Mental Health Professional I (Forensics)

Salary: $51,039.00 - $59,622.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 188456
Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division: Greater Bryan Psychiatric Hospital
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Closing Date: 6/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: GA55
Position Number:: 60029349
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Pay Grade: GEN08
Hiring Range - Min.: $51,039.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $59,622.00
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
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 - Forensics 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- Forensics, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

As the Mental Health Professional I, under the supervision of the MHP II and/or Program Coordinator Forensics Clinical Treatment Services, this position is responsible for the daily facilitation of evidence informed psychosocial and education groups within a Forensic Psychological Rehabilitation Treatment Mall and Forensics Units serving adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses and is responsible for implementation of services and interventions as identified as multidiscipline plan of care.


Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional - Forensics include:

• Assist program manager and Program Coordinator in planning, organizing, and coordinating evidence informed Psychosocial rehabilitation and educational groups for Forensics patients participating in Forensic Clinical Treatment Services, programming, and assigning unit programming groups daily as scheduled, and adequate materials and supplies as needed for group function.
• Responsible for documentation in the Electronic Health Record progress notes and treatment goals/objectives and interventions on master treatment plan. Document progress notes within 24 hours for individual and or group sessions, noting patients progress towards meeting treatment plan goals and objectives. Progress notes are professionally documented with accurate punctuation and grammar.
• Participate in the development of treatment plans by identifying measurable goals, objectives and interventions to meet patients' recovery and treatment needs. Communicate with treatment team as needed to discuss the patients' progress and/or needs. Complete Needs Assessment for patients to participate in unity groups and Forensics Clinical Treatment Services Groups.
• Maintain a daily group attendance log of patients attending group for statistical inventory and other related reports.
• Will attend core competency training (MAPS, CPR) as scheduled and complete assigned Pathlore trainings on-line in required time frame and complete all other required trainings as identified. Participate in morning report meetings, facility meetings as identified by Program Manager and participate in staff program meetings to discuss information and enhance effective service coordination and planning.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A Master's degree and professional experience in guidance counseling or the social sciences and two years of experience in clinical setting; or a Bachelor's degree in a related field and (3) years' experience in the corresponding field of therapy.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a current and valid SC Driver's License.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs. in an emergency situation, climb stairs and the ability to move freely throughout the entire facility.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Additional Comments

Post hire, employees must:

• Have computer skills sufficient for the complete essential job duties.
• Be able to use good clinical judgement and have critical writing skills.

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.
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 a Master's degree and have professional experience in guidance counseling or the social sciences and two years of experience in clinical setting; or a Bachelor's degree in a related field and (3) years' experience in the corresponding field of therapy?

• Yes
• No

04


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