Assistant Program Manager for Veteran Mental Health Services

MHALA; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee assistance program

Generous paid time off

35-hour workweek

Job summary

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) seeks an Assistant Program Manager for Veteran Services to support the OHH SSVF program. This role emphasizes operational oversight, workflow management and frontline supervision to ensure housing-focused services comply with SSVF regulations and VA guidance.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in a human service field or related certification, 3+ years of psychosocial rehabilitative experience, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human service or related field or certification in a mental health specialty (e.g. LCSW, ASW, RN, LVN, LPT).
• Minimum 3 years of experience providing psychosocial rehabilitative services to a disabled population.
• Experience in a supervisory/leadership role; nonprofit social service agency experience preferred.
• Veteran status preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to provide supervision and leadership to diverse staff.
• Good basic English writing skills and high organization.
• Team-oriented approach to member services.
• Knowledge of Veterans Administration system and HUD programs.
• Knowledge with HMIS reporting and use.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Knowledge of federal/state/local housing subsidy programs and resources.
• Ability to collaborate with housing providers, mental health consumers and advocates.
• Ability to track and interpret complex data sets.
• Detail-oriented with strong prioritization.
• Flexible schedule including evenings/weekends when necessary.
• Driving with a valid Class C license and insured vehicle.
• TB clearance and annual re-testing.
• COVID-19 vaccination requirements may evolve.
• Employment verification from three past employers.

Responsibilities

• Assist in recruitment, hiring, supervision, training, direction, evaluation, reward, discipline and termination of staff per policy and law.
• Evaluate OHH program delivery and performance; identify barriers and recommend corrective actions.
• Oversee daily program flow: outreach, intake, eligibility review, housing placement, case closures; monitor enrollment and exits.
• Provide timely feedback to the Program Manager on staff or participant issues; escalate as needed.
• Provide leadership coverage in the absence of the Program Manager.
• Review case files for eligibility and documentation; coach on standards.
• Monitor TFA usage trends and alert leadership to spending concerns.
• Ensure supporting documentation is complete before financial approvals.
• Participate in HUD-VASH/SSVF case conferencing and housing meetings.
• Represent MHALA at funder and housing meetings and events.
• Work with landlords and property managers to create housing opportunities; stay current with program changes.
• Provide leadership guidance when the Program Manager is unavailable.
• Advocate for social justice and systems change; network with veteran and service organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

English writing

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human service or related field

Mental health field certification (LCSW/ASW/RN/LVN/LPT)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Description

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.

Assistant Program Manager For Veteran Services

35 hours per week / $35.00 - $36.00 per hour

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

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).

Summary:

The Assistant Program Manager supports the Program Manager in the day-to-day operations of the Operation Healthy Homecoming Supportive Services for Veteran Families (OHH SSVF) program. This position focuses on operational oversight, workflow management, data quality control, and frontline supervision to ensure housing-focused services are delivered in compliance with SSVF regulations, VA guidance, and agency policies. The Assistant Program Manager does not hold ultimate fiscal or programmatic authority but supports implementation of policies, procedures, and performance benchmarks established by the Program Manager.

Supervision Responsibilities:

Provide general oversight and take leadership responsibilities for team members during program or service activities. Assist in providing direct supervision to assigned team members based on housing first and psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services.

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).

• Along with the Program Manager, the Assistant Program Manager takes part in the recruitment, hiring, supervision, training, direction, evaluation, reward, discipline and termination of assigned staff in accordance with organizational policy and applicable laws and regulations
• Conduct regular evaluation of OHH program delivery and performance with a focus on program flow and veteran access to services during outreach, enrollment, and terminations. Identify operational barriers and service gaps and recommend corrective actions to the Program Manager.
• Oversee daily program flow including outreach, intake, eligibility review routing, housing placement coordination, and case closures. Monitor timeliness of enrollment, housing placement, and exits to ensure alignment with SSVF performance expectations.
• Provide timely information and feedback to OHH Program Manager regarding emergent staff, team or participant issues; and escape performance or compliance concerns to the Program Manager.
• Provide leadership coverage in the absence of the Program Manager.
• Review case files for compliance with eligibility, housing status documentation, income verification, and required forms. Provide coaching and corrective feedback regarding documentation and service delivery standards.
• Monitor TFA usage trends and alert the Program Manager to potential over- or under-spending concerns.
• Ensure supporting documentation is complete prior to financial approvals being routed to leadership.
• Participate in HUD-VASH/SSVF case conferencing and community housing meetings as assigned.
• Represent MHALA at funder, community housing provider, HUD-VASH and other meetings and events focused on homelessness and Veteran Homelessness
• Work with landlords and property management companies and generate housing opportunities through advocacy, information and education. Stay current with technical and administrative changes in various housing programs and their requirements
• Provide leadership and guidance when Program Manager is not available
• Advocate for social justice and systems change at a macro level when opportunities are available
• Network with other veteran and mainstream service agencies to share ideas and resources, develop effective programs, solve common problems and maintain a professional network of referral resources for housing and support services

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in human service or related field or certification in a mental health specialty i.e. LCSW, ASW, RN, LVN, LPT, drug alcohol rehab counselor preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience providing psychosocial rehabilitative services to a disabled population required.
• Experience in a supervisory/leadership role; non-profit social service agency experience preferred.
• Veteran status preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to provide supervision and leadership to diverse staff who possess a wide range of skills, abilities, and professional competencies.
• Must have good basic English writing skills and be highly organized.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Knowledge of the Veterans Administration system as well as HUD programs.
• Knowledge with using and reporting through HMIS.
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local housing subsidy programs and the sources available for them.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with public and private housing providers, mental health consumers and their family members or client advocates, vendors and other staff.
• Ability to track and interpret complex data sets for the program services and budget.
• Must be detail oriented, and able to prioritize and juggle multiple projects without losing productivity.
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends 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