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 Housing Program 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 works under the direction and guidance of the Vice President of Veterans, Housing and Outreach to coordinate the daily delivery of services to staff and members under a multi-disciplinary housing team contracted to support current project-based and scattered-site permanent housing services and anticipated future expansion of housing services. Coordinates and facilitates the smooth and efficient daily delivery of agency and regulatory guidelines, policies, and practices by assisting the Vice President of Veterans, Housing and Outreach in managing all program aspects of MHALA services smoothly and effectively based on the psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services.
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).
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Lead recruitment, hiring, supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff in accordance with organization policy, funder expectations, and applicable laws and regulations.
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Ensure ongoing quality assurance checks of member files; ensure all notes and data collection are complete, timely, and accurate in the database and/or e-charts through ongoing chart reviews.
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Utilizing evidence-based practices in service delivery such as Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery principles, Trauma Informed Care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, supported employment and education, intensive case management, and Housing First.
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Implement, coordinate, consult, and train related to best practices, on-call processes, housing placement and retention, and ethical and safety issues.
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Coordinating the response to critical incidents
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Reviews, assesses, researches, compiles, reconciles, and produces a wide range of data and reports as needed or required by senior management, program administrators, auditors, and/or funding sources.
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Responsible for providing leadership in developing and refining programs, policies, and procedures.
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Assists in leading and attending planning and administrative meetings as required by funding sources.
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Responsible for oversight, analysis, preparation, and monitoring of the program budget and billing goals, that align with program funding streams and its targeted fiscal year (FY) goals. Oversees and ensures program's monthly, quarterly, and yearly data reporting to ensure accurate and timely submission and documentation
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Oversee coordination of enrollments, disenrollments, and transfers of program members
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Provides daily ongoing strategic direction to staff and members. Offers day-to-day support and training to social service staff; provides leadership in developing and refining site programs and procedures in collaboration with Vice President of Veterans, Housing and Outreach
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Provide daily guidance to staff in the development of comprehensive recovery and discharge plans; and daily communication with Vice President of Veterans, Housing and Outreach to ensure that services are appropriate, integrated, and delivered with respect for member needs and choices
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Establish and maintain partnerships with community resources that will benefit member/client needs
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Work in collaboration with Vice President of Veterans, Housing and Outreach to help create and support agency-wide, strategic program initiatives; work to establish excellent collaborative relationships with other agency departments
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Foster transparent, open, and direct communication to Vice President and Program Managers to ensure input from team members; communicate strategic direction of agency and programs articulately and clearly to department staff, address day-to-day questions and concerns that Program Managers and staff may have
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Oversee, monitor, and analyze the program’s budget, maintain billing goals and send out weekly billing reports in a manner that aligns with program’s funding streams and targeted fiscal goals while maintaining daily communication with Vice President of Veterans, Housing and Outreach.
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Work closely with Vice President of Veterans, Housing and Outreach regarding oversight and ongoing communication of all employee-related matters, such as petty cash, timesheets, mileage, and ongoing employee relations, etc.
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Completes daily clinical assessments, ongoing therapy, recovery plans, court letters, and CHAMP, Clarity HMIS note reviews and corrections as needed.
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Collaborate with leadership and staff across the Homeless Outreach Services, Homeless Service Center, Support Services, and Military Resource Center departments to support program operations, address organizational needs, and promote continuity of services
Position Requirements:
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Strong leadership and mentoring skills; excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask and manage stress in a fast-paced environment.
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Minimum 5 years of experience providing psychosocial rehabilitative services to a disabled population plus experience in a supervisory/leadership role.
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Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred. High school diploma or GED required.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills; tact and diplomacy; excellent relationship building skills; exceptional ability to communicate articulately and effectively in a large group setting.
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Outstanding team building and facilitation skills; ability to build consensus and seek input.
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Extensive experience working with individuals experiencing mental health needs, physical health problems, substance use problems, poverty, and homelessness.
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Knowledge and experience in the mental health field; ability to handle complex crisis situations.
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Demonstrated ability to provide supervision and leadership to diverse staff who possess a wide range of skills, abilities, and professional competencies.
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Proven success developing and evaluating program models, and selecting and successfully operationalizing existing and innovative programs.
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Knowledge of community resources and experience building community relationships.
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Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with previous budgeting experience preferred.
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Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends when necessary.
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Will pursue LPS designation if/when eligible in order to facilitate involuntary holds when needed and on-call coverage must be provided according to contract requirements.
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Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and the ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance are conditions of employment
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TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
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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
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Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period
