POSITION OVERVIEW:

HHCLA is seeking a Harm Reduction Mental Health Clinician for the Skid Row Care Campus (SRCC). This position provides harm-reduction based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, low-threshold crisis intervention, care coordination and mental health for individuals experiencing homelessness, many of whom present with complex behavioral health, substance use, and medical needs. Because this program is deeply rooted in the Skid Row community, we value candidates who bring prior experience working in or alongside the Skid Row neighborhood and a developed network of referral and care partners. This role requires strong crisis intervention skills and experience, as the Harm Reduction Mental Health Clinician will be expected to respond to urgent client situations, support staff in the field, and facilitate critical incident debriefings. In addition to administrative responsibilities, the Harm Reduction Mental Health Clinician will provide direct client care on a limited basis and serve as the clinical consultant for interdepartmental triage of complex cases, ensuring quality of services and client care. The Site Manager reports to the Director of Harm Reduction Innovation. Clinical Supervision provided by Senior Director of Clinical Programs or designate.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure service delivery aligns with HHCLA’s mission, contractual requirements, and harm reduction values.
• Demonstrates strong risk assessment skills and discerning when determining if/when emergency services should be engaged and when activating emergency services could be counterproductive to overall client wellbeing and/or care.
• Possesses a nuanced understanding of the 5150-hold process, including the potential harms this process can create for clients, and displays sound judgement/clinical knowledge when communicating with emergency mental health responders to advocate for care over incarceration.
• Works closely and collaboratively with the Safety and Participant Support Teams/Leads, to deescalate mental health crisis at the SRCC and to support a restorative justice resolution process when clients are placed on the Client Council list, many of whom have severe mental illness/ complex psychotic disorder diagnosis.
• Possesses extensive knowledge of care options and referral pathways for complex mental health, psychiatric, and substance use cares with an advanced understanding of integrated care models and the range of available services.
• Demonstrates an expanded and nuanced definition for what “safety” can look like, taking into account that many SRCC clients do not feel “safe” interacting with traditional or mainstream models of care due to the way their lifestyles are perceived and often criminalized.
• Conduct and model effective non-violent crisis intervention, de-escalation, opportunities to correct, and clear the space protocols per HHCLA protocols.
• Support staff in the field with shadowing, crisis consultation, and critical incident debriefings.
• Serve as a resource for clients and community partners at SRCC for crisis intervention and stabilization, including de-escalation and safety planning.
• Provide direct client care, including biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and short-term clinical interventions, as needed.
• Maintain a small caseload to model best practices and ensure continuity of care for high-need clients.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with housing providers, hospitals, criminal justice partners, and other service providers.
• Actively engage in collaborative problem-solving to support client stability and obtaining housing and/or retention.
• Support staff training and capacity building in the areas of mental health first aid, early intervention in escalating mental health crises and effective deescalation.
• Represent HHCLA in case conferences, funder meetings, and community collaborations.
• Identify gaps and opportunities for program improvement and innovation.
• Participates meaningfully in consistent (monthly or bi-monthly) clinical supervision program (group and/ or individual).

Documentation, Reporting, Policy and Procedures:

• Documents service delivery consistently and accurately in HMIS, CHAMPS, REDCap or as directed; Monitor program data and outcomes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of reporting; Maintains exemplary case notes and updates care plans as needed.
• Produce audit worthy documentation and reports for internal use, government contracts, and private funders as directed.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop, review, and implement program policies and procedures.
• Complete and file incident reports in a timely manner and in line with HHCLA policies and procedures; escalate issues flagged in incident reports to upper management as appropriate.

Other:

• Able to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment, utilizing professional, open and respectful communication; work collaboratively and respectfully with co-workers using a democratic, team-based model toward the achievement of daily tasks and the broader mission of the harm reduction team.
• Utilize a trauma-informed service and administrative delivery approach and emphasize a nonjudgmental, compassionate engagement with all program clients and in all administrative and supportive duties.
• Communicate effectively in a culturally competent and diverse consumer population and promote favorable interaction with managers, co-workers and others.
• Represent the mission and philosophy of HHCLA to the community in relevant coalitions and advocacy efforts.
• Maintain familiarity with agency and program policies and procedures, as well as all other applicable regulations.
• Attend and participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, conferences, workshops, and special projects to promote professional development.
• Model HHCLA approach, mission, and core values in all communication, correspondence, community events, coalitions, and advocacy efforts.
• Maintain safety policies and procedures to achieve and maintain a safe work area and safe work practices.
• Carry out required duties effectively with minimal supervision.
• Report to work on time and maintain reliable and regular attendance.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move or lift up to 40 pounds.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

• Active California licensure: LCSW or LMFT (or equivalent) in good standing; OR license eligible (min qualification an MSW/MFT)
• Minimum 2 years’ post-licensure clinical experience.
• At least 1 year of program management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, substance use, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Strong knowledge of harm reduction, Housing First, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work with multiple teams across all departments of the organization
• Ability to collaborate and engage with staff and external partners at all levels; must consistently exercise sound judgement
• Demonstrated organizational skills required
• Intermediate to advanced computer literacy skills required specifically Outlook, Google suite, Microsoft office, Canva.

PREFERRED:

• Bilingual (Spanish)
• Familiarity with Los Angeles housing systems and homeless services.
• Experience working in or alongside the Skid Row community
• Overdose intervention experience

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Active California licensure: LCSW or LMFT (or equivalent) in good standing.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills
• CPR/AED Certification. Can be completed once hired.

Pay: $38.46 – $48.72 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person