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.

Licensed Vocational Nurse / Licensed Psychiatric Technician / Registered Nurse

35 hours per week

LVN + LPT: $33.50 + per hour

RN: $51.50 + 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: Under the general supervision of Program Manager, the Licensed Vocational Nurse, Licensed Psychiatric Technician, or Registered Nurse will provide direct care to individuals within a community based mental health services agency. Approach to care is member (patient) driven, recovery based, and designed to meet the unique needs of each person. This position will act as a resource for the interdisciplinary team regarding management of physical healthcare needs and medications. The LVN, LPT, or RN will address health issues, attend to modifiable risk factors, and assist members in becoming engaged partners to improve overall health and well-being.

• Demonstrate responsibility for the proper transcribing, administration, monitoring, and managing of medications. Displays knowledge of adverse side effects, indications for use, and contraindications of medications
• Complete assessments regarding physical and mental health status. Develop appropriate plan of care and interventions
• Assist in the collection of health information.
• Monitors and manages health conditions by taking measurements of weight/BMI, blood pressure, glucose levels, and lipid profiles
• Provide coaching, counseling, mentoring, advocacy, instruction, training, feedback, and positive reinforcement for member in areas such as housing, employment, education, community integration, and case management
• Maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements
• Develop collaborative relationship with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physical health care providers and interdisciplinary personnel to address complex needs of individual members
• Provide education to members regarding health promotion, medications, and disease management. Focus on skill building to enhance member’s ability to handle health concerns independently
• Display basic knowledge of available benefits and programs for underserved populations
• Educate Personal Service Coordinators and aids with medication assessments
• Participate in identifying and addressing barriers with each member in accordance with their personal needs and goals.
• Outreach members in their place of residence, hospitals, jails, or community to further engage in recovery process
• Participate in staff and community meetings and in the day-to-day operations of the program as needed
• Dispense medications/injections in agency medication room as needed
• Maintain billing/documentation on a daily basis on the CareLogic system (Electronic Health Record)
• Transports members to appointments and on errands when appropriate
• The position also requires paperwork completed in accordance with MHALA, LACDMH County Contracted Provider standards and funding source requirements, and documents in EHR, including 24 hour turnaround documentation

Position Requirements:

• Current licensure with the State of California as an Licensed Vocational Nurse, Licensed Psychiatric Technician, or Registered Nurse, and completion of a nursing program approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses
• One year experience providing psychosocial rehabilitation related services to disabled population, preferred
• Certified in CPR/AED upon hire and bi-annually thereafter
• Willing to pursue LPS designation if/when eligible in order to facilitate 5150 involuntary holds when needed
• Knowledgeable of the characteristics of individuals who are substance abusing and/or dually diagnosed, have a willingness to promote harm reduction practices
• Must have good basic English writing skills, good basic computer skills; Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Electronic Health Records
• Must have excellent communication skills and be highly organized
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services
• Must possess a high level of tolerance, patience, and understanding for individuals who present for services with multiple needs, issues, and problematic behavioral characteristics in a busy and unstructured work atmosphere
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to nurture and maintain good community relations on behalf of the organization
• 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 liability insurance are conditions of employment
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of 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