MHP I-DDT (Deflection and Diversion Team)

Mental Health Professional I – DDT

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 Lexington County Community Mental Health Center (LCCMHC) located at 108 Palmetto Park Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072.

Responsibilities for this Mental Health Professional I-DDT position, includes but are not limited to:

1.   Completes competency pre-screening consolations 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 availing forensic admission and provide updates to the center director, forensic teams. Refer and advocates for services to support psychiatric and medical stability. As directed by the forensic supervisor, completes pre-restoration competency screenings or individuals on the waitlist who may have improved and may be competent. 

2.  Participate in weekly staffing meetings as assigned by the Forensic Manager and in at least monthly supervision with the center director. 

3. Supports implementation of medication over objection protocols through ongoing education of relevant parties. 

4.  May serve as MHP I in assisting in n 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, help 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.

5. Completes and maintains all required documentation and training, to include, but not limited to CBTP.

6. Performs other duties as assigned which are consistent with the position and in compliance with agency policies and procedures. 



Minimum and Additional Requirements 
State Minimum Requirements:        A Master's degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.
SCDMH-Lexington Requirements:   A Master's degree and professional experience in guidance counseling or the social services and two years of experience in clinical setting, preferred. 

If an Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position. Preferred Qualifications
-Prefer 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. 
- Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments:

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
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

LCCMHC 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, EMDR).

Salary : $51,039 - $72,134