Mental Health Specialist

WHY WORK FOR US?
We are mission and values driven and your contributions will make a difference. We make a positive difference in people's lives and help an average of 23 people per week to find a place to live.

If you join us, you will be able to advocate for change while also working with influential people who effect changes in policy and devote time to issues of racial and social justice. We prioritize your work/life balance and provide various scheduling options in addition to generous time off, health, and wellness benefits and we're committed to helping you reach your potential by providing opportunities for professional growth across the state.

JR 3793
Mental Health Specialist
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Salary: $33.09 to $40.19 per hour
Pay Frequency: 24 Pay Periods Per Year
Full Time Day Shift
Non-Exempt
Driving Required

PATH is seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our Metro Rail Outreach team as the Mental Health Specialist at the RHC 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.

WHAT IS A JOB TITLE
As part of the Metro Rail Outreach 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:

• 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.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Brief list of candidate qualities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for this position, we require all candidates:

• 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

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

FLEXIBLE WORK
We are a California employer. Therefore, all regular and customary work must be performed within the state. Approval for work outside of the office, does not establish approval for work to be conducted outside of California.

WHAT WE OFFER
In addition to a rewarding work environment, we offer our employees a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and a retirement plan.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH ACTION?
If this position sounds like a fit, please submit your application today. A resume is required.

PATH provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, PATH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

PATH will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

PATH is dedicated to racial and social justice by centering equity in our service delivery and maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment for the communities we serve. We seek awareness and insight from witnessing the stories of our clients and learning from the experiences of our staff to ensure impactful systems change. If people are empowered, they can bring their authentic, whole selves to work and when people feel like they belong, they can become part of a unified effort of ending homelessness for all.