Mental Health Specialist

About Swords to Plowshares

Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares is a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides counseling and case management, employment and training, housing, and legal assistance to veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. We promote and protect the rights of veterans through advocacy, public education, and partnerships with local, state, and national entities. Believing that war causes wounds and suffering that last beyond the battlefield, our mission is to support veterans as they navigate the challenges of post-military life, and to prevent and end veteran homelessness through wrap-around care and informed advocacy. To learn more about Swords to Plowshares, please visit our website at www.swords-to-plowshares.org .

Job Title:

Mental Health Specialist – Stanford & Vets Commons

Location:

150 Otis Street SF, CA (Vet Commons) and 250 Kearney Street SF, CA (Stanford Hotel)

Schedule (Days and Hours):

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4 PM or 9 AM - 5 PM

Reporting Type (In-person, Hybrid, or Remote):

Hybrid; 4 days in office, 1 day from home

Employment Type (Non-exempt / Exempt) AND (Full-Time/Part-Time/ On-Call):

Non-Exempt & Full-Time

Salary Range (Hourly if Non-Exempt, Annual if Exempt):

$35.33 to $36.54 per hour

Summary (of position):

Under the direction and support of the Deputy Director of Clinical Programs, the Mental Health Specialist oversees a caseload of 21 veterans, across two (2) housing sites, many of whom have co-occurring disorders. The workload includes, but is not limited to, ongoing clinical assessments, supportive counseling, community care referrals, logistical support (e.g., transport to and from medical appointments) and risk evaluation.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage a caseload of 21veterans across two (2) housing sites.
• Conduct intake interviews with prospective new tenants in partnership with Property Management.
• Conduct one-on-one and group supportive counseling.
• Provide intensive case management, support, and referrals for community care.
• Work with onsite VA HUD-VASH behavioral health and medical providers.
• Complete and manage daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual assessments (e.g., clinical progress notes, life plans, HUD annual assessments, etc.).
• Maintain onsite case management and programmatic files in a timely manner.
• Conduct programmatic compliance and meet with onsite auditors as required by funders.
• Work with onsite and offsite staff to meet organizational deadlines.
• Provide back-up coverage as needed across all permanent supportive housing sites when requested.
• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times.
• Ability to utilize an electronic case management software system and other systems and applications for documentation of care provided to veterans.
• Attend all required training conducted by Swords and external partners and funding agencies.Other duties as assigned by Management.

Desired Qualifications:

Education:

• MA/MS in Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work preferredPrior experience with intensive case management and working with hard-to-serve populations is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years working with formerly homeless populations and conducting intensive case management.
• Experience conducting one-on-one and group counseling.
• Familiarity with electronic case management applications and software.
• Experience working within a population of clients presenting comorbidity.
• Training or experience in de-escalation, risk assessment, and assessment for suicidality.
• Understanding how to use the DSM-V as it pertains to diagnostic criteria
• Working knowledge of local community care providers and resources.
• A thorough understanding of formerly homeless populations. This includes veterans and those with a variety of behavioral health needs.
• A commitment to upholding Housing First and Harm Reduction practices.
• Experience utilizing Motivational Interviewing and other evidence-based techniques.
• Prior experience with crisis management and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to think critically while managing intense situations.

Skills

• Excellent time management & Punctuality, initiative and accountability.
• Ability to think quickly and problem solve & Comfort asking questions and learning on the job.
• Familiarity and comfort using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Must be able to use onsite printers and scanners.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to conduct outreach and engage with clients while utilizing client centered practices.Perform duties in a respectful and professional manner.

Benefits Information (For employees 50% FTE / 20+ hours per week or more):

Compensation is based on a competitive public interest salary scale. Swords to Plowshares offers a generous benefits package:

• 100% Company Paid Medical, Vision, Acupuncture, and Dental Coverage. STP covers partial dependent coverage cost. (Agency paid Annual Medical Deductible paid via Navia HRA Card )
• 20 mental health counseling appointments available to all employees, regardless of Full-time status, at no cost to employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan immediate enrollment
• 17 vacation days in the first year for full time employees, and progressive afterward & 13 holidays each year.
• Legal Benefit, Employee Discount Program, Pet Insurance, and Commuter Benefit.
• Supportive environment, 1-hour Paid lunch Period, and Annual Education/Training allowance available to all employees.

Please note: Any employee who is on-call, in a temporary position, and/or less than 50% FTE status is not eligible for benefits aside from the company sponsored EAP, paid lunch hour, and supportive environment. Vacation, sick and time off are pro-rated based upon FTE percentage.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of Intent:

Swords to Plowshares is fully committed to the ongoing work of creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. For us, this is a process and not a destination. We embrace the principles of cultural humility to create spaces where all people feel welcome, heard, and valued.

We stand against injustice and discrimination of all kinds. This includes mistreatment based on race, age, color, veteran/military status, language, ethnic background, national origin, ancestry, ability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, other status protected by law, and the other qualities/traits that make you unique. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

At Swords to Plowshares, we believe in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran. We are committed to compliance with all state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

We are dedicated to affirmative action and providing equal employment opportunities for everyone. We strive to ensure that all individuals—regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status—are treated fairly and have access to the same opportunities in alignment with federal regulations (Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974).

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at employeesupport@stp-sf.org. We’re here to help.