Part-Time Peer Advocate Housing Recovery and Mental Health Services

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, supporting over 19,000 low‑income and no‑income individuals annually with integrated services. The agency impacts mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition‑age youth. It also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community on mental health issues.

MHALA encourages a culture of communication, collaboration, transparency, and a healthy work‑life balance, offering a 35‑hour workweek and fostering diversity at all levels. The organization offers a competitive salary, full benefits including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

15‑19 hours per week / $24.00 per hour (The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Under the direct supervision of the team leader, provide peer support to members to help them reach their individual goals of independence.

• Facilitate life skills groups.
• Produce 40 hours per month in COS billing.
• Help organize existing clubs/groups and assist in smooth functioning of meetings.
• Support facilitators and members in the activities of the club/group.
• Provide peer support to members to help them reach their individual goals of independence.
• Visit hospitals, group homes, board‑and‑care facilities and other sites to meet with and provide outreach to mental health consumers and interest them in the Discovery Resource Center (DRC) clubs and programs.
• Outreach to local businesses and social organizations to inform them of the DRC’s functions and promote it as a community resource.
• Provide updated resources from the community to individuals who come in for services.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and work cooperatively with other staff.
• Make adequate and timely adjustments as needed, assist and support program documentation standards of staff in accordance with MHALA, LACDMH County Contracted Provider standards and funding source requirements, and documents in Electronic Health record (EHR), including 24‑hour turnaround documentation.
• Submit all required data collection documents (as applicable: MORS, Determinants, KEC, IHOMS, HMIS, etc.) on or before the due date.

MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA). Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, provided it will not change the essential nature of the position or cause undue hardship to the agency’s operations.

• Good basic English writing skills, good basic computer skills, and high organization.
• Ability to function well in a team‑oriented approach to member services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to relate positively and enthusiastically to a wide variety of people.
• Flexible work schedule to include some nights, weekends and holidays.
• Driving with a current Class C driver’s license, vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and the ability to be insured by MHALA 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.