Client Advocate / Peer Support / ICT Program

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 Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center, 1135 Gregg Highway, Aiken, SC 29803.
• Services will be provided in the Community and in Patients' homes throughout Aiken and Barnwell Counties.

Job Purpose 

• Promote recovery of persons with mental illnesses via provision of peer support services and via advocacy and community education activities. Will guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with problems, challenges and crisis and management of illness. Teaches skills or strategies to patients and their families/support system to support recovery. With supervision, may intervene with crises.

Job Functions 

• Provides patient care hours annually, ensuring that patients are seen in accordance with LOC and that prior authorizations are completed prior to delivery of services. This includes individual and group services in a variety of settings. 
• Employee will provide individual and group peer support services.  
• Patient care hour requirement is outlined on the EPMS.
• Documents all services using collaborative documentation and in accordance with state, federal, and CARF guidelines.
• Complies with Corporate Compliance and Risk Management plans and ensures that services are listed on the POC prior to delivery.
• Completes required training, SCEIS training modules, and maintains PSS certification. This includes but is not limited to: DMH PSS meetings/trainings and clinical supervision meetings.
• Performs other related duties as requested by supervisor.
  
  
  

State Minimum Requirements:

• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience.

Agency (Facility) Requirements:

• Peer Support Certification within 3 months of hire in SC, one (1) year of demonstratable experience in recovery, participation in local/national consumer movement/groups; current or former consumer of mental health services.  

Note:  If any Agency/Internal Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position.Agency (Facility) Preferences: 

• Knowledge of an agency's mission, programs and objectives. 
• Must possess valid SC Driver’s License. 
• Will be required to obtain and maintain SC Peer Support Certification.
• Must have good computer skills and ability to work set schedule determined by the Center. 
• Knowledge of recovery. 
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing. 
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills. 
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas. 
• Knowledge of modern casework and counseling techniques. 
• Ability to actively look for ways to help people. 
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 
• Ability to drive a state vehicle. 
• Will require understanding and ability to engage individuals in suicide prevention.
• Employee is provided routine supervision by Program Coordinator. 
• Ongoing supervision is provided during scheduled supervision and treatment team meetings.
• Employee is expected to participate in State Peer Support meetings and trainings and in ABMHC trainings.
• Travel in Aiken and Barnwell counties required. 
• Ability to lift five (5) pounds. 
• Operate a state vehicle (as applicable to position). 
• Position is considered essential and may be called back during crises, disasters, or emergencies.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus. 

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex – including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
 
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
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

ABMHC invites you to share our vision and passion for serving others!!! 

• Take this opportunity to be part of a multi-disciplinary team that makes a difference in the lives of others. 
• Gain valuable on the job training, expertise and skills in evidence-based treatment, problem solving, communication and networking. 
• Be part of an innovative and diverse workforce of dedicated public mental health leaders. 
• Receive personalized coaching from a licensed and experienced clinician, with the opportunity for clinical supervision for licensure.  
• Opportunity for enhanced clinical training through conferences, consultation groups, and trainings on EBPs (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Substance Use Disorders, EMDR).

Salary : $27,510 - $50,905