Mental Health Specialist - Outreach

Description

• Aid in onboarding activities for MHS new-hires, offering expertise in assessment, documentation, linkage, and safety protocols.
• Employ crisis intervention and conflict management techniques when needed.
• Drive personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drive agency vehicles periodically to transport clients
• Collaborate with medical providers to ensure triage to necessary medical care for participants.
• Assist with medication monitoring, promoting healthy habits.
• Lead discharge planning and care coordination efforts, aligned with Harm Reduction, Housing First, and Trauma-Informed Care principles.
• Conduct mental health, substance use, and safety assessments for identified participants.
• Forge partnerships with mental health service providers, Department of Mental Health, VA, and hospital social work teams, referring participants and maintaining resource listings.
• Attend relevant staff, agency, and community meetings as directed by your supervisor.
• Provide task supervision to MSW interns, serving as a Preceptor or Field Instructor as required.
• Ensure accurate records via written forms and HMIS/CHAMP.
• Deliver in-person clinical case management and behavioral health services to homeless individuals in interim housing or outreach teams.
• Manage emotionally charged situations by providing crisis intervention in a field-based or interim housing type environments

Requirements

• Experience working in a team environment. (Experience on a multidisciplinary team preferred.)
• Bilingual: Spanish/English preferred
• Able to maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
• Ability to pass post offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues facing program participants (e.g. health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, child welfare, trauma, poverty, criminal justice, resources for undocumented persons)
• Self-directed and internally motivated
• Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standing
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Knowledge of barriers people experiencing homelessness face (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, being undocumented) Must be able to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation
• A master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or eligible Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) program from an accredited university is required.
• Use of a personal vehicle to travel between worksites and other locations is required
• Certifications in current evidenced based practices preferred
• Must obtain an ACSW, MFT or LPCC practice number from the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) within six months of hire or already possess it.
• Travel is a regular duty for this position and is required 30% of the time
• Knowledge of DSM-5 required (attained either from schoolwork or work experience)
• Clinical experience in working with participants with multiple diagnoses including mental illness, substance abuse and/or physical illness
• Licensing hours will be offered once BBS registration and ASW/MFT/LPCC practice number have been confirmed.
• Candidates in their final semester of an MSW/MFT program or eligible Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) program with proof of expected graduation date are also eligible. In this case, the ACSW, MFT or LPCC practice number from BBS must be obtained within six months of graduation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to advocate on behalf of LAFH participants
• Good organizational skills, and ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks and projects
• Training/experience in crisis intervention
• Ability to work a 9/80 work schedule
• Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change
• Knowledge of social service agencies and community resources, including best practices of case management and mental health interventions

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance