Program Director Jobs in Lancaster, CA (NOW HIRING)

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

$71,500 to $73,500 annualized

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

Supervision Responsibilities: Provide direct supervision and take leadership responsibilities for team members during program or service activities based on housing first and psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services.

Summary: Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Veteran Services coordinate, oversee and supervise the work of the MRC program. Assist with providing services to the homeless or at risk homeless veterans with temporary lodging, permanent housing, and VA and mainstream benefits.

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).

• In collaboration with the Director of Veteran Services, recruit, hire, supervise, train, direct, evaluate, reward, discipline and terminate assigned staff in accordance with organizational policy and applicable laws and regulations
• Assist and support program documentation standards of staff in accordance with MHALA and SSVF
• Oversee and ensure program’s monthly, quarterly, and yearly data reporting. With accurate and timely submission and documentation
• Oversee subcontracts, productivity and Quality Assurance
• Outreach to and identify homeless Veteran families by working with veteran organizations, military agencies and housing resources
• Oversee and support MRC staff as they outreach and provide services to military veterans and their families. These services include but not limited to case management, housing support, life skills training, work training, employment placement, along ·with linkages to VA Clinic, VA benefits and other services
• Participate in team, administrative, community and funding meetings. Lead or delegate leadership of the day-to-day operations of the team as needed
• Participate as an active member of the site management team, quality improvement, safety committee or designates other leadership team as needed or assigned
• Participate actively in site training efforts
• Provide timely information and feedback to site director with regard to emergent staff, team or member issues and work with executive management to provide intervention to redirect staff and/or programs when objectives are not being met
• Provide individual and community-based presentations regarding SSVF Housing Services
• Stay current with technical and administrative changes in various housing programs and their requirements
• Work actively with landlords and property management companies and generate housing opportunities through advocacy, information and education
• Represent MHALA at community housing provider meetings, HUD-VASH and other meetings and events focused on homelessness and Veteran Homelessness
• Participate collaboratively with other Supportive Services for Veteran Family grants in order to plan, and implement strategies in a community effort to end veteran homelessness
• 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
• Responsible for analysis, preparation and monitoring of the program’s budget
• Read, perform researches, attend classes, workshops or seminars and participate in other professional development activities in order to maintain and enhance personal and professional skills

Other Position Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in a human service or related field or certification in a mental health specialty i.e. RN, LVN, LPT, drug alcohol rehab counselor preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience providing psychosocial rehabilitative service to a disable population plus experience in a supervisory/leadership role.
• 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, good basic computer 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
• 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
• Other duties as assigned.
• 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