Mental Health Professional I / Addiction Counselor - ACT Team (Columbia Area MHC)

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 Mental Health Professional I for the ACT Team 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 BHDD - Office of Mental Health, Columbia Area Mental Health Center, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program, 2715 Colonial Dr, Columbia, SC 29203. As the Mental Health Professional I, you will serve on the ACT team providing evidenced based services (safe, effective and measurable) to promote and support the recovery of persons with mental illness. Responsibilities for this Mental Health Professional I:

• Conduct comprehensive substance use assessments and assess and track beneficiary's stages of change readiness and stages of treatment.

• Ensure patients are seen in accordance with their needs and the team's treatment approaches are consistent with beneficiary's stages of change readiness.

• Facilitate access to 12 step groups and other community groups.

• Provide direct services to patients using cognitive behavioral approaches and relapse prevention and use outreach and motivational interviewing techniques in earlier stages of change readiness.

• Facilitate the person-centered planning process for beneficiaries assigned to them.

• Participate in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, and pursues professional development. Serve as a consultant and educator to ACT team members on the topic of integrated dual disorder treatment.

• Complete documentation according to QA/BHDD-OMH standards, Comply with Corporate Compliance Policy and Risk Management Plan, and ensure timely completion of prior authorizations.

• A Masters' degree in guidance, counseling or the social sciences or a related field.

• Licensed as a Licensed Addiction Counselor in SC or Master Addiction Counselor.

Additional Requirements:• In order to be credentialed for core services as a Mental Health Professional at the SC Office of Mental Health, applicants must provide evidence of clinical experience providing direct patient care. This experience may be documented as a practicum or internship during graduate program, or post-graduate clinical experience. Please be sure to provide specific clinical activities on your application and/or resume.

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

Post hire, employees must:

• Have practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of addictions and mental disorders.
• Have the ability to listen, understand and communicate information and ideas so that others will understand.
• Have knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, family and group psychotherapy.
• Be ability to identify and effectively utilize resources available in the community to accomplish objectives.
• Be ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families and representatives of other professional disciplines.
• Be able to lift 5 pounds and operate a state vehicle.
• Be able to work a flexible schedule.
• Be able to deliver services in the community and patient's home.
• Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification.

This position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies. 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.