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.

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.

Job Developer

35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour

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

Summary: Assist adults with psychiatric disabilities to improve and enhance their level of employment functioning in the community by helping them to obtain and retain jobs suitable to their qualifications and desires. Assists Program Director in program design and implementation.

Essential Functions, 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 manager. 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 and service provider. The Agency will consider individuals with a criminal history.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate with appropriate funding sources (City governments, County Department of Mental Health, State Department of Rehabilitation, etc.) to determine client eligibility and disposition.
• Assist with on-going individual assessments of members’ job readiness and employment-related deficits.
• Participate actively in the development of individual placement plans, which detail employment rehabilitation goals and an action plan for achieving those goals.
• Coordinate with member’s personal service coordinator to provide needed supports to attain employment goals.
• Report regularly to service coordination teams on members’ progress in attaining employment related goals.
• Lead members in employment readiness and employment support groups.
• Provide initial hands-on support to members starting a job.
• Conduct periodic evaluations and provide feedback regarding the member's employment performance.
• Develop employment positions with employers in the community that are suitable to the needs and desires of members. Positions include individual and group placements as well as and other various employment related options.
• Maintain on-going rapport with community employers for whom members work.
• Assist employers to identify, modify, and/or eliminate architectural, procedural, instructional, communication, and/or attitudinal barriers to the employment and advancement of persons with disabilities.
• Enhance disability awareness in the community by educating employers about topics such as job accommodations, assistive devices, services provided by the agency, incentives to employers, and current disability-related legislation affecting the employer.
• Provide assistance to each DOR client in choosing employment (introduction to employment “fields”, various job cultures, job matching, application completion, etc.
• Provide experiences that expose DOR clients directly to various employment options (community site visits, speakers and mentor options, etc).
• Provide concrete individualized support overcoming obstacles that impact a DOR client’s performance with regards to getting or keeping a job.
• Assist DOR client to make a direct contact with an employer.
• Assist each DOR client to understand and utilize the employment search software along with other available sources of information and tools.
• Maintain all records and documentation required for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHA standards and funding source requirements.
• Flexible schedule to include some evenings, weekends, and holidays

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven history of prospecting and generating leads thorough cold calling (in person and telephone)
• Experience selling a service versus a tangible product a plus
• Must have a solid sales work history ideally with new client development and prospecting
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services
• Must possess a strong work ethic; must be self-directed, detailed, organized and excellent multi-tasking skills
• Must demonstrate the ability to build relationships and sell using a consultive problem solving approach
• Must meet all contract requirements for job placements and other outcomes
• Highly disciplined, independent and entrepreneurial
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily activities to make the most efficient use of time and resources
• Ability to independently manage difficult sales situations including anticipating obstacles and objections
• Must take initiative and be proactive in approach to getting the job done with little or no direction
• Must have good basic English writing skills and basic computer skills
• Maintain effective documentation and tracking sales activity, in company software system
• Knowledge of community resources; actively participate in local networking organizations
• 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 insured by MHA liability insurance are conditions of employment
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings, weekends and holidays

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (one of the following combinations is required):

• High school diploma or GED minimum 3 years experience providing employment-related services to a disabled population or sales.
• Associate degree in a human service or related field minimum 1-2 years experience providing employment-related services to a disabled population or sales.
• Associate degree in a specific rehabilitation related field (e.g. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) minimum 1 year experience providing employment-related services or sales.
• Bachelor degree in a human service field or marketing minimum 1 year experience providing employment-related services or sales.
• Bachelor degree in a specific rehabilitation related field or marketing (e.g. rehabilitation counseling) no experience required.
• Master’s degree in a human service or related field no experience required.