Client Advocate Assistant / Peer Support Specialist (Berkeley)

Full Job Description

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community.

We are seeking a Client Advocate Assistant/PSS who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness.

If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Berkeley Community Mental Health Center, 403 Stoney Landing Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461.

As the Client Advocate Assistant/PSS, under supervision of a mental health professional, you will assist patients and their families in recovery from mental illness through provision of direct services, advocacy, education, and support. This position will serve as the Center's Patient Affairs Coordinator.

Responsibilities for the Client Advocate Assistant/PSS:

• Assist patients in identification and achievement of goals. Will provide peer support services in an ethical, effective, and efficient manner directly to patients including providing potential individual and group sessions. Meet patient care hours standards.

Responsible for promoting recovery culture with patients, families, professionals, and the community.

Include providing education and awareness activities and sharing personal recovery story with the center, patients, and the community.

Promote and support patient involvement in patient advisory boards, SHARE, NAMI, and Center recovery and anti-stigma activities.

Participate in treatment teams and provides services to help patients meet their goals.

• Will work with programs such as housing and individual placement and support employment services and helping coordinate access to additional community resources for patients as needed.
• Responsible for patient Advisory Board and promoting patient involvement and input regarding center operations. Take an active role in collecting surveys and sharing patient feedback.
• Under the supervision of a mental health professional, completes documentation of clinical services in accordance with QA/QI standards, policies and procedures, OMH and corporate compliance policies, and all other procedures and regulations. Meet documentation standards.
• Complete and comply with training requirements set forth by the Center, OMH, and any other trainings required including those to become a certified peer support specialist. Will maintain certification.
• Complete all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience.

Additional Requirements

• Special certification required (Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) Certification).
• Must be willing to perform and execute job duties in client's homes, community settings, as well as office settings.

Qualifications

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Information

Post hire, employees must:

• Complete and pass OMH certification training and continuing education programs sponsored by OMH Office of Consumer Affairs, along with training required by local mental health center provider site.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.

Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.

A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.