Program Manager For Employment and Mental Health Services

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.

Program Manager of Employment Services

35 hours per week / $70,304 - $71,000 annualized 

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

Summary:  Manage Work Adjustment and implement the employment program.

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).

• Provides training, consultation and support to employment supervisors regarding carrying out their employee relations and supervisory duties.
• Designs, manages and/or oversees management of personnel processes for the employment program, including recruitment, orientation, terminations, and matters of discipline and employee grievance; Investigates and responds to internal and external personnel complaints regarding employment staff.
• Conducts individual psychosocial assessments of member’s job readiness and employment-related abilities and deficits. Participate in the development of individual service plans, which detail employment rehabilitation goals and an action plan for achieving those goals. 
• Completes and maintains all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements
• provide assistance to each DOR client in choosing Work Adjustment or Employment Services 
• Provide ongoing coaching, development and job training recommendations for employment supervisors and for supervisors to pass on to their staff
• Provide conflict resolution and decision making
• Monitor employment expenditures (labor, materials etc) to insure they stay within budget
• Make information available to all DOR clients that addresses an array of potential barriers to in house employment-work adjustment.  (i.e. child care, housing, ADA, legal, Mental health advocacy, transportation)
• Complete “intake” paperwork and create Individual Service Plan for DOR work adjustment/Employment services clients. 
• Maintain all records and Department of Rehabilitation documentation required for program outcomes, compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements. 
• Complete Department of Rehabilitation documentation as required. 
• Complete MHALA documentation/charting as required
• Provide or facilitate the provision of concrete individualized support overcoming obstacles that impact a client’s performance during the work adjustment process.
• Manage client’s movement from Work Adjustment to Employment Services (and back again, if necessary).
• Collaborate with work site supervisors on procedures for essential operation of worksites
• Facilitate the planning for individual’s transition from work adjustment to job development during a 60 day transition period.
• Give direction to Employment Supervisors in their effort to provide work experience that will lead to successful community employment.

Other Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 3 years of significant, hands-on experience in rehabilitation services or housing services for disabled persons is required.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Highly organized and detail oriented, and able to prioritize and juggle multiple projects without losing productivity.
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and on call cell phone services when necessary.
• 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