Mental Health Professional

Mental Health Professional IAre 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 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 Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital/WSHPI C&A, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia SC 29203.As the Mental Health Professional I, working under the general supervision of the Counselor III, you will provide psychoeducational and therapeutic services to children and adolescent psychiatric inpatient population between the ages of 4 - 17 years old. Document services provided in the Electronic Health Record in compliance with the OMH and BPH/Hall Child & Adolescent Division policies and procedures. Provide services on days, evenings, weekends, and holiday shift, as well as during hazardous weather conditions.Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional I:Provide active treatment by conducting psychoeducational and therapeutic groups as assigned to patients to assist in developing improved coping and social skills and ability to appropriately express emotions, problem solving, and conflict resolution, etc.Provides de-escalation and crisis counseling interventions to patients utilizing appropriate evidence-based techniques.Document individual and crisis interventions with patient and effectiveness of any identified interventions. Document progress, lack of progress, participation and lack of participation in psychoeducation groups. Ensure documentation of all related services provided are in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and is in compliance with documentation standards as well as in compliance with OMH and BPH/Hall Child & Adolescent policies and procedures.Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as assigned.Complete all 24-hour follow-up phone calls (Zero Suicide Initiative) to all patients within established time frames and complete documentation in AVATAR. Mail caring contact cards for identified patients with a list of resources and important contact numbers with completed documentation in AVATAR.Complete and maintain compliance for all mandatory trainings including but not limited to: MANDT, CPT, PPD, Corporate Compliance and other assigned online training.Additional Requirements:Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to stand, walk, reach, pull, push, stoop, and bend.Ability to build therapeutic alliance with patients and work with diverse patients.Be flexible and willing to work with all genders and populations at BPH Civil, Child & Adolescent, and Forensics.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 RequirementsA master's degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.Preferred QualificationsA master's degree in psychology or counseling from an accredited program and experience working with children and/or adolescents with psychiatric and behavioral issues.Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.Additional CommentsPost hire, employee must:Be able to engage in active listening with patientsHave the ability to tolerate noise level and circulate in patient areas for long periods of time.Have knowledge of psychopathology and de-escalation techniques as well as crisis and group counseling.Have the ability to relate well to acutely and behaviorally challenged patients in a hospital setting.Be able to work collaboratively with members of other professional disciplines.Be able to demonstrate appropriate and professional boundaries with patients and staff.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 year15 days sick leave per year13 paid holidaysPaid Parental LeaveS.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.