Mental Health Professional I - Crisis Intervention Team (Lexington)

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 Mental Health Professional I, 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, Lexington County Community Mental Health Center, 301 Palmetto Park Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072.

As the Mental Health Professional I, working under limited supervision of the program supervisor, you will provide services while embedded in a law enforcement agency.

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional I:

Utilize clinical skills in providing crisis response services for children, adolescents, and adults under the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program.

Therapist will ride along with a deputy when needed. Provide appropriate mental health treatment services based on the patient's assessed level of care.

Coordinate referrals if necessary to assist patients in accessing appropriate care. Staff onsite calls with supervisor during the day.

Formulate level of care recommendation and disposition. Educate clients on community resources and make arrangements for immediate disposition regarding transfers and referrals.

Serve as a provider of crisis intervention by administering brief individual and/or gamily intervention to address crisis and identify triggers for crisis behavior to include development of crisis safety plan up to initiating the process of involuntary commitment.

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.

Effectively utilize and maintain certification of evidence-based practices and licensure.

Complete documentation according to QA/SCOMH standards, Complies with Corporate Compliance Policy and Risk Management Plan, and ensures timely completion of prior authorizations.

Complete all annual required trainings to include Safety, MAPS, Cultural Affairs, and clinical trainings. Demonstrate adherence to CARF standards, and SCOMH and Center policies and Procedures.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.
• Must be licensed or eligible for licensure in SC and willing to work towards licensure in SC within first six (6) months of employment.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift 5lbs and operate a state vehicle.

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

Post hire, employees must have:

• Practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and mental disorders.
• Ability to listen and understand and communicate information and ideas so that others will understand.
• Knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, family and group psychotherapy. Ability to identify and effectively utilize resources available in the community to accomplish objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families and representatives of other professional disciplines.
• Ability to present clear and comprehensive oral and written reports.

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.

Position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies. Position requires staff to ride with law enforcement and respond to calls in the community. Work schedule is flexible and requires participation in afterhours rotation for mobile crisis.

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.