Peer Support Specialist / Client Advocate Assistant (Coastal Empire)

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 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, Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center, 1050 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902.

Under direct supervision of the Director of Emergency and Community Based Services, you will provide Peer Support Services for identification and achievement of specific goals defined by the patient and specified in the individual plan of care.

Serve as an active member of the patient’s treatment team. Advocate for services requested by the patient.

PSS will cultivate the patient’s ability to make informed, independent choices, to set goals, and assist the patient in gaining information and support from the community.

Plan activities with the patient that lead to improved self-concepts through empowerment and self determination opportunities.

Teach and model the importance of medication adherence, effective communication with doctors and other caregivers.

Use personal recovery stories to offer hope of recovery from mental illness and teaching coping strategies.

Will assist the patient in participating in the development of their Individual Plan of Care, Psychiatric Advance Directive, and/or crisis plan to facilitate or avoid/shorten hospitalizations.

Provide peer support services with the First Episode Psychosis/ NAVIGATE comprehensive treatment program which includes leading individual and/or group activities from the Individual Resiliency Training model/supplemental peer support models.

Participate in weekly treatment team meetings for the FEP/NAVIGATE Program. Provide updates weekly on patient’s status associated with the FEP/Navigate Program to treatment team and director.

Assist with scheduling and coordinating other services related to the FEP/NAVIGATE program.

Document all services provided with adherence to SCOMH QA standards. Keep track of and manages all personal records related to credentialing and re-credentialing of peer support services.

Participate in Continuing education for re-credentialing and will participate in any trainings available related to best practices. Complete quarterly Peer Support Evaluations with patients.

Complete all documentation for services and contacts in compliance with SCOMH Policies and Procedures. Work with supervisor in the creation of an annual report for Center and FEP programs to be submitted to SCOMH for DHHS within 60 days of the end of the fiscal year.

Shall comply with the SCOMH Compliance Plan and all legal responsibilities and requirements in performing their job duties.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience.
• Valid SC Driver’s License
  

Additional Requirements

Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to see, hear at normal volumes, stand, walk, reach, pull, stoop, bend and climb at least two (2) flights of stairs.

Ability to tolerate noise level and circulate in patient areas for long periods. Must be able to work with repetitive patient behaviors. Possible exposure to blood/body fluids.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in social science.
• To be a current or former consumer of mental health services, plus have one year participation in local or national consumer movement and the ability to demonstrate recovery expertise.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Information

Post hire, employees must:

• Complete and pass a 40-hour certification training approved and sponsored by SCOMH and continuing education programs of at least 20 hours per year as required by the Office of Consumer Affairs, along with training required by the local mental health center as a provider site.

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.

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.