What are the responsibilities and job description for the Client Advocate I (Spartanburg) position at State of South Carolina?
Job Responsibilities
Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Client Advocate I, 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 (BHDD) – Office of Mental Health, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center (SAMHC), 250 Dewey Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303.
As the Client Advocate I, you will promote recovery of persons with mental illnesses, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder via provision of peer support services. Conduct proactive field community outreach to engage vulnerable, high-risk populations, including individuals transitioning back into treatment from psychiatric crisis facilities, local emergency rooms, or incarceration.
Responsibilities For The Client Advocate I
Post Hire, Employee Must
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:
Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Client Advocate I, 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 (BHDD) – Office of Mental Health, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center (SAMHC), 250 Dewey Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303.
As the Client Advocate I, you will promote recovery of persons with mental illnesses, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder via provision of peer support services. Conduct proactive field community outreach to engage vulnerable, high-risk populations, including individuals transitioning back into treatment from psychiatric crisis facilities, local emergency rooms, or incarceration.
Responsibilities For The Client Advocate I
- Provide patient-care hours-annually ensuring that patients are seen in accordance with LOC and prior authorizations arc completed prior to delivery of services. This includes individual and group services in a variety of settings/locations. Peer support services include mentoring, recovery coaching, peer-led groups, and navigation for social needs (housing, food).
- Conduct proactive field community outreach to engage vulnerable, high-risk populations, including individuals transitioning back into treatment from psychiatric crisis facilities, local emergency rooms, or incarceration.
- Partner with clients to develop individualized, participant-owned recovery plans, reinforcing functional life skills and stabilizing independent living parameters. Collaborate with clients to formulate Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) and personalized harm-reduction plans to map out individual relapse triggers.
- Complete required training, SCEIS training modules, and maintains PSS Certification. Includes participation in OMH PSS meetings/trainings. Demonstrates effective use of social and interpcrsonal knowledge and skills and demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities.
- Document all services using collaborative documentation and in accordance with state, federal, and CARF guidelines. Comply with Corporate Compliance and Risk Management Plans.
- A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.
- Poition is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies.
- Have ability to lift 5lbs and operate a state vehicle.
- May deliver services in center locations and community, Hours are 8:30am -5pm and some community events on the weekends.
- Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
Post Hire, Employee Must
- Have ability to communicate orally and in writing; effective problem- solving skills and decision-making skills; will be required to obtain and maintain PSS Certification;
- Habe knowledge of agency and community resources and ability to link individuals with resources.
- Have ability to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibllity for recovery.
- Have ability to effectively advocate for patient needs.
- Have ability to effectively collaborate with treatment team.
- Have ability to demonstrate sustained recovery.
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 *
- 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.
- Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health)
- Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) (formerly SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs)
- Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) (formerly SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services)
- Does Not Apply
- Checking this box indicates my understanding to the above referenced statement.
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
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.
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Please check the box(es) if you have ever been employed by the following Offices of SC Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
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.
Do you have a high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience? A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.
Do you have a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Certification?
Please indicate your salary requirement (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open").