Client Advocate I / NAVIGATE - New Directions (Charleston)

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/Peer Support 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, Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center, 2100 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston SC 29414. Responsibilities Position is supervised by a MHP who assures that all services rendered by the Peer Support Specialist are provided in accordance with the certification training standards established by the SCDHDD and with accepted practices of clinical practice. Peer Support Specialist will serve an active member of the NAVIGATE & New Directions treatment team; advocate for services requested by the patient, cultivate the patient’s ability to make informed, independent choices, set goals, and assist the patient in gaining information and support from the community. PSS will plan activities with the patients that lead to improved self‑concepts through empowerment and self‑determination opportunities; teach and role‑model the importance of medication monitoring, clear communication with doctors and other caregivers, developing a WRAP plan, Psychiatric Advance Directive, and/or crisis plan to facilitate or avoid/shorten hospitalizations. PSS will assist the patient with learning how to maintain stable housing and employment, and provide support and encouragement to both the patient and his/her family members when requested. PSS will offer patients hope of recovery from mental illness by sharing his/her own recovery stories and teaching patients how to tell their own recovery stories effectively. Using a unique recovery experience, PSS will model the values of every individual's recovery experience and teach effective coping techniques and self‑help strategies. With assistance from a supervising MHP, the Peer Support Specialist will document the following: identified, person‑centered strengths, needs, abilities and recovery goals; intentions to assist the patient with reaching his/her goals for recovery; progress made toward goals. Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in mental health through relevant materials and continuing education offered by the Office of Human Affairs and SCBHDD. Comply with all BHDD/CDMHC policies and protocols, applicable QI, corporate compliance, cultural competency and CARF policies and procedures, and federal‑state rules and regulations; attend all trainings classified mandatory by federal and state regulations. Additional Requirements A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience. The employee must have a serviceable personal vehicle and a valid SC driver’s license. The position requires the ability to bend, stoop, climb, drive from location to location, and lift up to 5 pounds. Post‑hire, employees must complete and pass peer support state certification; training will be approved and sponsored by BHDD, and continuing education programs required by the Office of Consumer Affairs and the local mental health center. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. Benefits Health, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. 15 days annual vacation leave per year. 15 days sick leave per year. 13 paid holidays. Paid parental leave. S.C. Deferred Compensation Program. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of South Carolina