Mental Health Therapist - ODR Project Based

Company Description

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice and throughout Los Angeles County.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through 20+ programs in four pillars of service: Outreach and Engagement, Housing Services, Mental Health, and Education and Vocational Training.  St. Joseph Center serves more than 10,000 people each year. 

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, mental health, and housing assistance is offered through street outreach and 9 service sites throughout Los Angeles County. St. Joseph Center also provides on-site services at five permanent supportive housing developments, and will provide services at an additional six more sites in the coming year.  St. Joseph Center’s total holistic approach to services provide our clients with the help they need to regain their stability.

Job Description

The Mental Health Specialist works as a team member with several social service professional and paraprofessional staff ensuring the delivery of quality care in accordance to the rules and regulations established as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center. 

ODR ICMS supports incarcerated individuals that have been identified by the Office of Diversion and Reentry and the LA County Courts as eligible to participate in the program. ODR ICMS engages with individuals while they are incarcerated, coordinates their releases, and provides intensive case management services to assist with stabilizing their medical and mental health concerns while working towards permanent supportive housing. ODR ICMS works closely with probation, courts, and other service providers in order to provide comprehensive care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Mental Health Specialist’s key areas of responsibility include: 

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Utilize a harm reduction and housing first model when working with clients to have a “No wrong door” approach to services.  
• Provide mental health services to individuals.
• Develop and maintain strong ties to the community, law enforcement, and other service providers.
• Provide mental health assessment and interventions to the severe and persistently mentally ill.

Essential Duties:

• Implement client treatment plans, emphasizing coordinated strategies for addressing mental health/substance abuse issues, relapse prevention, medication management, and any other risk factors that could impede permanent housing and provide ongoing assessment of client progress in attaining goals.      
• Build trust and rapport with individuals.  Assess individuals and complete assessments, re-assessments, and client treatment plan that are required by the agency and funders.
• Utilize a harm reduction model when working with clients with chemical dependency or abuse issues.
• Link clients to physical health, mental health, and other supportive services internally or externally.
• Link clients to appropriate bridge/interim housing programs and assist them in completing required paperwork in order to enroll them in permanent housing-related programs.
• Provide skill building, rehabilitation and therapy services to individuals and groups.
• Keep highly organized files for each client and enter appropriate data within agency and funder compliance.
• Assist clients to enroll in mainstream benefits and obtain identification (i.e. California Driver’s License, Social Security Card).
• Provide bus tokens, bus passes, taxi vouchers, and/or direct transportation as needed. 
• Participate in case conferencing meetings and other community meetings.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other service providers or programs.
• Participate in one-on-one or group clinical supervision as needed.

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

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 organizational skills and the capability to work in a fast paced environment.   
• Strong knowledge of homeless services and resources. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Harm Reduction, Motivational