Housing Navigator For Homeless Military Veteran Mental Health Services

Description 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.

Veteran Housing Navigator

35 hours per week / $24.00 - $25.00 per hour

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

Summary

The HOUSING NAVIGATOR is responsible for working in tandem with HUD-VASH team in providing ongoing support in identifying housing needs and working alongside veteran members and SSVF staff in locating suitable housing. Will work together with HUD-VASH and SSVF to put together regular inventory of available housing in community. Housing Navigator will build relationships with property owners and managers to expedite the process of getting into housing and be a point of contact for concerns. The position focuses on housing identification, landlord engagement, and housing placement support consistent with SSVF’s housing-first, time-limited intervention model.

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). Interface with HUD-VASH, SSVF, and other government, community and private agencies to obtain permanent housing for veterans and their families that are suitable to their needs. Actively assist and coach participants in all steps of completing the application process. Provide active follow-up during the application process and act as a housing counselor and advocate for participants when necessary. Will make sure that members are aware and educated regarding their lease and their rights as a tenant Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers to increase access to affordable housing for veteran members. Be the initial point of for property owners and managers offering apartments for rent. Housing Navigator will inform new potential landlords regarding what SSVF services are and what the benefits would be of working with our program Participate in groups that are focused on increasing housing resources for the homeless and will be a representative in advocating for the housing needs of homeless veterans. Will develop relationships through these groups to increase housing resources throughout the CoC Will negotiate with property owners when there is difficulty with getting a participant(s) into housing. Will identify landlords that are willing to work with those participant(s) that may have high barriers to getting into housing Will be a point of contact for property owners / managers when they have problems or concerns regarding a veteran tenant and will be able to respond and navigate getting support to address the concern. Provide accurate information to landlords regarding SSVF services, temporary financial assistance (TFA), and program expectations. Work in coordination with SSVF case managers and HUD-VASH teams to identify appropriate housing options based on participant needs, income, and eligibility. Assist in introduction of participant(s) to landlords along with the staff that they will be working with so that landlords feel supported and trusting to rent to participant(s) Attend and participate in staff meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations and community life of the Agency. Work cooperatively with other staff to ensure the smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services to the Agency and the veterans and the families it serves Use trauma-informed, strengths-based, harm reduction, and housing first approaches in all stakeholder interactions Adhere to ethical principles about confidentiality, informed consent, compliance with relevant laws and agency policies (i.e. critical incident reporting, HIPAA). Assist and support program documentation standards of staff in accordance with MHALA, county contracted provider, and funding source standards and requirements, and documents in required program, including 24-hour turnaround documentation to ensure all required data collection documents (as applicable to your program (HMIS) are submitted on or before due date. Completes and maintains all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements. Assist with case management and administrative support tasks as needed, which include collecting documentation, delivering program checks, Veteran shopping needs, supporting housing placements and temporarily assisting with case management functions during periods of increased demand. Communicate openly with supervisors regarding workload and priorities. Seek supervision when role clarifications or support is needed Maintain flexibility in daily tasks to support Veteran outcomes Engage in duties as directed by program management. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or GED and a minimum of 1 year of significant, hands-on experience in rehabilitation services or housing services for disabled and/or homeless persons or an Associate degree in general studies and no previous job experience or bachelor’s degree in a human services field, business administration, public administration or similar with no previous job experience. Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services Veteran status preferred Must be or quickly become familiar with federal, state and local housing subsidy programs and the sources available for them Must be or quickly become familiar with the practices and procedures for preparation of applications for subsidized housing and disabled/low-income housing loans Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with public and private housing providers, mental health consumers and their family members or client advocates, vendors and other staff Excellent verbal communication skills, writing skills and computer skills Highly organized and detail oriented, and able to prioritize and juggle multiple projects without losing productivity 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