Occupational Therapist Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Interim Housing

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities. The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs. The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, and education services are carried out at four sites on the Westside of Los Angeles. St. Joseph Centers integrated programs provide clients with concentrated and coordinated access to services according to the nature of their needs.

JOB SUMMARY

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, St. Joseph Center will provide interim housing opportunities designed to meet the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The BHBH Program offers a safe, private, and secure environment where participants are empowered to stabilize, build self-sufficiency, and transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager and with clinical oversight from the Clinical Supervisor, the Occupational Therapist (OT) plays a vital role in promoting health, independence, and overall quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness and managing behavioral health challenges. As a key member of a multidisciplinary team, the OT delivers trauma-informed, client-centered care that supports residents in developing functional life skills essential for daily living, recovery, and successful community reintegration. The OT ensures the provision of high-quality services in alignment with the California Board of Occupational Therapy's regulations for contracted agencies, while upholding the mission, values, and standards of St. Joseph Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify each resident's functional abilities, strengths, and areas of need related to self-care, life skills, mental health, and daily routines.
• Develop and implement individualized intervention plans that promote engagement in meaningful activities and improve independence in daily living skills.
• Evaluate living environment for hazards or barriers to promote more independent living.
• Provide one-on-one and group-based interventions focused on:
  • • • Activities of daily living (ADLs)
      • Emotional regulation and coping strategies
      • Community mobility and integration
      • Vocational readiness and routine building
      • Cognitive skills and executive functioning
• Collaborate closely with case managers, mental health clinicians, peer support workers, and shelter staff to ensure coordinated and holistic care and to develop treatment goals and interventions.
• Educate and support shelter staff in creating a therapeutic and functional environment for residents.
• Advocate for client access to adaptive equipment, therapeutic supports, and relevant community resources.
• Document all assessments, goals, progress, and interventions in accordance with agency policies and professional standards.
• Provide referrals to mental health and community resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Masters degree in occupational therapy from an accredited institution
• Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, or trauma histories

Preferred:

• Experience in homeless services, shelter environments, or community mental health
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices
• Bilingual or multilingual skills a plus

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Valid automobile liability insurance.

Travel Requirements:

• May be asked to travel to St. Joseph Center sites for meetings and community partner locations, as needed.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, talk, hear, reach above and below shoulders; use hand and finger dexterity, keyboarding and making and receiving telephone calls. The employee may be required on occasion to lift and/or carry up to 20 lbs.

Status: Full time/Exempt

Salary: DOE

Employment with St. Joseph Center is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume. St. Joseph Center is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. All applicants for employment are invited to voluntarily self-identify their gender, race, ethnicity, and veteran status, by completing the EEO Information. Providing your EEO Information is voluntary and refusal to self-identify will not subject applicants to any adverse treatment. Similarly, applicants who do self-identify will not be subject to any adverse treatment based on the information they provide.

St. Joseph center invites you to review the current "EEO is The Law" poster as part of the application process. A link to the current poster is located here.