Financial and Budget Planner for Mental Health Member Services

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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.

Financial Planner

35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour

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

Summary: Under direct supervision of the program manager, assist assigned program participants in obtaining financial services and in managing their financial resources based on the psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 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 Association's operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider, the Agency will consider individuals with a criminal history. The Agency will consider individuals with a criminal history.

• Work closely and cooperatively with program manager, Accounting, assigned program participants and their Personal Service Coordinators, to develop and administer a money management budget/program that identifies and plans for member's individual financial needs and goals.
• Provide active oversight for various program features such as interim funding and member loans.
• Work actively to troubleshoot and resolve questions and issues when member financial changes occur.
• Consult and cooperate closely with Accounting to communicate the full range of information necessary for the bookkeeper to manage and maintain all program participant accounts in an accurate and timely manner.
• Provide a full range of representative payee services for members who request it, or for whom it is requested by the case management team or required by an outside funding agency such as Social Security.
• Provide money management skills training to members.
• As appropriate, actively assist money management participants in moving through the established program steps and toward graduation from the program.
• Upon graduation research, solicit, and coordinate banking or check cashing services for members with a local bank or local check cashing firm.
• Work closely and cooperatively with the supervisor, bookkeeper and PSCs to function as the site's liaison to the Social Security office.
• Work as a liaison to coordinate and support members reaching their financial goals by taking into account SSI's rules, case management team desires, and accounting requirements.
• Work cooperatively with co-workers/other team members to help assure smooth and seamless delivery of comprehensive services to program participants.
• Participate in staff and community meetings, and in the day-to-day operations of the program as needed.
• Participate actively in the site's training efforts as they relate to money management.
• Maintain financial charts in compliance with Social Security Audits and provide Payee Reports as needed.
• Advocate and help resolve monetary disputes with landlords and other payers as appropriate
• All required data collection documents (as applicable to your program: MORS, Determinants, KEC, etc.) are submitted on or before due date.
• Maintain a billing goal as assigned by supervisor and complete and maintain all records and documentation needed for program accountability and compliance in accordance with MHA standards and funding source requirement.
• All billing and supporting documentation shall be entered into MHALA's EHR (electronic health record system) within 24 hours from the date of service delivery.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED and minimum of one year behavioral healthcare experience required.
• 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.
• Must have good basic math and computer skills.
• Must demonstrate ability to understand, set up, manage and reconcile a basic personal budget and a simple checking account.
• Ability to relate pleasantly, positively and realistically to adults who are sensitive to, and often emotional about, issues regarding their inability to handle or control their own funds.
• Ability to stay organized and juggle multiple tasks without losing productivity.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Flexible work schedule to include some nights, weekends and holidays.
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of employment
• COVID vaccination is required for this position. Accommodations will be considered with proof of a legal exemption.