Mental Health Promoter

Exceptional Dental; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Exceptional Dental is seeking a Mental Health Promoter to bridge underserved populations with mental health resources. The role emphasizes street outreach in diverse settings, building trust with individuals facing homelessness, trauma, or substance use challenges, and facilitating warm handoffs to crisis teams when needed.

The position involves psychoeducation, resource navigation, and collaboration with community partners to promote access to housing, counseling, and primary care services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Public Health, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in community outreach, social services, or related roles.
• Lived experience with homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use valued.
• Knowledge of mental health, trauma, harm reduction, and local resources.
• Strong interpersonal, active listening, and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work independently in dynamic field environments.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications and data entry.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (if applicable).
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates strongly encouraged.
• Familiarity with local social services landscape and housing programs.
• Experience working with diverse populations including LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and older adults.
• Empathy and compassion in engagement with all individuals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular street outreach in assigned areas to engage individuals in need of mental health support.
• Build trust-based relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness or substance use challenges.
• Provide immediate support during mental health crises and facilitate warm handoffs to crisis services as needed.
• Distribute harm reduction supplies, hygiene kits, and informational resources on mental health services.
• Screen individuals for mental health needs and connect them to counseling, housing, and primary care.
• Navigate service systems including insurance enrollment and appointment scheduling.
• Maintain communication with case managers and clinical staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Represent the organization at community events and build partnerships.
• Maintain outreach records and prepare regular activity reports.

Skills

Community outreach

Active listening

De-escalation

Bilingual/multilingual

Empathy

Data entry/basic IT

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Job description

About the Job

The Mental Health Promoter - Street Outreach & Community Engagement serves as a vital bridge between underserved populations and mental health resources. Working primarily in non-traditional settings - including streets, shelters, parks, encampments, and community centers — this role focuses on building trust with individuals who face significant barriers to accessing conventional mental health care, including those experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, trauma, or social marginalization

Street Outreach & Direct Engagement:

• Conduct regular, scheduled street outreach in assigned geographic areas to identify and engage individuals in need of mental health support.
• Build authentic, trust-based relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, or substance use challenges.
• Provide immediate, compassionate support during mental health crises and facilitate warm handoffs to crisis intervention teams or emergency services as needed.
• Distribute harm reduction supplies, hygiene kits, and informational resources on mental health services.
• Conduct informal wellness checks and follow-up visits with known community members.

Mental Health Education & Promotion:

• Facilitate psychoeducation conversations and informal workshops on mental health topics including stress management, coping skills, trauma awareness, and available resources.
• Develop and distribute culturally responsive educational materials tailored to the community's literacy levels and languages.
• Reduce mental health stigma through community conversations, peer storytelling, and awareness campaigns.
• Promote protective factors such as social connection, self-care, and community resilience.

Resource Navigation & Case Support:

• Screen individuals for mental health needs and connect them to appropriate services including counseling, psychiatric care, housing, substance use treatment, and primary care.
• Assist individuals in navigating complex service systems including insurance enrollment, benefit applications, and appointment scheduling.
• Maintain ongoing communication with case managers, social workers, and clinical staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Advocate on behalf of community members to reduce barriers to access.

Community Engagement & Partnerships:

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community-based organizations, faith communities, local businesses, law enforcement, and government agencies.
• Represent the organization at community events, health fairs, coalition meetings, and stakeholder convenings.
• Mobilize community members as partners in mental health promotion efforts.
• Engage community leaders and influencers to amplify mental health messaging and resource awareness.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and timely records of outreach contacts, services provided, referrals made, and follow-up actions in the designated data management system.
• Prepare regular reports on outreach activities, service trends, and community needs.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and supervision sessions.
• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous quality improvement efforts.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Public Health, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 1 - 2 years of experience in community outreach, social services, peer support, or a related role.
• Lived experience with homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use (highly valued and encouraged to apply).
• Knowledge of mental health conditions, trauma, harm reduction principles, and community resources.
• Strong interpersonal, active listening, and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work independently in dynamic, unpredictable field environments.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications and data entry.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (if applicable).
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Familiarity with local social services landscape, housing programs, and mental health systems.
• Experience working with diverse populations including LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, justice-involved individuals, and older adults.
• Empathy & Compassion Engages with warmth and non-judgment toward all individuals regardless of circumstance.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.