Mental Health Professional I - School Based (Lexington School District 5)

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, 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 (OMH), Lexington County Community Mental Health Center, 301 Palmetto Park Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072. This position provides school mental health counseling services as an embedded mental health professional in Irmo Elementary School, Crossroads Intermediate, and Leaphart Elementary School. 

As the Mental Health Professional, working under general supervision of the program supervisor, you will be a therapist providing a full array of clinical services to patients referred to the School Mental Health program. 

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional I:

• Provide clinical assessments, individual, family & group treatment, as well as crisis intervention services for assigned patients utilizing a variety of therapeutic and best practice approaches, following access to care guidelines, caseload limit recommendations, and continuity of care procedures. Provide clinical services in accordance with the LCCMHC Patient Care Hours Policy with 803 hours annually of work time in provision of direct service. 
• Participate in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, pursue professional development, and demonstrate effective use of social and interpersonal knowledge and skills and demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities. Effectively utilize and maintain certification of evidence-based practices. 
• Provide consultation and training on mental health issues to our community partners (schools) on an as needed basis. Respond to non-patient mental health crisis in the assigned school.
• Complete documentation according to QA/OMH standards, comply with Corporate Compliance Policy and Risk Management Plan, and ensure timely completion of prior authorizations. 
• Complete all annual required trainings to include Safety, MAPS, Cultural Affairs, and clinical trainings. Demonstrate adherence to CARF standards, OMH and Center policies and Procedures.

• A master's degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences.

Additional Requirements

• Must be licensed or eligible for licensure in SC and willing to work towards licensure in SC within first six months of employment. 
• Ability to lift 5lbs and operate a state vehicle. 

• 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
• Ability to listen and understand and communicate information and ideas so that others will understand
•  Knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, family and group psychotherapy. Ability to identify and effectively utilize resources available in the community to accomplish objectives
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families and representatives of other professional disciplines
• Ability to present clear and comprehensive oral and written reports

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.

Position requires some additional travel due to being a community-based position (travel between schools and clinic for required meetings). Position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies. 

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