Counselor II / Mobile Crisis Call Center (Charleston)

Clinical Counselor

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 Clinical Counselor 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, 2125 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414. Under limited supervision of the team leader, you will exercise independent judgment and discretion to answering incoming crisis calls and provide telephonic crisis intervention services, screening and consultation in a culturally competent manner. You will also be of support to other call takers during the assigned shift.

Responsibilities for the Clinical Counselor:

• Screen, assess, triage, and provide telephonic crisis intervention/de-escalation to individuals in crisis. Identify concerns with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use and refer to the appropriate resource. Utilize assessment information and community resources to provide information and/or linkage and referral to services.
• Patch call to appropriate clinical staff in a timely manner based on geographic location and patient needs. Complete appropriate documentation in accordance with established policy, procedure, and QA guidelines of the agency.
• Shift leader for call center. Assist with guiding new and existing staff during assigned shifts. Troubleshoots issues/problem solves solutions to team issues. Provide guidance and resources to staff during shift. Act as a support to staff during shifts.
• Participate in assessment/community response staff meetings, individual supervision PRN, and daily call review.
• Comply with all applicable CDMHC/OMH policy, quality assurance, corporate compliance, and cultural competence policies, procedures, and regulations and all Federal and State laws as well as attend all training classified as mandatory by Federal and State regulations. Engage in additional trainings to maintain professional development.

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences and professional experience in human services or social services programs.
Additional Requirements
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. and maybe responsible for day and night shifts.
• This position is a 24-hour program.
• The employee is required to have a serviceable personal vehicle and a valid SC driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited program, university, or college in psychology, social work, counseling, marriage and family counseling, or other behavioral discipline deemed equivalent by SCOMH.

Additional Comments:

• Post hire, employees must: Have working knowledge of mental health principles and practices.
• Have experience working and/or education in the mental health field.
• Have good listening skills, good writing skills, and the ability to multitask.
• Have working knowledge of basic health and welfare services provided by other agencies in the community.
• Be able to screen, assess and consult with callers.
• Have experience in the crisis continuum of care a plus.

Available Shifts: 4:00 pm to 12:00 am Wednesday - Sunday

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.