Mental Health Professional I (Lexington)

Mental Health Professional

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 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, Lexington County Community Mental Health Center, 301 Palmetto Park Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072.

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional to include but are not limited to:

• Provide clinical assessments, individual, family & group treatment, as well as crises intervention services for assigned patients utilizing a variety of therapeutic and best practice approaches, follow access to care guidelines, caseload limit recommendations, and continuity of care procedures. Provide clinical services in accordance with the Lexington County Community Mental Health Center (LCCMHC) Patient Care Hours with 843 hours annually of work time in provision of direct services.
• 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.
• Complete documentation according to QA/SCOMH 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 SCOMH and center policies and procedures.
• Observe, monitor and report patients' physical and behavioral conditions, including those who have diverse backgrounds, disabilities and co-occurring disorders, with consideration to age-specific interventions. Document pertinent information in the clinical record. Relay patient's therapeutic activities to treatment team.
• Assist patients with their personal needs, including bathing, dressing, ambulating and oral hygiene. Care for patients with disabilities and co-occurring disorders. Use appropriate body mechanics when stooping, bending, and lifting.

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

A master's degree in social work from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body for social work programs, or from a social work program whose standards are at least equivalent to the minimum standards required by the nationally recognized accrediting body approved by the Board.

Additional Requirements: 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Additional Comments:

• Use 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
• Know psychopathology, family dynamics, family and group psychotherapy
• Identify and effectively utilize resources available in the community to accomplish objectives
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families and representatives of other professional disciplines
• Present clear and comprehensive oral and written reports

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.