Client Advocate - Youth Peer - FOCUS (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 Client Advocate 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 limited supervision, provides leadership and supports the development, implementation, and evaluation activities of youth/young adult peer support. Implements program services and activities, including training, communication, and information dissemination. Effectively provides and coordinates services for youth/young adults throughout catchment area. Facilitates meetings and outreach/engagement efforts. Works collaboratively with program staff to achieve objectives and perform measures of grant initiatives. Responsibilities for the Client Advocate I:

• Work with the identified communities to implement YYA peer support services, youth leadership within agencies that serve young people, and youth leadership within the system of providers. Work with team to identify existing systems and services, gaps and needs related to youth/young adults in transition. Coordinate efforts to connect with local and state -level youth/young adult leadership efforts as well as youth/young adult MH advisory council.

• Work with youth/young adult engagement team to coordinate referral and transition process for admissions; coordinates interdisciplinary staffings with treatment/coordinated care providers. Identify and establish community contacts/resources for youth and young adults. Develop and maintains a resource data bank of these resources to assist YYA's meeting their needs and enhances service development and supports.

• Work with project local site partners to establish youth engagement and peer support developmental strategies as well as increasing youth voice within participating agencies and the system of care. Plan and implement workshops and activities that engage YYA and their families in their abilities to provide designed to enhance job performance.

• Participate in training opportunities to become trauma-informed and culturally competent as well as evidence-based practices designed to enhance job performance.

• Assist with the outreach and awareness building aspects of the project.

• Performs other related duties as required. Ability to travel throughout the Spartanburg, Union, and Cherokee catchment area, as directed.

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

• At least 18 years of age

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

• Demonstrate two (2) years of sustained recovery without relapse

• Completed 100 hours of supervised, paid or volunteer work providing peer support services to individuals diagnosed with MI, SU or co-occurring disorder.

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

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.
• Obtain and maintain Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Certification
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Have effective problem-solving skills and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of agency and community resources and ability to link individuals with resources.
• Ability to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibility for recovery.
• Ability to effectively advocate for patient needs.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with treatment team
• Ability to demonstrate sustained recovery.

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.