Mental Health Specialist

JR 4798
Mental Health Specialist
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Salary: $33.09 to $40.19 per hour plus $2.41/hr. pay differential
Pay Frequency: 24 Pay Periods Per Year
Full Time Mon thru Fri 3:00am to 11:30am
Non-Exempt
Driving Required
Lower end of range will apply to candidates who meet minimum experience or have limited years of relevant experience. The higher end of range will apply to seasoned candidates with considerable years of relevant experience.

PATH is seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our field based interdisciplinary team working as the Mental Health Specialist at the Union Station location.

ABOUT PATH
Since its foundation in 1984, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) has pioneered bold and effective approaches to assist people experiencing homelessness. PATH operates services throughout California, connecting our clients to a comprehensive continuum of homelessness prevention, street outreach, employment preparation and placement assistance, individualized case management, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing. 

ABOUT OUR TEAM
Every program in our growing range of services is designed to holistically address barriers to long-term housing stability, implementing evidenced-based practices to promote improved wellbeing beyond housing alone. We are committed to improving the quality of our services by creating a diverse work environment for the community at large. We seek the input from our clients, employees, and stakeholders to ensure equity in service delivery and accessibility for all the people we serve.

ABOUT THE JOB
As part of the interdisciplinary team the Mental Health Specialist will specifically focus on providing case management, mental health services, and appropriate linkages during daily outreach on the Metro Transit System. This position will conduct and advise on crisis and mental health assessments and interventions in the field, coordinate with community mental health and substance use treatment providers to link the client to urgent and longer-term services, and liaise with law enforcement and local hospitals around involuntary hospitalizations and safety issues. This position also requires the ability to conduct department wide trainings on evidence-based and clinical interventions effective with a vulnerable homeless population.

Position Responsibilities include: 

• Provide street-based mental health services to individuals experiencing homelessness on the MTA system.
• Conduct outreach on the MTA system to develop relationships and build rapport with clients in order to assist them with finding a home. Services may include assisting the individual with gathering documentation, increasing income, accessing appropriate mental and physical health services, and any other services that assist an individual to improve his/her quality of life.
• Develop a plan of intervention that addresses the identified need for housing, ongoing case management services, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and coordination of needed community services.
• Provide transportation to accompany clients and children when necessary to access medical care, obtain shelter, etc.
• Accompany clients to appointments when support and assistance are needed
• Conduct VI-SPDAT, (Vulnerability Index- Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool) and/or other assessments with clients in order to connect them to proper intervention and services. Document results in Clarity.
• Provide intensive street-based case management services and connect persons experiencing homelessness to long-term supportive services. Help client to obtain various forms of identification, including birth certificates and social security cards.
• Provide employment assistance, housing referrals, and health related assistance, as identified on the ISP. 
• Assist with applications for supportive and subsidized housing and prospect for potential locations for affordable rental housing.
• Build relationships with prospective landlords and identify appropriate permanent housing options. Collaborate with community substance abuse and mental health providers to ensure seamless referral services.
• Work with local law enforcement and interim service providers to ensure a smooth transition from street living to interim housing.
• Provide ongoing information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy for all other identified needs. Creatively use and develop community resources to broker and link clients to services.

WHAT YOU BRING
We’re looking for candidates with:

• Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail: Gather and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making. Ability to consistently produce high-quality work, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work effectively with others, seeking out and building positive working relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders. Work effectively with others, contributing to team goals and recognizing the strengths and contributions of others.
• Communication: Convey information clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to individuals and groups in a manner that informs, engages and maintains their attention.
• Creativity and Initiative: Take action and make decisions without being prompted, demonstrating a proactive approach to work and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Think outside the box, generating innovative solutions to problems or challenges.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyze and evaluate information and situations, identify key issues, consider alternatives, and make logical decisions based on sound reasoning that will achieve the desired outcome.
• Ethics and Boundaries: Maintain ethical and professional standards, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing in all situations while maintaining professional boundaries.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current and active licensure or registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (e.g., ACSW, LCSW).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in social work or equivalent degree approved by the program funder (e.g., MSW, MFT)
• One (1) years of experience in healthcare, case management, homeless services or working with vulnerable populations.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Regardless of qualifications, candidates must:

• Have employment eligibility verification
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training
• Successfully complete the following as a condition of hire:
  • Tuberculosis Test
  • Background Screening
  • Drug Test

DRIVING
Driving is an essential function of this position. To meet the employment requirements for this role, all candidates must: 

• Have reliable transportation
• A valid driver’s license
• Proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties
• The ability to qualify for PATH's insurance coverage