Client Advocate I / ACT Team (Columbia Area)

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 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, Columbia Area Mental Health Center, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, CAMHC #032.

As the Client Advocate I, working under direct supervision of the mental health professional, you will serve on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team providing peer support services.

Responsibilities for this Client Advocate:

Provide direct services through coaching, mentoring and consultation to the patient 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.

Provide consultation to ACT Team members to assist in understanding recovery and the role of the Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), promote a culture in which patients' points of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment.

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

Participate in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, pursues professional development, and demonstrates 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 meetings daily and provide consultation regarding complex cases appropriate.

Provide patients with satisfaction surveys to measure the patients' own perception of care, access to service, and improve the quality of treatment.

Comply with the Office of Mental Health Compliance Plan and all legal responsibilities and requirements.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.
• Lived experience and a personal recovery story specific to primary mental illness.

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 wit concurrence by OMH Office of Quality Management.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, other state agencies, the private sector and the general public.
• Be able to communicate effectively.
• Have a valid driver's license.
• Have the ability to lift 5 pounds and operate a state vehicle.

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.