Mental Health Professional / Diversion

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.

Job Purpose

• Under the 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 center 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 the Forensic Manager, in addition to other cases deemed appropriate through screening and consultation.

Job Function

•  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 relevant stakeholders regarding the forensic process and available pathways to treatment, supporting the least restrictive means of care. 
• Provides consultation to the jail and the MHC/ support case management for cases identified by the Forensic supervisor. 
• 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 may be 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 manager by providing patient education, individuals
  and group counseling related to either competency restoration or re-entry into the community.
• As assigned by 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 verifications necessary to establish a financial platform.
• Completes and maintains all required documentation and training, to include, but not limited to CBTp.
• Performs other duties as assigned which are consistent with the position and in compliance with agency policies and procedures. 
• Complies with Corporate Compliance Policy.
  
  
  

State Requirements:

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

Internal requirements: 

• A master's degree and professional experience in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences. 
• Two years of experience in clinical setting. 
• Must qualify for credentialing and privileging as a mental health professional and in accordance with Quality Assurance standards and with concurrence by DMH Office of Quality Management.

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

• Licensed in SC and experience in criminal justice/forensic setting.
• Practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and mental disorders.
• Ability to listen and understand and communicate information and ideas so that others will understand. 
• Knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, family and group psychotherapy.
• 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.
• Individual and clinical supervision will be provided by the supervisor and psychiatrist Employee's activities are governed by ABMHC and SCDMH policy and procedure.
• Must be able to operate a state vehicle.  
• Position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies. 
• Weekend and after-hours schedules will be rare but may be necessary. 
• In state travel will be required.
• 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.

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.
 
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
• 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 : $51,039 - $72,000