Counselor II / ACT Team (Charleston)

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 Counselor II 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) - Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center, 2100 Charlie Hall Blvd Charleston, SC 29414.

The Counselor II will serve on an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team providing evidenced based services in an intensive non-residential treatment and rehabilitative services in accordance with the fidelity model. This is a single fixed point of responsibility for treatment, rehabilitation, 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 Counselor II:

• Provide direct services to ACT patients guiding them in the development of skills/strategics towards achieving and maintaining good mental health and facilitating training independent living skills. Utilizes assertive engagement to engage patients in services.
• Assist patients with access to community services, resources and agencies and establishing support networks in the community.
• Complete screenings for referrals and assists with development of treatment plans.
• Provide family psychoeducation and works with patients' natural supports.

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

Attends treatment team meetings daily and provides consultation regarding complex cases as appropriate.

• Complete documentation according to QA/BHDD standards, comply with Corporate Compliance Policy, and Risk Management Plan, and ensure timely completion of prior authorizations.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences and professional experience in human services or social services programs.

Additional Requirements

• The ability to lift 5 lbs.

• Operate a state vehicle.

• This position is considered essential and may require reporting for duty in the event of weather or similar emergency events.

• Requires flexible schedule.

• Services are delivered in the community and patients' home.

Qualifications

• At least one (1) year experience working with adults with SMI (Serious Mental Illness)

Additional Information

Post hire, employees must:

• Must qualify to render services applicable to position per credentialing and privileging standards and with concurrence by OMH Office of Quality Management.
• Have considerable knowledge of the techniques of interviewing, counseling and guidance.
• Have the ability to establish rapport with patients, and the ability to communicate effectively.

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.