COUNSELOR II Individual Placement Support (IPS) (Sumter- Santee-Wateree MHC)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in peoples lives Join our team at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD)where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking aCounselor IIwho is motivated to help individuals and families navigate lifes challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier more resilient community we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health Santee-Wateree MHC 801 N. Pike West Sumter SC 29153.

• Direct Employment Services - Deliver individualized community based supported employment services using the IPS model. Conduct rapid job search by initiating employer contact within 30 days of program entry for most clients consistent with IPS fidelity standards. Provide ongoing work based vocational assessment and updates plans based on new information. Ensure job search and job development activities are individualized and based on client preferences. Provide individualized unlimited time follow along supports based on client needs and preferences.
• Employer Engagement & Job Development - Conduct frequent face-to-face employer contacts to build relationships and identify competitive job opportunities meeting the fidelity expectation of six or more employer contacts per week. Use individualized preference-based approaches to employer engagement. Develop a diverse network of employers and job types to support client choice.
• Integration With Mental Health Treatment Team - Participate in weekly mental health treatment team meetings to integrate employment with clinical care consistent with fidelity expectations for team assignment and frequent contact. Shares client updates coordinates services and collaborates with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors as part of routine service delivery.
• Documentation Data and Compliance - Maintain accurate documentation in both the EHR and on-site records in accordance with agency policy and IPS fidelity expectations. Submit required IPS data for quality improvement and fidelity monitoring. Ensure adherence to agency Corporate Compliance policies and procedures.
• Training/Supervision/Professional Development- Pursue professional development through collegial consultation supervision continuing education training and certification. Travel throughout the catchment area as directed.

• A bachelors degree and relevant human services experience.

• Position requires frequent community travel including employer visits job coaching and outreach.
• Must be able to spend 5064% of work hours in the community.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required based on employer or client needs.
• Must possess a valid drivers license and reliable transportation.

• A bachelors or masters degree in Social Work Psychology Counseling Rehabilitation or related human services field
• Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disabilities
• Experience in vocational services job development or community based behavioral health
• Knowledge of evidence based supported employment specifically the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
• Knowledge of mental health symptoms functional impairments and recovery-oriented practices.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Post hire employees must demonstrate:

• Ability to engage employers conduct community-based job development and support individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary treatment teams and Vocational Rehabilitation counselors.
• Strong organizational communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain dual documentation (EHR and on-site records) and meet productivity expectations.
• Ability to work independently in the community manage a caseload and provide trauma informed strength-based services.
• Completion of MAPS training.

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.