Mental Health Professional I – Jail Based Restoration (Forensics)

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 applyThis position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) – Office of Mental Health Crafts-Farrow, 7901 Farrow Rd, Columbia, SC 29203.
As the Mental Health Professional I, working under the supervision of the Psychologist II, this position will facilitate direct Competency Restoration programming (i.e., CBT-Psychosis) and Court Education or adjunctive psychosocial programming as necessary for those deemed incompetent to stand trial due to mental illness or defect. Treatment may occur in multiple settings, including within jail based or outpatient restoration sites, depending upon needs.Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional I:

• Serve as MHP I, assisting in the provision of competency restoration treatment services across multiple sites. Collaboratively prepare, facilitate, and organize individual and/or group therapy. Provide patient education, individual and group counseling related to either competency restoration or re-entry into the community.
• Complete competency pre-screening consultations with attorneys, as assigned. Work collaboratively with the legal office, Forensics, and the community mental health centers to develop diversion recommendations where appropriate. Provide education to all relevant stakeholders regarding the forensic process and available

pathways to treatment, supporting the least restrictive means of care. * Responsible for documentation in the Electronic Health Record progress notes and treatment goals/objectives and interventions on Master Treatment Plan. Perform documentation of progress notes within twenty-four hours for individual and/or group sessions noting patients’ progress towards meeting treatment plangoals/objectives. Progress notes are professionally documented with accurate punctuation and grammar * Assist with the program/curriculum development for the competency restoration population. Review restoration referrals and makes appropriate treatment recommendations.

• Maintain necessary data tracking, including daily group attendance log of patients attending group for statistical inventory and other related reports
• Will attend core competency training (MAPS, CPR) as scheduled and complete assigned Pathlore trainings on-line in required time frame and complete all other required trainings as identified. Participate in morning report meeting, staff meetings, facility meetings as identified by Program Manager and participate in staff

program meetings to discuss information and enhance effective service coordination and planning * Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor, which are consistent with the position and in compliance with agency policies and procedures

• A Master’s degree and professional experience in guidance, counseling or the social sciences and two years of experience in clinical setting.

Additional RequirementsMust be able to bend, stoop, lift up to 25 pounds or more in an emergency situation, climb stairs and the ability to move freely throughout the entire facility.Must have computer skills sufficient for complete essential job duties.Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.Post hire, employees must have:

• Knowledge and experience in psychosocial rehabilitation and forensic setting.
• Experience with group counseling.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

The selected candidate must be able to work weekends and hazardous weather coverage.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

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

• Retirement benefit choices *

• State Retirement Plan

• State Optional Retirement Program

*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.

State of South Carolina