Mental Health Professional I - ACT (Lexington MHC)

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 for our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team 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, you 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, 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 Mental Health Professional I:

• Provide direct services to ACT patients guiding them in the development of skills/strategics towards achieving and maintaining good mental health and facilitating training of independent living skills. Utilize assertive engagement to engage patients in service.
• Assist patients with access to community services, resources and agencies and establishing support networks in the community.
• Complete screenings and assessments for referrals and assist with development and revisions of instructional continuity plans (ICP).
• Provide family psychoeducation and works with patient's natural supports.
• Facilitate the person-centered planning process for patients assigned to them.

Participate in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, pursue 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. Attend treatment team meetings daily and provide consultation regarding complex cases as appropriate.

• Complete documentation according to QA/OMH standards, Complies with Corporate Compliance Policy and Risk Management Plan, and ensure 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 OMH and Center policies and Procedures.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.

Additional Requirements

• Must be licensed or eligible for licensure in SC and willing to work towards licensure in SC within first six months of employment.

• One year experience working with adults diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness.

• 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, employee must have:

• Practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and mental disorders.

The ability to listen and understand and communicate information and ideas so that others will understand.

Knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, family and group psychotherapy, and crisis management.

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.

Position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies. Position will be part of the Assertive Community Treatment Team. Requires flexible schedule. Services are delivered in the community and patients' homes.

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.