Hair Care Specialist (WSHPI)

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 Hair Care Specialist 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, Greater Bryan/William S. Hall.

As the Hair Care Specialist, working under limited supervision, you will perform skilled cosmetology duties in a shop or on a unit.

Responsibilities for the Hair Care Specialist:• Shampoo, cut, curl or perm resident's hair in shop, or on a unit, including wheelchair and bed residents. Stay productively occupied except when on break and during lunch period.

• Establish and maintain a helpful, therapeutic/working relationship with staff and residents. Confer with nursing personnel concerning changes in resident's behavior, progress, and other observations. Reports unusual observations involving residents and staff to person in charge and/or supervisor.

• Keep shop clean and orderly. Clean and sterilize tools and equipment, utilize measures to safeguard against and prevent the spread of diseases by hand washing and cleaning equipment between residents. Observe infection control as well as safety rules and regulations.

• Order and maintain adequate supplies and ensure that equipment is in good, working order.

• Teach and assist residents in personal grooming. Respond promptly to special request for services.

• Graduation from an approved barber or cosmetology course and experience as a barber or cosmetologist.

• High school graduate.

• Licensed as a cosmetologist or master barber by the state of South Carolina.

• Two years of experience as a licensed practitioner.

Additional Requirements Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to stand, walk, reach, pull, push, stoop, bend and climb at least two (2) or three (3) flights of stairs. Ability to tolerate noise level and circulate in patient areas for long periods. Must be able to work with repetitive, unusual patient behaviors.• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Post hire, employees must: • Have knowledge of principles, techniques and standards of cosmetology and/or barbering.

• Have working knowledge of sanitary precautions necessary in barber and beauty shops and on the units.
• Be able to work cooperatively with staff and residents.

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.