Occupational Therapist Behavioral Health - Bridge Housing (BHBH) Interim Housing

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

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, St. Joseph Center will provide interim housing opportunities designed to meet the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The BHBH Program offers a safe, private, and secure environment where participants are empowered to stabilize, build self-sufficiency, and transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager and with clinical oversight from the Clinical Supervisor, the Occupational Therapist (OT) plays a vital role in promoting health, independence, and overall quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness and managing behavioral health challenges. As a key member of a multidisciplinary team, the OT delivers trauma-informed, client-centered care that supports residents in developing functional life skills essential for daily living, recovery, and successful community reintegration. The OT ensures the provision of high-quality services in alignment with the California Board of Occupational Therapy's regulations for contracted agencies, while upholding the mission, values, and standards of St. Joseph Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify each resident's functional abilities, strengths, and areas of need related to self-care, life skills, mental health, and daily routines.
• Develop and implement individualized intervention plans that promote engagement in meaningful activities and improve independence in daily living skills.
• Evaluate living environment for hazards or barriers to promote more independent living.
• Provide one-on-one and group-based interventions focused on:
  • • • Activities of daily living (ADLs)
      • Emotional regulation and coping strategies
      • Community mobility and integration
      • Vocational readiness and routine building
      • Cognitive skills and executive functioning
• Collaborate closely with case managers, mental health clinicians, peer support workers, and shelter staff to ensure coordinated and holistic care and to develop treatment goals and interventions.
• Educate and support shelter staff in creating a therapeutic and functional environment for residents.
• Advocate for client access to adaptive equipment, therapeutic supports, and relevant community resources.
• Document all assessments, goals, progress, and interventions in accordance with agency policies and professional standards.
• Provide referrals to mental health and community resources.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

         Required:

• Master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited institution
• Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health conditions, substance use   disorders, or trauma histories

Preferred:

• Experience in homeless services, shelter environments, or community mental health
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices
• Bilingual or multilingual skills a plus

        Computer Skills:

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

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an a