Mental Health Professional I - School Mental Health (Lexington District #1)

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 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 BHDD - Office of Mental Health, Lexington County Community Mental Health Center, 305 Palmetto Park Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072.  This position provides school mental health counseling services as an embedded mental health professional in Pleasant Hill Elementary Hill Elementary and Middle Schools.

• Provide clinical assessments, individual, family and group treatment, as well as crises 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 854 hours annually of work time in provision of direct patient services
• 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 crises in the assigned school
• Complete documentation according to QA/BHDD-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, and clinical trainings. Demonstrate adherence to CARF standards, and BHDD-OMH and Center policies and procedures

• A Masters’ degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences or a related field.
• Must be licensed or willing and able to become licensed as LMSW, LMFT, or LPC by the state of South Carolina within the first six (6) months of employment.

• In order to be credentialed for core services as a Mental Health Professional at the BHDD - Office of Mental Health, applicants must:
  • provide evidence of clinical experience providing direct patient care
    
  • have proof of document as a practicum or internship during graduate program, or post-graduate clinical experience
  • provide specific clinical activities on your application and/or resume
• Ability to lift 5lbs. and operate a state vehicle. 
• Position requires some additional travel due to being a community-based position (travel between schools and required meetings). 
• It is considered essential and may be called back in during crises/disasters/emergencies. 

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

• Have practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods, and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and mental disorders.
• Have the 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.
• Have the ability to identify and effectively utilize resources available in the community to accomplish objectives. 
• Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families and representatives of other professional disciplines. 
• Have the ability to present clear and comprehensive oral and written reports.
• Attend routine scheduled supervision by supervisor and must participate in monthly consultation groups.
• Attend supervision provided by psychiatrist via interdisciplinary staffing meetings.
• Be subject to BHDD/Center policies/procedures.
• 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