Mental Health Professional I - Addictions Counselor - ACT Program (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 Mental Health Professional I - Addictions Counselor for the ACT program 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 Road Orangeburg SC 29118.

In this position, you will serve on the Assertive Community Treatment ( ACT) team providing evidenced based services in an intensive non-residential treatment and rehabilitative services in accordance with the fidelity model . This is a single fixed point of responsibility for treatment, rehabilitation, and support needs for patients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who require higher levels of community care and have not been well supported in lower level options.

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional I Addictions Counselor ACT Program:

• Conduct comprehensive substance use assessments and assesses and tracks 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 uses 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 pursue 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/SCDBHDD standards, Comply with Corporate Compliance Policy and Risk Management Plan, and ensure timely completion of prior authorizations.
• Complete all annual required trainings to include Safety, MAPS, Cultural Affairs, and clinical trainings. Demonstrate adherence to CARF standards, and Office of Mental Health and Center policies and Procedures.

For MHP Student Loan Repayment: This position MAY be eligible for SCOMH Student Loan Repayment to cover some of the cost of your outstanding loan(s) balance associated with the completion of a healthcare degree that is relevant to the appliable position.

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

• Must be licensed as a Licensed Addiction Counselor in SC or Master Addiction Counselor or have completed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (ADC) ASPC certification.

• A valid driver's license.

• Ability to lift 5 lbs. and operate a state vehicle. Position is considered essential and may be called back during crisis/disasters/emergencies. Position will be a part of the Assertive Community Team.

• Experience working with children and adults in a mental health setting.

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

Post Hire, Employee Must:

• Be able to deliver services in the community and patients' homes.
• Be able to work a flexible work schedule as position is considered essential and may be called back during crisis/disasters/emergencies.
• Have practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of addiction and mental disorders.
• Have knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, and family and group psychotherapy.
• Be able to identify and effectively utilize resources available in the community to accomplish objectives.
• Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families and representatives of other professional disciplines.

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.