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.

Clinical Intake Coordinator

35 hours per week / $34.00 - $34.50 per hour

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

Summary: The Intake Coordinator is responsible for all Full Service Partnership (FSP) inquiries and referrals from DMH, the community, and/ or family members. The Intake Coordinator is also responsible for completing all FSP intakes and clinical needs assessments. This is both a direct service and an administrative position.

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 clinical consultation and support as needed to program staff
• Notifies Program Manager and Assistant Manager of urgent and non-urgent referrals
• Coordinates movement for members referred to MHALA from one doorkeeper to another – and consults on and mediates decision making
• Provides support to staff involved in initial contact. Directly and indirectly provides services to prospective members while they are in the outreach /transition phase
• Provide oversight in maintaining SRTS referrals, begin outreach/engagement in accordance to contract requirement and enter O & E notes in SRTS 
• Maintains all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements; Must meet billing and productivity goal of 65 hours monthly 
• Ensure that all data collection is entered into MHALA’s EHR (electronic health record system) within 24 hours from the date of service delivery
• Must possess the skills and ability to tolerate and respond safely to environmental variables and actively engage in processes and practices (i.e. Pro-Act) that enhance the probability of the best possible outcome for everyone
• Facilitates MHALA relationship with referral sources / community
• Oversees MHALA FSP referrals, tracks outcomes and looks for a need to expand the menu of services if called for
• Provide psychosocial therapy to identified members by the clinical director. Assist the team with crisis risk assessment support 
• Must complete psychosocial assessments and LOCUS or CANS with individuals meeting contract requirement
• Must attend clinical meetings and collaborate with other teams to review mutual member care 
• Explain governmental benefits, requirements and procedures, including eligibility requirements to 
• members and fellow staff
• Must be willing to travel to jails, courts, hospitals, various children’s agency, within and out of community if needed. Willing to transport members upon approved referral and maintenance of care  

Education and Experience

• Masters degree in Social Work (MSW), Masters in Counseling (MA/MS)
• Registration with California Board of Behavioral Sciences as Associate Social Worker (ASW) or Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT) or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) required
• Minimum 2 year experience providing direct service in programs serving mentally ill adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, or similar populations.

Other Position Requirements:

• Must have LPS designation or be qualified in a timely manner by the LA County Department of Mental Health to write involuntary holds per section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institution Code within 6 months of onboarding  
• Must demonstrate proficiency with data entry and navigating multiple data systems such as HMIS, Carelogic, Service Request Log (SRL), and Service Request Tracking System (SRTS) 
• Must be able to obtain security clearance to enter jails
• Ability to provide a welcoming environment and skill in engaging new members.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of, and dedication to, the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Model of mental health treatment, community integration, and hope in recovery.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with key stakeholders, mental health consumers and their family or client advocates, vendors and other staff.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to summarize comprehensive diagnostic and biopsychosocial information in narrative form. 
• Dedication to maintaining our agency's egalitarian and compassionate culture, and high quality of services delivered.
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance are conditions of employment
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
• COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period