<p>Job Responsibilities</p> <p>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 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.</p> <p>This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center.</p> <p>To serve on the team in the Eubanks Center program providing Peer Support services to persons in crisis or those benefiting from PSS as identified by care providers or self-report. Also, it provides PSS for members of the community that walk in for services. Services are provided in a culturally sensitive manner.</p> <p>Responsibilities for the Counselor I:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Will provide peer support services, to include both individual and group modalities, to identified patients and/or persons seeking services. Assist in operating the Reassurance Line for SAMHC, placing phone calls to patients to assist in preventing decompensation.</p> </li><li> <p>Work in collaboration with local hospital and Intake Department to improve Continuity of Care for patients being discharged from inpatient hospitalization or seeking services. PSS will assist with patient recovery by keeping patients engaged in treatment by conducting outreach, reminding of follow up appointments, and offering PSS.</p> </li><li> <p>Participate in treatment meetings on a regular basis. Attend staff meetings, supervisory conferences, and all staff development and training required by the Center, seeks appropriate training.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide service for selected clients to meet Quality Assurance standards and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local Corporate Compliance laws.</p> </li></ul> <p>Minimum and Additional Requirements</p> <ul> <li>A high diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus. </li></ul> <p>Additional Comments</p> <p>Post hire, employees must:</p> <ul> <li>Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification. </li></ul> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.</p> </li><li> <p>15 days annual (vacation) leave per year</p> </li><li> <p>15 days sick leave per year</p> </li><li> <p>13 paid holidays</p> </li><li> <p>Paid Parental Leave</p> </li><li> <p>S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)</p> </li><li> <p>Retirement benefit choices *</p> </li><li> <p>State Retirement Plan (SCRS)</p> </li><li> <p>State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)</p> </li><li> <p>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.</p> </li></ul>