Counselor II / Patient Care Navigator - CCBHC (Spartanburg)

Patient Care Navigator / Counselor II

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 Patient Care Navigator / Counselor II 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, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center, 250 Dewey Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303. The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model is built on the requirement of care coordination, which is regarded as a core activity rather than a secondary service. As the Patient Care Navigator (Counselor II), you will develop and access resources within the community to assist the patients and family members to become self-sufficient. Work with patients from various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and complex medical and social barriers.

Responsibilities for the Patient Care Navigator / Counselor II:

• Integrated Wellness Screening: Conduct mandatory physical health and substance use screenings to ensure "whole-person" care. Assist patients in accessing Primary Health Care, Behavioral Health Care, and Substance Abuse Treatment as needed. Ensure that care is provided in an integrated model, culturally competent, and sensitive manner.
• System Navigation: Directly assist clients in overcoming transportation, housing, and financial barriers, ensuring they remain engaged in their treatment plans. Coordinate consultations and referrals internal and external.
• Crisis & Transition Management: Facilitate "warm handoffs" and follow-up care within 24 hours of discharge from hospitals or emergency departments - a key CCBHC quality metric. Track patient progress, program and health outcomes, and documents as required, and facilitate patient engagement and follow-up care as needed.
• Complete documentation according to QA/BHDD-OMH standards, compiles with local, state and federal Corporate Compliance laws and Risk Management Plans. Follow all BHDD-OMH and Center Safety Protocols. Complete training as required by BHDD-OMH and Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center.

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.
• Must qualify for credentialing and privileging in accordance with quality Assurance standards and with concurrence by BHDD-OMH Office of Quality Management.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Additional Comments

Post hire, employees must:

• Successfully complete the Basic Fundamentals course with a minimum grade of 75.
• Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification.
• Requires travel within the center's catchment area between clinic, primary care locations, hospitals, and other locations.
• Have the ability to work collaboratively with staff and community partners.
• Have knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origin.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills in order to effectively engage with diverse range of providers, agencies, and families.
• Have the ability to use logic and reasons to problem solve.
• Have the ability to develop and access resources within the community to assist the patient and family members to become self-sufficient.
• Have the ability to effectively manage time, organize and complete work assignments.
• Possess proficient writing skills and ability to thoroughly document and the ability to utilize telehealth platforms. Proficient with Microsoft Office and data entry.

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.