Mental Health Professional / School-Based Aiken & Barnwell County (Aiken)

Mental Health Professional I/School-Based Aiken & Barnwell County

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/School-Based Aiken & Barnwell County, 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, Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center, 1135 Gregg Highway, Aiken, SC 29801. This position provides school mental health counseling services as an embedded mental health professional in schools throughout Aiken and Barnwell Counties.

The Mental Health Professional I/School-Based Aiken & Barnwell County will provide evidence-based services (safe, effective, and measurable) to promote and support the recovery of persons with mental illness in the school setting. Assist in developing and implementing treatment plans. Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies towards achieving and maintaining good mental health. Position will primarily deliver services in designated schools; however, during school holidays and breaks services will be delivered in the community and clinic.

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional I/School-Based Aiken & Barnwell County include:

• Provide patient care hours as outlined on employee performance planning stage.
• Ensure patients are seen in accordance with their needs.
• Complete clinical documentation using collaborative documentation.
• Ensure patient functionality is measured by the DLA-20.
• Participate in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, pursue professional development, and demonstrate effective use of social and interpersonal knowledge and skills and demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities.
• Effectively utilize and maintain certification of evidence-based practices.
• Review caseload weekly for timely discharge, engagement, transition and follow-up.
• Complete documentation according to QA/OMH standards.
• Comply with Corporate Compliance Policy and Risk Management Plan and ensure timely completion of prior authorizations.

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 applicable position.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A Masters' degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences or a related field.
• Must be licensed or willing and able to become licensed as LMSW, LMFT, or LPC by the state of South Carolina within the first year of employment.
• Must qualify for credentialing and privileging as a mental health professional and in accordance with quality assurance standards and with concurrence by Office of Mental Health Quality Management.

• 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.
• Ability to lift 5 pounds and operate a state vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of post-graduate experience providing counseling/treatment.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments

Post hire, employees must:

• Have practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods, and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and mental disorders.
• Have the ability to listen and understand and communicate information and ideas so that others will understand.
• Have knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, family and group psychotherapy.
• Have the ability to identify and effectively utilize resources available in the community to accomplish objectives.
• Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families and representatives of other professional disciplines.
• Have the ability to present clear and comprehensive oral and written reports.
• Be provided routine scheduled supervision by supervisor and must participate in monthly consultation groups.
• Additional supervision will be provided by psychiatrist via interdisciplinary staffing meetings.
• Be subject to SCOMH/ABMHC policies/procedures.
• Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification.

This position is essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies. This position may serve schools in Aiken and Barnwell Counties.

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.
• 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.