Housing Specialist and Navigator for Homeless Veterans and Mental Health

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: Responsible for working in tandem with HUD-VASH team in providing ongoing support in identifying housing needs and working alongside veteran participants 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.

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.

• 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 participant(s) are aware and educated regarding their lease and their rights as a tenant
• Work closely with the Veteran’s assigned multidisciplinary team.
• Act as a liaison between the SSVF grantee, VASH and the Landlord/or community providers, coordinating linkage and referral for a population of Veterans and their families who require assistance accessing and obtaining housing.
• Recruiting and engaging housing providers/landlords, assessing and addressing landlord and participant’s housing needs, cultivating relationships with community partners, and supporting veteran families.
• Screen landlords and assess units for appropriateness via pre-inspections or unit walk-throughs and completion of Habitability checklist
• Develop and implement outreach and engagement efforts targeted to affordable housing providers and private market property owners and/or landlords.
• Generate and maintain a database of property owners and available units as well as communicate with property owners and or landlords.
• Independently or in collaboration with program staff, complete and maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements
• Monitor participant and landlord satisfaction
• 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).
• Completes and maintains all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.
• Engage in collateral duties as directed by program management as needed.
• 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 be the initial point of contact when making contact with new property owners and managers that have apartments for rent.
• Will inform new potential landlords regarding what SSVF services are and what the benefits would be of working with our program
• 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
• 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 assure the smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services to the Agency and the veterans and the families it serves

Other Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, preferred
• Veteran encouraged to apply
• One year of providing psychiatric rehabilitation services to a disabled population/low income and/or homeless population preferred.
• Experience working with and recruiting landlords, property management and/or real estate practice.
• Knowledge of Real estate, social service resource systems and self-help intervention strategies.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills including use of motivational interviewing, harm reduction approach, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong oral/written communication and listening skills.
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• Must be team-oriented, self-directed, have good listening and communication skills, the ability to empathize and relate positively to a wide variety of people and dedicated to fulfilling the demands of the position.
• Experience working in diverse settings with people across all socio-economic spectrums.
• Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word and Excel)
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to effectively manage multiple assignments through accuracy and thoroughness.
• TB clearance and yearly re-testing is a condition of employment
• COVID vaccination is required for this position. Accommodations will be considered upon proof of a legal exemption.