Assistant Director of Veteran 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.

Assistant Director of Veteran Services

35 hours per week / $80,000 - $90,000 annualized 

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

Summary: The Assistant Director of North County Veterans Services assists the Vice President of Veterans, Housing, Homeless and Outreach in advancing MHALA’s mission to end veteran homelessness through strategic oversight, cross-sector collaboration, and high-impact service delivery. This role assists in leading multidisciplinary teams across North County, ensuring veterans and their families receive comprehensive, trauma-informed support that promotes housing stability, wellness, and long-term reintegration.

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, provided 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).

• Leads the recruitment, hiring, supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff in accordance with organization policy, funder expectations, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Ensures ongoing quality assurance checks of member files, ensuring all notes and data collection are complete, timely, and accurate in the database and/or e-charts through ongoing chart reviews. 
• Aligns program goals with MHALA’s strategic priorities and community needs.
• Leads the implementation of evidence-based, person-centered service models that address the complex needs of homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. 
• Oversee program budgets, spending plans, and fiscal performance to ensure alignment with funding requirements and agency goals in collaboration with the Vice President of Veterans, Housing, Homeless and Outreach.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including those of the Veterans Administration and private funders.
• Serves as a key liaison to the Veterans Administration and other regional partners, fostering strong relationships to enhance service coordination and advocacy.
• Represent MHALA in community coalitions and regional initiatives focused on ending veteran homelessness, often taking a leadership role in capacity-building efforts.
• Cultivate partnerships with housing providers, veteran organizations, and community-based agencies to expand access to critical resources.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement through coaching, training, and performance development.
• Collaborate with the South County Senior Director of Veteran Services to implement quality assurance systems that ensure audit readiness and service excellence.
• Lead site planning, staff development, and cross-functional coordination to enhance operational efficiency and morale.
• Oversee timely and accurate data reporting for all programs, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and internal benchmarks.
• Analyze program outcomes and service trends to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous quality improvement.
• Partner with the Vice President of Veterans, Housing, Homeless and Outreach to evaluate and refine service models, ensuring responsiveness to emerging needs and best practices.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Veterans, Housing, Homeless and Outreach and program teams to ensure ongoing readiness for CARF accreditation and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership and staff across the Homeless Outreach Services, Homeless Service Center, and Support Services departments to support program operations, address organizational needs, and promote continuity of services

Position Requirements:

• Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in social services, with a strong preference for experience in veteran services or homelessness response.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex programs, supervising multidisciplinary teams, and building high-performing cultures.
• Strong fiscal management skills, including budget development, monitoring, and reporting.
• Deep knowledge of community resources, housing systems, and veteran-specific services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with data systems and reporting platforms preferred.
• Veteran status is valued but not required.
• Must possess a valid Class C driver’s license, reliable transportation, and meet MHALA’s insurance requirements.
• 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