Employment Services

MHALA’s Employment Program provides employment services to individuals with mental health needs by identifying options for them regardless of their barriers.

The program uses paid work to assist members in understanding the meaning, value, demands, and rewards of paid employment. This helps members to learn or reestablish marketable work skills, work attitudes, and behaviors while they develop work tolerance.

In addition to direct employment, we offer assistance with:

  • Literacy and math skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Completion of certificates required for various employment opportunities (i.e. food handler certificates, guard cards, etc.)
  • Completing a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Preparation of resumes and cover letters
  • Helping members apply for admission to advanced degrees and financial aid
  • Building coping strategies to overcome mental health barriers that might impede participation in school or employment

Our Employment Program has a four-tier system designed to facilitate the job process for members:

Employment Essentials

MHALA’s Employment Essentials is the first step for those who have no employment experience or have had a prolonged absence from employment. An employment specialist works with each member to find out what they need, set goals, and review their performance.

Community Internships

Members ready for the next step can move on to MHALA’s community internship program, developed in partnership with members of the local business community. Members work up to 15 hours a week under the supervision of a business.

Social Enterprises

MHALA’s Social Enterprises offer members who are overcoming mental health roadblocks the opportunity to learn valuable skills as they move one step closer to self-sufficiency. The enterprises are in the areas of office services, janitorial services, and food services, which includes The Village Cookie Shoppe and Deli 456 and its catering services.

Community Job Placement

Once our members feel they are ready, our team of employment specialists work will help match them with employers to find them jobs in the community.

Woman at desk shaking man's hand

MHALA offers employment services at the following locations:

Long Beach

456 Elm Street, Long Beach, CA 90802
T: 562-437-6717
employmentLB@mhala.org 

Lancaster

Antelope Valley Enrichment Services
506 W. Jackman Street, Lancaster, CA 93534
T-661-726-2850
employmentAV@mhala.org