Client Advocate / Peer Support / Adult (Aiken)

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 I / Peer Support /Adult (Aiken) 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, Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center, 1135 Gregg Highway, Aiken, SC 29801.

Responsibilities for the Client Advocate I / Peer Support / Adult (Aiken):

• Provide patient care hours annually, ensuring that patients are seen in accordance with LOC and that prior authorizations are completed prior to delivery of
  services. This includes individual and group services in a variety of settings.
• Provide individual and group peer support services.
• Patient care hour requirement is outlined on the EPMS.
• Work with referrals from Second Chances Initiative, Roads of Independence, Navigate, and other referrals from Barnwell/North Augusta offices.
• Document all services using collaborative documentation and in accordance with state, federal, and CARF guidelines.
• Comply with Corporate Compliance and Risk Management plans and ensures that services are listed on the POC prior to delivery.
• Complete required training, SCEIS training modules, and maintains PSS certification. This includes, but is not limited to: OMH PSS meetings/trainings and
  clinical supervision meetings.
• Participate in treatment team and statewide and community meetings to promote program and network with community partners.
• Perform other duties as needed.

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:

• Peer Support Certification within 3 months of hire in SC.
• One (1) year of demonstratable experience in recovery, participation in local/national consumer movement/groups; current or former consumer of mental health services.
• Ability to lift 5 pounds and operate a state vehicle.

Qualifications

• Certification as Peer Support Specialist in South Carolina and demonstrates recovery.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Information

Post hire, employees must:

• Have knowledge of recovery.
• Have the ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Have effective problem-solving skills and decision-making skills.
• Have knowledge of agency and community resources and ability to link individuals with resources.
• Have the ability to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibility for recovery.
• Have the ability to effectively advocate for patient needs.
• Have the ability to effectively collaborate with treatment team.
• Are expected to participate in State Peer Support meetings, trainings, and ABMHC trainings.
• Deliver peer support services individually and in group at the clinic and in the community.

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

Travel in Aiken and Barnwell counties required.

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.