Client Advocate I/Peer Support Specialist ACT Team Conway

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 Peer Support Specialist for our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program 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, Waccamaw Center for Mental Health (WCMH) 164 Waccamaw Medical Park Drive, Conway, SC 29526

Under direct supervision of the ACT Team Lead, the Client Advocate will serve on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team who provide evidenced based intensive non-residential treatment and rehabilitative services in accordance with the fidelity model. This is a single fixed point of responsibility for treatment, rehabilitation, and support needs for patients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who require higher levels of community care and have not been well supported in lower level of care options. Responsibilities for the ACT Team Client Advocate / Peer Support: 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. Maintain medical records documentation standards with QA, DMH and CARF policies and procedures. Document services collaboratively with the patient as appropriate. Provide consultation to ACT Team members to assist in understanding recovery and the role of the Client Advocate promoting a culture in which patients' points of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment. Serve as an active member of the ACT team, which includes facilitating the IPOC process for patients assigned to them. Regularly participate in the daily team meetings and treatment planning meetings. Ensure at least a monthly staffing of each patient that they serve. Complete all annual required trainings to include Safety, MAPS, Affairs, and clinical trainings. Demonstrate adherence to CARF standards, and SCOMH and Center policies and Procedures.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.
• Must have a valid SC Share (Self-Help Association Regarding Emotions) Peer Support Specialist Certification with concentration on mental health recovery.
• Self identifies as an individual with a serious mental illness who is currently recipient of mental health services and had lived experience receiving MH or SU services.
• Is in the process of their own recovery and has 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:

• Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification.
• Be able to operate a state vehicle
• Be able to work a flexible schedule and know this position is considered essential and may be called back during crises /disasters/ emergencies.
• Be able to deliver services in the community and patients' homes.
• Perform all job duties and provide all services and documentation in compliance with CARF, OMH, CCMHC, Quality Assurance, Compliance, HIPAA, Transcultural and Productivity Standards, Policies and Procedures.

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.