Client Advocate I / ACT Team ( Beckman )

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 / ACT Team 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 with the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Beckman Center for Mental Health Services, 1547 Parkway Greenwood, SC 29646. This position will be based in Greenwood, with community-based service provision throughout Beckman's catchment area.

The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team is a single fixed point of responsibility for evidence - based treatment, rehabilitation, and support needs for patients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who require higher levels of care as, previously, they were not well supported via lower level of care options.
Under direct supervision, the client advocate will serve on the ACT Team providing services in intensive non-residential treatment settings and rehabilitative services in accordance with the fidelity model.

Responsibilities for the Client Advocate:

Provide direct services through coaching mentoring and consultation to patients to promote recovery, self-advocacy and self-direction.

Promote wellness management strategies, which include delivering manualized interventions, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or Illness Management and Recovery.

Assist patients in developing Psychiatric Advanced Directives. Model recovery values, attitudes, beliefs and personal action to encourage wellness and resilience.

Assist with access to care guidelines by meeting with patients in crisis (walk-), assisting with Affidavits for Involuntary hospitalizations, and after care appointments as appropriate to provide support through lived experience.

Maintain medical records documentation standards with QA, 0MH and CARF policies and procedures. Document services collaboratively with the patient as appropriate.

Participate in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, pursues professional development, and demonstrate effective use of social and interpersonal knowledge and skills and demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities.

Effectively utilize and maintain certification of evidence-based practices. Attend treatment team and provide consultation regarding cases as appropriate.

Promote a culture in which patient's point of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment.

Maintain required certified peer support specialist (CPSS) certification and attend educational opportunities and training as appropriate to promote professional growth and development.

Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.

Additional Requirements

• Lived experience and a personal recovery story specific to primary mental illness.
• A valid and current SC Driver's License

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

Post hire, employees must:

• Qualify to render services applicable to position, per credentialing and privileging standards, and with concurrence by OMH Office of Quality Management.
• Possess ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, other state agencies, the private sector, and the general public.
• Have ability to communicate effectively.
• Have ability to operate a state vehicle and work a flexible schedule, as needed, in the community.

Position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies.

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.