Mental Health Therapist-Mental Health (FSP SPA 6)

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.

St. Joseph Center (SJC) is a nonprofit organization and is the leading housing and supportive services provider on the Westside of Los Angeles.  For nearly five decades, our mission has been to end homelessness and poverty in Los Angeles.  We work at the intersection of housing, economic mobility and social justice. We provide comprehensive housing services, outreach, food assistance, mental health support, and workforce development to over 15,000 low-income individuals, youth, and families each year.

We understand that homelessness, housing insecurity and poverty in Los Angeles are unique, largely shaped by the critical housing shortage.  That’s why we take a holistic approach to supporting Angelenos in need, prioritizing Housing First while recognizing that housing alone is not enough to support individuals and families on their path to build a sustainable and productive future.

We are looking for people who, like us, believe in the inherent worth of every individual.  And understand that homelessness and poverty are often a result of circumstances, not a reflection of character. We are on a bold mission to end poverty and homelessness in our generation and are deeply committed to finding long-term solutions to shape a future for Los Angeles that works for all.

At St. Joseph Center we are committed to creating a culture where innovation flourishes, diversity strengthens us, and our strong SJC community contributes to our shared mission.

Job Description

Job Summary

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. 

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