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 aCounselor II whois 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 Development Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center.Patient Care Navigator (Counselor II) will develop and access resources within the community to assist the patients and family members to become self -sufficient. Able to 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 Counselor II:
- Integrated Wellness Screening: Conduct mandatoryphysical 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 fromhospitals or emergency departments - a key CCBHC quality metric. Track patient progress, program and health outcomes, and documents as required, and facilitates patient engagement and follow-up care as needed.
- Complete documentation according to QA/SCDMH standards, complies with local, state and federal Corporate Compliance laws and Risk Management Plans. Follow all SCDMH and Center Safety Protocols. Complete training as required by SCDMH and Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center.
A bachelor's degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences and professional experience in human services or social services programs.
- Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
- At least (1) year experience working with SMI (Serious Mental Illness)
Post hire, employee must:
- Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification.
- Must qualify for credentialing and privileging in accordance with quality Assurance standards and with concurrence by DMH Office of Quality Management.
- Have the ability to work collaboratively with staff and community partners.
- Requires travel within the center's catchment area.
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 here 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 (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
- Retirement benefit choices*
*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.
