Mental Health Specialist - Mental Health Division

  • Full-time

Company Description

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs.  The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.  St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, and education services are carried out at four sites on the Westside of Los Angeles.  St. Joseph Center’s integrated programs provide clients with concentrated and coordinated access to services according to the nature of their needs.

Job Description

Job Summary

The Mental Health Specialist ensures the delivery of quality care in accordance to the rules and regulations established by the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health for contracted agencies as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center. The position provides therapy and case management services to adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Areas of Responsibility:

  • Facilitate initial intake interviews; collect and complete all required SJC/DMH documents.
  • Assist consumers, in their respective homes or at other local community based sites assigned to his/her caseload in the development of coordination and service plans.
  • Provide therapeutic services around increasing independence and engagement in the community.

Essential Duties:

  • Conduct initial and annual mental health/substance abuse assessments and housing needs assessments that meet DMH requirements
  • Develop and implement client treatment plans emphasizing coordinated strategies for addressing mental health, medical, and substance abuse issues, relapse prevention, symptom/behavior reduction, medication management and any other risk factors that could impede permanent housing
  • Implement case management service plan goals, emphasizing coordinated strategies for addressing mental health, medical, and substance abuse issues, relapse prevention, symptom/behavior reduction, medication management and any other risk factors that could impede permanent housing
  • Provide ongoing assessment of client progress in attaining goal plans
  • Identify the potential need for referrals, including linkage to substance abuse treatment, medication, medical treatment, legal counseling, housing, public/private conservatorship, vocational assessment and training and/or any other needs
  • Coordinate services with other team members (case manager, peer advocate, service extender).
  • Complete and maintain all documentation necessary per DMH requirements, agency requirements, and program requirements
  • Participate in all meetings with collaborative agencies and other community meetings as directed
  • Utilize evidence based practice models including the Harm reduction Model, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing when working with clients
  • Provide therapy services and interventions to stabilize client’s symptoms and behaviors so that they will be able to maintain housing and increase self-sufficiency
  • Document all activities for billing, adhering to a 70% productivity requirement
  • Perform general outreach services, education in the community and other duties within one’s scope of practice when assigned

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.  Must have the ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff.  Must have excellent administrative and organizational skills
  • The ability to conduct home and field visits 
  • A bilingual background is a plus
  • The position requires an ability to work flexible hours including some early mornings and evenings

Experience:

  • Two years’ experience with providing mental health services working with homeless populations is highly desirable 

Education:

  • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, human services or a related field

Direct Reports:

  • This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities

Computer Skills:

  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and widely supported internet browsers.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

  • Required: CA BBS registered MSW or MFT
  • Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
  • Valid automobile liability insurance.

Additional Information

Status: Full time/Exempt

Salary: DOE

Employment with St. Joseph Center is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume. St. Joseph Center is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. All applicants for employment are invited to voluntarily self-identify their gender, race, ethnicity, and veteran status, by completing the EEO Information. Providing your EEO Information is voluntary and refusal to self-identify will not subject applicants to any adverse treatment. Similarly, applicants who do self-identify will not be subject to any adverse treatment based on the information they provide.

St. Joseph center invites you to review the current "EEO is The Law" poster as part of the application process. A link to the current poster is located here.

 https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf