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

Salary: $51,039.00 - $72,000.00 Annually
Location : Aiken County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 188146
Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division: Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center
Opening Date: 05/06/2026
Closing Date: 6/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: GA55
Position Number:: 60030002
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Monday - Friday (7:30-4:00)
Pay Grade: GEN08
Hiring Range - Min.: $51,039.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $72,000.00
Opening Date: 05/06/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education using verifiable dates.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
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 appliable 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.

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.
• 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. Click 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
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

*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.

60030002, 60014798, 60026057, 60006117, 60005687, 60029634
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


Have you ever been employed by the SC Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities - Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health)?

• Yes
• No

02


If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense (other than in a Juvenile Court), you MUST list this information (unless you have taken steps to expunge your record.) This includes fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. *Please note that conviction of a criminal offense does not bar you from employment in all cases; each conviction is evaluated individually. However, failure to list convictions is considered falsification of the application and WILL BE grounds for termination, if hired. It is your responsibility to know what is on your criminal record. If you have charges on your record that appear without a court disposition (result) you may be asked to provide that information if selected for employment. If you have questions, please inquire before you complete your application.PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ANSWERING THIS QUESTION WILL DEEM YOUR APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE AND IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.Please indicate your understanding to this statement by checking the box below.

• Checking this box indicates my understanding to the above referenced statement.

03


Did you graduate with at least a Master's degree in social work, counseling, guidance, or the social sciences from an accredited university or college?

• Yes
• No

04


Please select all of the courses that you completed in graduate school.

• Ethics
• Psychopathology
• Psychodiagnostics
• Assessment
• None of the above courses have been completed.

05


Do you have direct patient care experience in a clinical setting, either post-Masters or during your graduate program (i.e., internship or practicum)? If so, please be sure that it is listed in your application and/or resume.

• Yes
• No

06


How many years of post-graduate clinical experience do you possess?
07


What evidence-based practice are you proficient in using?
08


Do you have a license - LISW-CP, LISW, LMSW, LPC, etc.? If so, what state are you licensed in and how long have you been licensed?
09


Are you eligible for licensure?

• Yes
• No

10


If you are not currently licensed, have you completed all coursework required for the licensure according to SC LLR?

• Yes
• No

11


If you are not currently licensed, have you taken and passed the licensure exam? If not, when do you plan to take the exam?
12


Have you ever been denied a professional license, or had a professional license revoked or limited by, and/or had any discipline or sanction imposed on you or your practice by a professional licensing board or body? If yes, provide a statement explaining the facts, name of the professional licensing board or body, any action taken by that board or body, and your current status with that board or body.
13


If you answered Yes to the question above, please provide a statement explaining the facts, name of the professional licensing board or body, any action taken by that board or body, and your current status with that board or body.
14


If you are licensed in another state have you consulted with the South Carolina Labor and Licensing Board to see if you are eligible for licensure in South Carolina? Please specify current state licensed in.
15


Please indicate your salary requirements (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open").
Required Question