Mental Health Counselor II - LAHSA at SFV Community Mental Health

ID# 35252A - Provides direct and indirect services involving intensive case-management services, outreach in the community, and crisis intervention resolution. Works collaboratively with CD3 and other community partners in all assigned outreach efforts. Assists clients in housing location, housing retention, and community reintegration. Provides transportation assistance as needed, to assist client in attending appointments and accessing services.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Identify individual client strengths, needs and resources. Assesses and evaluates client's level of psychosocial impairment, self-care potential, family and support network availability, independent living needs, financial status, and social/recreational needs. Develop and coordinate service plans/ HMIS housing plans/ linkage to resources.

Assist clients in developing independent living skills and preparing for housing/ independent living.

Transports clients to and from appropriate services as necessary. Assist clients in navigating the transportation system within the San Fernando Valley, apply for bus cards and transport to doctor appointments, SSI/SSA, and other locations as deemed appropriate by Program Coordinator.

Provide assistance with outreach efforts to engage homeless individuals, screening clients to identify those meeting requirements for various programs and target populations.

Work as a team with other Street Based Outreach staff in utilizing the CES Survey to determine participant eligibility for housing/ linkage to housing resources.

Work as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team, participate in staff and clinical meetings and community meetings as assigned.

Perform monitoring and oversight of housing placement activities including LAHSA/HACLA.

Document and provide all housing data for participants to the

HMIS data reporting specialist for submission per contract requirements.

Perform outreach and engagement activities in parks, homeless encampments, homeless food pantries, freeway underpasses , etc. during outreach hours as designated by Program Coordinator and/or Assistant Director. May be nontraditional working hours (i.e. Weekends or Weekday Evenings).

Maintains current knowledge and familiarity of public entitlements.

Knowledge or professional experience providing services to clients with dual diagnosis and/or substance abuse disorders.

Ability to communicate effectively (and develop trust) with a culturally diverse population, including homeless and those suffering from mental illness.

Network and maintain strong working relationships with community resources, police, businesses, churches and other agencies serving the homeless population, to gain potential client referrals.

Will perform other duties as necessary, to be determined by the Program Manager.