Mental Health Professional I / Deflection and Diversion Team

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.

• 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.

• 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 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 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, individual 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

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

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 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

 An attached academic transcript is preferred for credentialing purposes, as you will be asked to provide a transcript if interviewed, however it is not required and will not prevent you from being considered for this position if not immediately provided.
 
In order to be credentialed for core services as a Mental Health Professional at the SC Department of Mental Health, applicants must provide evidence of clinical experience providing direct patient care. This experience may be documented as a practicum or internship during graduate program, or post-graduate clinical experience. Please be sure to provide specific clinical activities on your application and/or resume.

Salary : $38,985 - $72,134