialist builds relationships with property owners and managers to expedite the process of getting veterans into housing and serves as a point of contact for concerns.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Work closely with the Veteran’s assigned multidisciplinary team to provide timely, appropriate, Veteran‑centered care in an equitable manner.
Develop individualized case plans for each veteran household, identifying goals and action steps.
Maintain accurate case files and secure database records in accordance with contractor guidelines and VA program guidebook.
Assist with accessing VA benefits, filing claims, and ensuring required documentation is submitted on time.
Act as liaison between SSVF, VA, community medical clinics, and other healthcare providers to coordinate care for Veterans with complex needs.
Interface with HUD‑VASH, SSVF, and other agencies to obtain permanent housing for veterans and families, coaching participants through the application process, providing follow‑up and acting as a housing counselor and advocate.
Recruit, engage, and negotiate with housing providers/landlords, assess units, cultivate relationships, and support veteran families.
Serve as point of contact for property owners/manager concerns and navigate support.
Screen landlords and assess units for appropriateness via pre‑inspections and habitability checklist.
Generate and maintain a database of property owners and available units, communicating with landlords.
Assist in introduction of participants to landlords and staff, fostering trust for rental agreements.
Attend staff meetings and collaborate with staff to deliver supportive services seamlessly.
Complete and maintain all records and documentation for program compliance and accountability, monitoring participant and landlord satisfaction.
Use trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, harm reduction, and housing‑first approaches in all interactions.
Adhere to ethical principles, confidentiality, informed consent, HIPAA, and agency policies.
Perform collateral duties as directed by program management.
Other Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in human services preferred.
Veteran encouraged to apply.
One year of providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled population / low‑income and/or homeless population preferred.
Knowledge of health care, social service resource systems and self‑help intervention strategies.
Experience recruiting landlords, property management, and real estate practice.
Knowledge of real estate, social service resource systems, and self‑help intervention strategies.
Crisis intervention, conflict resolution, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma‑informed care skills.
Strong oral/written communication and listening skills.
Team‑oriented, self‑directed, empathetic, dedicated to meeting demands.
Experience working in diverse settings with people across all socio‑economic spectrums.
Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Highly organized, detail oriented, able to manage multiple assignments.
Flexible work schedule to include evenings or weekends when necessary.
Current Class C driver’s license, vehicle, valid insurance, eligible for liability insurance coverage.
TB clearance and re‑testing every year.
COVID‑19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required but may become required; failure to comply may result in termination.
Employment verification from three past employers within the most recent 7‑year period.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Health Care Provider
Industries Mental Health Care
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