Mental Health Professional II - Forensic Outreach (Spartanburg)

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 Mental Health Professional 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 (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center, 250 Dewey Ave, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Under the supervision of mental health center staff and with training and direction from forensic services, the outpatient Forensic support MHP will work to support patients at high risk of repeated criminal justice involvement. Staff responsibility will include an entire BHDD region of the state.

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional II:• Follow and attempt to engage Forensic VIP patients at the center and/or in jail.

• Evaluate for emergency or judicial commitment; file commitment papers.

• Monitor all individuals awaiting forensic admission and provide updates to the center director and forensic director, to include notifying the appropriate parties when patient on a therapeutic bond does not show up for scheduled injection, notify the FES Consults email box when a VIP client is arrested.

• Assist OMH forensic staff in contacting defendants involved in the forensic evaluation process, to include assisting with scheduling virtual or in-person sessions at the center with offsite forensic staff.

• Support discharge and release planning in collaboration with the Office of Transition Programs, to include, but not limited to, assisting with obtaining identifying documents and other verifications necessary to establish a financial platform; obtaining signatures; identifying substitute decision makers as needed.

• Refer appropriate Forensic VIP patients to appropriate programming at the mental health center (e.g., ACT Teams, Navigate, Homeless Programs, etc.) and for treatment within the jail.

• Provide the appropriate evidence-based therapy (e.g., CBT-p) to treatment patients.

• A master's degree and professional experience in guidance, counseling or the social sciences and two (2) years of experience in clinical setting.

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

• Licensure

• Knowledge and experience in criminal justice setting.

• Experience with individual and group counseling.

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with patients and staff.

• Must have a SC Driver's License

Post hire, employees must: • Successfully complete the Basic Fundamentals course with a minimum grade of 75.

• Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification.

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.