Mental Health Professional I / Highway to Hope (Aiken)

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 / Highway to Hope (Aiken) 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, Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center, 1135 Gregg Highway, Aiken, SC 29801.  Position will be delivering services as part of the Highway to Hope Mobile Mental Health RV Program.  This position is community based. Services will be delivered in the RV in both Aiken and Barnwell Counties.

As a Mental Health Professional, I/Highway to Hope (Aiken) you will provide an array of evidence-based services (safe, effective, measurable) to support the recovery of individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Assist in developing and implementing treatment plans and guides the patient in the development of skills/strategies towards achieving and maintaining good mental health. Services will be provided in the community as part of the Highway to Hope Mobile Mental Health Unit.

• Maintain a bill-time rate of 780 hours annually ensuring patients are seen in accordance with their needs.
• Complete clinical documentation using collaborative documentation and according to QA/OMH Standards. Prior Authorization will be completed as required prior to delivery of services.
• Review caseload weekly for timely discharge, engagement, transition and follow up.
• Participate in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, and pursues professional development (license/training).
• Coordinate with RV administrative specialist to oversee the Highway to Hope Program.
• Compile with Corporate Compliance Policy and Risk Management Plan.
  Perform other duties as needed.

This position MAY be eligible for SCOMH Student Loan Repayment to cover some of the cost of your outstanding loan(s) balance associated with the completion of a healthcare degree that is relevant to the appliable position.

• A Masters’ degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences or a related field.
• Must qualify for credentialing and privileging as a mental health professional and in accordance with quality assurance standards and with concurrence by Office of Mental Health Quality Management.  
• Candidate must be licensed; or license eligible by the state of South Carolina and willing to pursue license in the first 6 months of employment.

• In order to be credentialed for core services as a Mental Health Professional at the SC Office of Mental Health, applicants must provide evidence of clinical experience providing direct patient care. This experience may be documented as a practicum or internship during graduate program, or post-graduate clinical experience. Please be sure to provide specific clinical activities on your application and/or resume.
• Ability to lift 5 pounds and operate a state vehicle. 

• One (1) year of post-graduate experience delivering mental health services
• Licensed or working to obtain licensure in SC within six (6) months of hire date.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus. 

Post hire, employees must: 

• Have practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods, and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and mental disorders.
• Have ability to listen and understand and effectively communicate information and ideas so that others will understand. 
• Have knowledge of psychopathology and psychodiagnostics and patient management within a psychiatric setting. 
• Have some knowledge of basic community resources provided by other public and private agencies. 
• Have ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families, and groups.
• Have ability to listen and understand and communicate information and ideas so that others will understand. 
• Have knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, family, and group psychotherapy.
• Be able to attend Supervision, which may vary from direct to general observation and guidance.
• Follow ABMHC/OMH policies and procedures.
• Be able to attend Supervision which may be provided as part of treatment team meetings.
• Have ability to operate a state vehicle to include the mobile RV.
• Have ability to lift 5 pounds. 
• Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification. 

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 *
  • 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.

Salary : $51,039 - $59,622