Mental Health Professional I - Highway to Hope & Diversion

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health Beckman Center for Mental Health Services 1547 Parkway Greenwood SC 29646. This position is based at the Greenwood Mental Health Clinic with services being provided throughout the centers catchment area.

The Office of Mental Healths mission is 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.

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional I:

• Complete competency pre-screening consultations with attorneys as assigned. Work collaboratively with the legal office Forensics and the community mental health centers to develop diversion recommendations where appropriate. Provide education to all relevant stakeholders regarding the forensic process and available pathways to treatment supporting the least restrictive means of care. Provide consultation to the jail and the MHC/ support case management for cases identified by the Forensic supervisor. Monitor all individuals awaiting forensic admission and provide updates to the center director forensic and legal teams. Refer and advocate for services to support psychiatric and medical stability. As directed by forensic supervisor complete pre-restoration competency screenings on individuals on the waitlist who may have improved and may be competent.
• Provide quality evidence based person centered care including assessment Individual therapy and family therapy sessions in the community or in the highway RV
• Support implementation of medication over objection protocols through ongoing education of relevant parties.
• Attend treatment team meetings regarding treatment of rural Highway to hope patients. Demonstrate recognition of importance of teamwork within the Center and Community.
• 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 supervisor 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
• Complete and maintains all required documentation and training to include but not limited to CBTp.

• A masters degree in guidance counseling the social sciences or a related field.

Additional Requirements

• Professional experience in guidance counseling or the social sciences.
• A valid and current SC Drivers License

• Two years of experience in clinical setting
• Knowledge and/or experience in criminal justice/forensic setting
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

In order to be credentialed for core services as a Mental Health Professional at the SC Office 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.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation) national origin age (40 or older) disability or genetic information.

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. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health dental vision long-term disability and life insurance for employees spouse and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.