Employment Coordinator and Job Developer for Mental Health Services at Mental Health America of Los Angeles

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.

Employment Coordinator

35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour

(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Summary: Under the general supervision of the Program Manager assist adult with mental illness to improve and enhance their level of employment functioning and to identifying employment interests, skills, experience and options in order to facilitate the member’s development and pursuit of a plan that leads to employment in the community based on the psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services.

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. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).

• Provide employment services, including but not limited to adult work experience, work adjustment, employment preparation, job development, job placement, and retention services.
• Provide collateral support, including contacting family members and/or significant others with the individual’s authorization to discuss how they can assist the person with their employment goal.
• Determine member Employment needs, as well as social, functional, financial, and educational/vocational barriers to employment stability.
• Identify and present resources available to meet those needs.
• Work collaboratively with DMH, DOR, and community partners to help members meet their employment goals.
• Be an active part of the learning by participating in mental health or related trainings.
• Attend and participate in staff, community 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.
• Complete program documentation standards of staff in accordance with MHALA, county contracted provider, and funding source standards and requirements, and documents in the required program, including 24-hour turnaround documentation to ensure all required data collection.
• Participate in and understand the requirements of Program Audits and CARF Surveys.
• Engage in other duties as directed by program management as needed.
• Provide support by maintaining the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program and member care by collaborating with FSP team and specific FSP members identified for employment/educational goals
• Submitting job applications and resumes
• Following up on job applications by visiting businesses to speak with a manager to meet contract obligation
• Going to community colleges to learn what programs are available and working in collaboration with the Education Department at MHALA
• Interviewing people who work in different fields to learn what their jobs are like
• Observing people working in different occupations
• Attend FSP program team meetings to review mutual member care plan and outcomes per contract obligation
• Maintaining billing goal of 60 hours per month and other deliverables per IPS model

Other Position Requirements

• Must have a current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• Must have good basic English writing skills, good basic computer skills, be highly organized, and have excellent communication skills.
• Must be flexible and able to multitask without losing productivity.
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Must possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for a work atmosphere that is very busy and highly unstructured and for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple needs, issues, and problematic behavioral characteristics.
• Flexible work schedule.
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment.
• Must be able to maintain an empathetic view of the dilemma of individuals in severe need and be able to juggle creatively and successfully around a variety of barriers that keep individuals from successful personal and community living.
• CPR Certified.
• MHALA is no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots, however this may become a requirement in the future.
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period