What are the responsibilities and job description for the MHP I (Deflection & Diversion Team) position at SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH?
Job Responsibilities
With our Agency's mission to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, we provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina.
This position is located at the Department of Mental Health, Charleston-Dorchester Mental Health Center 2100 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414.
Responsibilities for this Position Title include but are not limited to:
Under supervision of the mental health center director, this position will work with the SCDMH forensic team, the SCDMH legal team, local law enforcement, local detention centers, local public defenders, local solicitors, local judges, and local mental health staff to deflect and divert appropriate individuals from the criminal justice system, and from unnecessary forensic involvement and into an appropriate level of care and treatment. Cases will be assigned to this position by a Forensic Manager, in addition to other cases deemed appropriate through screening and consultation.
Completes competency pre-screening consultations with attorneys, as assigned. Works collaboratively with the legal office, Forensics, and the community mental health centers to develop diversion recommendations where appropriate. Provides education to all relative stakeholders regarding the forensic process and available pathways to treatment, supporting the least restrictive means of care. Provides consultation to the jail and MHC/ support case management for cases identified by Forensic Manager. Monitors all individuals awaiting forensic admission and provide updates to the center director, forensic and legal teams. Refers and advocates for services to support psychiatric and medical stability. As directed by forensic supervisor, completes pre-restoration competency screenings on individuals on the waitlist who may have improved and maybe competent.
Participates in weekly staffing meetings as assigned by the Forensic Manager and in at least monthly supervision with the center director.
Supports implementation of medication over objection protocols through ongoing education of relevant parties.
May serve as MHP I in assisting in the provision of competency restoration treatment, as assigned by Forensic Management by providing patient education, induvial and group counseling related to either competency restoration or re-entry into the community. As assigned by the Forensic Manager, helps to facilitate forensic evaluations with defendants who do not consent to be transported or have poor participation in the evaluation process. Supports release/discharge planning to expedite return to the community. Assists care coordinator in identifying documents and other verification necessary to establish a financial platform.
Minimum And Additional Requirements
MINIMUM AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
State Minimum Requirements
A master’s degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.
Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position.
Preferred Qualifications
A master's degree and professional experience in guidance, and counseling or the social sciences and two years experiences in clinical setting
Preferred licensure, knowledge and experience in criminal justice/forensic setting. Experience with individual and group counseling. Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with patients and staff. Must have computer skills sufficient to complete essential job duties.
Additional Comments
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
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. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
With our Agency's mission to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, we provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina.
This position is located at the Department of Mental Health, Charleston-Dorchester Mental Health Center 2100 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414.
Responsibilities for this Position Title include but are not limited to:
Under supervision of the mental health center director, this position will work with the SCDMH forensic team, the SCDMH legal team, local law enforcement, local detention centers, local public defenders, local solicitors, local judges, and local mental health staff to deflect and divert appropriate individuals from the criminal justice system, and from unnecessary forensic involvement and into an appropriate level of care and treatment. Cases will be assigned to this position by a Forensic Manager, in addition to other cases deemed appropriate through screening and consultation.
Completes competency pre-screening consultations with attorneys, as assigned. Works collaboratively with the legal office, Forensics, and the community mental health centers to develop diversion recommendations where appropriate. Provides education to all relative stakeholders regarding the forensic process and available pathways to treatment, supporting the least restrictive means of care. Provides consultation to the jail and MHC/ support case management for cases identified by Forensic Manager. Monitors all individuals awaiting forensic admission and provide updates to the center director, forensic and legal teams. Refers and advocates for services to support psychiatric and medical stability. As directed by forensic supervisor, completes pre-restoration competency screenings on individuals on the waitlist who may have improved and maybe competent.
Participates in weekly staffing meetings as assigned by the Forensic Manager and in at least monthly supervision with the center director.
Supports implementation of medication over objection protocols through ongoing education of relevant parties.
May serve as MHP I in assisting in the provision of competency restoration treatment, as assigned by Forensic Management by providing patient education, induvial and group counseling related to either competency restoration or re-entry into the community. As assigned by the Forensic Manager, helps to facilitate forensic evaluations with defendants who do not consent to be transported or have poor participation in the evaluation process. Supports release/discharge planning to expedite return to the community. Assists care coordinator in identifying documents and other verification necessary to establish a financial platform.
Minimum And Additional Requirements
MINIMUM AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
State Minimum Requirements
A master’s degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.
Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position.
Preferred Qualifications
A master's degree and professional experience in guidance, and counseling or the social sciences and two years experiences in clinical setting
Preferred licensure, knowledge and experience in criminal justice/forensic setting. Experience with individual and group counseling. Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with patients and staff. Must have computer skills sufficient to complete essential job duties.
Additional Comments
- Must have a current and valid driver's license. Must be able to bend, stoop, lift up to 25 pounds or more in an emergency situation, climb stairs and the ability to move freely throughout the entire facility. This position is essential and will have to provide Hazardous Weather coverage. Weekend and afterhours coverage will be rare, but maybe necessary. In state travel will be required. ****
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
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. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
- Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
- 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
- 15 days sick leave per year
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
