Client Advocate I / Peer Support Specialist (Orangeburg)

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 located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Orangeburg Area Mental Health Center,2319 St Matthews Rd NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115.

As the Client Advocate I, you will Interview and investigate clients, their families and agency staff to determine if client’s needs and human rights are met in a residential facility or community program of a state agency. Conduct investigations and prepare recommendations on individual problems for a program/facility. Assists clients in gaining information and support from the community as clients transition to independent living.

Responsibilities for the Client Advocate I:• Provide patient care hours annually to ensure patients are seen in accordance with level of care prior to delivery of services.

• Provide mentoring and recovery coaching, peer-led groups, and navigation for social needs (e.g. housing, food).

• Document all services using collaborative documentation with state, federal, and CARF guidelines.

• Provide follow-up contacts to persons served in program to ensure continuity of care and promotion of recovery.

• Collect data from patients and family members regarding their thoughts surrounding their mental health treatment.

• Support community initiatives that focus on promoting services and reducing stigma.

• Participate in weekly treatment team meetings to gather and share information and offer insight.

• Ability to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibility for 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 Comments• Must be at least 18 years of age, self-identify as a person diagnosed with mental illness/substance use (MI/SU).

• Demonstrate 2 years of sustained recovery without relapse.

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

• Must be able to lift 5 lbs. and operate a state vehicle.

• This position is considered essential and may be called back during crisis/disaster/emergencies.

• May deliver services in center locations and community.

• Must complete a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education training annually of which at least 12 hours are face to face training.

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

Post hire, employee must:• Required to obtain and maintain (Peer Support Specialist) PSS Certification.