Clinical Outreach Program Navigator For Adult Mental Health Services ASW AMFT APCC

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.

There are many benefits of being an ASW, AMFT, or APCC with MHALA such as:

• Hybrid work schedule
• Clinical supervision hours
• MHALA covering cost of important trainings and seminars, such as the 3-day DMH sponsored Dialectical Behavior Therapy training
• Paid time off to attend those trainings, and also the days leading up to LCSW/LMFT/LPCC licensure exam

Program Navigator ASW / AMFT / APCC

35 hours per week / $34.00 per hour

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

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).

Summary: The Navigation Team at MHALA responds to requests from within the community and other MHALA programs for mental health linkage and services. Referrals are made to programs both within and external to the agency. Navigation staff provide intensive outreach to engage individuals that may be hard to engage. Staff actively seek out new resources and maintain a positive working relationship with referral sources. 

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).

• Through the application of intensive community outreach, identifies and assists people with mental illness in finding needed services to assist them in reaching their goals.
• Makes regular visits to community sites where people in need of services are known to be present
• Responds in a timely manner to outreach requests from referral sources
• Maintains good communication with referral sources and referred members
• Evaluates thoroughly people’s needs and makes referrals to programs both within and external to MHALA’s system of care
• Engages people in services and facilitates smooth transition to programs they are being referred to
• Provides psychiatric evaluation and assessment for program participants
• Visits members in their place of residence, hospital, streets, etc. to provide on-going linkage services
• Transports members to resources, as needed
• Maintains all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards
• Provides coaching, counseling, mentoring, instruction, training, feedback and positive reinforcement for members in areas such as grooming and hygiene, public transportation and independent living skills.
• Knowledgeable in and practices motivational interviewing and harm reduction
• Works cooperatively with MHALA co-workers to help assure smooth and seamless delivery of comprehensive services to program members. Participates in staff and community meetings and in the day-to-day operations of the program as needed.

Position Requirements:

• LCSW/LMFT/LPCC license preferred. Minimum 2 years of experience providing psychosocial rehabilitative services to a disabled population required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; tact and diplomacy; excellent relationship building skills; exceptional ability to communicate articulately and effectively in large group settings. 
• Outstanding team building and facilitation skills; ability to build consensus and seek input.
• Extensive experience working with individuals experiencing mental health needs, physical health problems, substance use problems, poverty, and homelessness.
• Knowledge and experience in the mental health field.
• Ability to handle complex crisis situations. 
• Knowledge of community resources and experience building community relationships.
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends when necessary.
• 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