Client Advocate I / Peer Support Specialist (Beckman)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Client Advocate I who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's 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 with 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. The base location for this position is Greenwood, with provision of peer support services throughout Beckman's catchment area to aid in recovery of people with mental illness, substance use disorder (SUD), and /or co-occurring disorder. In this position, you will promote the recovery of persons with mental illnesses, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder via provision of peer support services. Responsibilities for the Client Advocate I:

• Provide individual and group services, to include mentoring, recovery coaching, peer-led groups, and navigation of social needs such as access to housing, food, etc. in varied locations / settings. Client Advocate must ensure, annually, that patients are receiving services in accordance with their correct level of care (LOC) and prior authorization (PA) is completed prior to delivery of services.

• Document all services using collaborative documentation in accordance with state, federal, and CARF regulations.

• Comply with corporate compliance and risk management plans.

• Complete required SCEIS training modules, maintain PSS Certification, participate in OMH PSS meetings/trainings, demonstrate effective use of social and interpersonal knowledge and skills via demonstration of appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities.

• Provide follow up contact to persons served to ensure continuity of care and promotion of recovery.

• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.

Additional Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Self - identify as a person with a diagnosed mental illness / substance use (MI/SU).

• Must demonstrate two (2) years of sustained recovery, without any relapse(s).

• Verifiable completion of 100-hours of supervised, paid, or voluntary work providing peer support services to individuals with MI, SU, or co-occurring disorder.

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Post hire, employees must:

• Obtain and maintain PSS Certification.
• Be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Apply policy to use problem solving skills and decision-making skills in aiding persons served.
• Act as an advocate and teach patients self-advocacy.
• Implement knowledge of agency and community resources to connect persons served as needed.
• Participate in center and state level peer support meetings and trainings.
• Have the ability to provide direct peer support services to patients in individual, community, and group settings.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours continuing education training, annually, of which at least 12-hours are face to face training.
• Demonstrate one's own state of recovery of MI/SU.
• Be able to lift 5lbs.
• Be able to operate a state vehicle.
• Understand that position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies.

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.