Client Advocate I (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) 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 located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) – Office of Mental Health, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center (SAMHC), 250 Dewey Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303.

As the Client Advocate I, you will promote recovery of persons with mental illnesses, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder via provision of peer support services. Conduct proactive field community outreach to engage vulnerable, high-risk populations, including individuals transitioning back into treatment from psychiatric crisis facilities, local emergency rooms, or incarceration.

Responsibilities for the Client Advocate I:• Provide patient-care hours-annually ensuring that patients are seen in accordance with LOC and prior authorizations arc completed prior to delivery of services. This includes individual and group services in a variety of settings/locations. Peer support services include mentoring, recovery coaching, peer-led groups, and navigation for social needs (housing, food).

• Conduct proactive field community outreach to engage vulnerable, high-risk populations, including individuals transitioning back into treatment from psychiatric crisis facilities, local emergency rooms, or incarceration.

• Partner with clients to develop individualized, participant-owned recovery plans, reinforcing functional life skills and stabilizing independent living parameters. Collaborate with clients to formulate Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) and personalized harm-reduction plans to map out individual relapse triggers.

• Complete required training, SCEIS training modules, and maintains PSS Certification. Includes participation in OMH PSS meetings/trainings. Demonstrates effective use of social and interpcrsonal knowledge and skills and demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities.

• Document all services using collaborative documentation and in accordance with state, federal, and CARF guidelines. Comply with Corporate Compliance and Risk Management Plans.

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

Additional Comments• Poition is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies.

• Have ability to lift 5lbs and operate a state vehicle.

• May deliver services in center locations and community, Hours are 8:30am -5pm and some community events on the weekends.

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

Post hire, employee must:• Have ability to communicate orally and in writing; effective problem- solving skills and decision-making skills; will be required to obtain and maintain PSS Certification;

• Habe knowledge of agency and community resources and ability to link individuals with resources.
• Have ability to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibllity for recovery.
• Have ability to effectively advocate for patient needs.
• Have ability to effectively collaborate with treatment team.
• Have 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. 60013800