Case Manager for Homeless Intake and Mental Health Services

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.

Personal Service Coordinator

35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour

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

Summary: Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Personal Service Coordinator (PSC) supports the daily operations of the Homeless Service Center (HSC). The HSC provides access to basic needs, harm reduction tools, safety education, and short-term case management for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, chronic health issues, and sex work involvement. The PSC employs motivational interviewing and harm reduction practices to foster a safe, non-judgmental environment and connect members to essential services, including housing, healthcare, employment, and documentation support. The role involves completing intakes, distributing supplies, facilitating safety trainings, and maintaining accurate program documentation. The PSC also collaborates with community partners and internal programs to advocate for the needs of its members and ensure that services are trauma-informed and person-centered. This position requires strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills, as well as knowledge of community resources and basic computer proficiency.

Essential 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 director. 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 in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).

• Complete intakes and track members entering the HSC using provided logs and worksheets.
• Distribute supplies and facilitate safety courses and harm reduction trainings.
• Provides members with a supportive, safe, non-judgmental environment
• Assists members in addressing barriers and connects them to supportive services, including employment, case management, healthcare, insurance, documentation assistance, mobile clinics, and other community resources.
• Ensure members are linked to appropriate medical and mental health care, safe substance use services, and overdose prevention education.
• Ensure all interactions are person-centered, goal-focused, and consistent with evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and the Housing First model.
• Provides individualized coaching and positive reinforcement in budgeting, hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation, and other independent living skills necessary for housing stability.
• Advocate and mediate on behalf of members to ensure their needs are supported and met.
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources and assist members in navigating available services.
• Collaborate and communicate regularly with internal and/ or external programs or providers.
• Communicates effectively in oral and written forms of communication with members.
• Maintains proper documentation required for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards.
• Attend and participate in CES Case Conferencing, all-staff meetings, team meetings, community meetings, and other assigned gatherings.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to effectively meet member needs.
• Serve as a mandated reporter by immediately reporting any suspected abuse, rights violations, or related concerns.

Other Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED, and two years of experience in social services or related field
• Have compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness and knowledge of local resources
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook as well as possess organizational skills
• Be able to work in the office Monday through Friday schedule 8 am to 4 pm
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance are conditions of employment
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
• COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period