Counselor II - ACT (Spartanburg)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Counselor II 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 located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) – Office of Mental Health, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center (SAMH), 250 Dewey Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Under general supervision, serve on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team who provides evidenced based services in an intensive non-residential treatment and rehabilitative service in accordance with the fidelity model. This is a single fixed point of responsibility for treatment, rehabilitation, and support needs for patients with Serious Mental Health Illness (SMI) who require higher levels of community care and have not been well supported in lower level of care options.

Responsibilities for the Counselor II:

• Engage patients who receive services from the ACT Team and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated, community job settings. Complete a vocational assessment that is focused on the patients’ strengths. Preferences, and on-the-job assessments when appropriate. Conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized and consistent with the needs and interests of clients on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of IPS and supported employment. Provide individualized, time unlimited follow along services to assist patients in sustaining employment.

• Manage a caseload of up to 20 patients and maintain medical record documentation standards in accordance with all Center, QA, DMH, and CARF policies and procedures. Complete Collaborative Documentation with the patient and/or caregiver and commit to EMR immediately after the delivery of service wherever possible.

• Provide benefits counseling directly as well as connect beneficiaries to experts for more extensive benefits counseling as needed.

• Provide interventions, outreach and on the job site support to promote stability and ensure success. Provide consultative services to Employers which may include negotiating job accommodation.

• Serve as a consultant and educator to fellow ACT team members on the topic of evidence – based supportive employment, which is the Individual Placement and Supports (IPS) model. Participate as an active member of the Clinical treatment, engages in supervisory and administrative meetings.

• Provide Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services (PRS) within the Individual Placement and Support Program.

• Adhere to Corporate Compliance, Safety, Fire, CARF, HIPPA, and Cultural Competency policies and procedures.

• A bachelor's degree in guidance, counseling or the social sciences and professional experience in human services or social services programs.

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

• At least one (1) year of experience working with adults with SMI and at least six (6) months providing employment and educational support.

Post hire, employees must: • Most qualify to render services applicable to position per credentialing and privileging standards and with concurrence by BHDD Office of Quality Management.

• Considerable knowledge of the techniques of interviewing, counseling and guidance.
• Ability to establish rapport with the patients.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agencies, organizations and other community partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Successfully complete the Basic Fundamentals course with a minimum grade of 75.

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.

60006230