Counselor Assistant / Peer Support Specialist – Roads of Independence (Pee Dee)

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) – Office of Mental Health, Pee Dee Mental Health Center, 125 East Cheves Street, Florence, SC 29506. This program is based out of the Florence location at 607 W. Evans Street, but will serve the entire four-county catchment area. This position will require flexible hours and occasional evenings and weekends.The Office of Mental Health’s mission is to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses. We provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina.
Under supervision of the Mental Health Professional, you will assure that all services rendered by a Peer Support Specialist are provided in accordance with the certification training standards established by the SCDBHDD and with accepted standards of clinical practice. Peer Support Services promote socialization, recovery, self-advocacy, self-help, and development of natural supports.Responsibilities for the Counselor Assistant include:

• Serve as an active member of the client’s treatment team. They will advocate for services requested by the client. They will cultivate the client’s ability to make informed, independent choices, to set goals, and assist the client in gaining information and support from the community. Transportation by peer support will be utilized in helping the client gain information and support from the community. A Peer Support Specialist will plan activities with the client that lead to improved self-concepts through empowerment and self-determination opportunities. Peer Support Specialist will teach and role model the importance of medication monitoring, clear communication with doctors and other caregivers, developing a WRAP plan, Psychiatric Advance Directive, and/or crisis plan to facilitate or avoid/shorten hospitalizations. They will assist the client with learning how to maintain stable housing and employment. Peer Support Specialists will provide support and encouragement to both the client and their family members, when it is the choice of the client to do so. Increased collaborations with community partners. Peer Support Services will increase membership of the Patient Advisory Board and sponsor various awareness/advocacy events. Coordinate and sponsor a minimum of nine (9) events to promote mental health awareness and advocacy. As needed, transportation by peer support staff, will be utilized to effectively assist clients in reaching these goals.

• Offer clients hope of recovery from mental illness by sharing their own recovery stories and by teaching clients how to tell their own recovery stories effectively. They will use their unique recovery experience to model the value of every individual’s recovery experience and to teach effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.

• With assistance from a supervising Mental Health Professional, will document the following on the client’s treatment plan:

• Identified, person-centered strengths, needs, abilities, and recovery goals

• Interventions to assist the consumer with reaching their goals for recovery.

• Progress made towards goals.

• Will maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the areas of mental health through relevant materials and through continuing education when offered by the Office of Human Affairs and SCDBHDD.

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent and be able to self-identify as a person who has or is receiving mental health services as a youth with lived experience and is prepared to use that experience in helping other youth with mental health conditions.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to life five (5) pounds.

• Ability to operate a state vehicle.

• Can demonstrate one year of volunteer service and/or experience with other youth-serving organizations (child welfare, juvenile justice, foster care, education, etc.)

• Be able to meet OMH credentialing requirements.

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

• Between the age of 18-30.

Post Hire, Employee Must:

• Be to provide structured engagement activities for active participation in treatment services.
• Be able to help youth navigate servicers and support that reflect their needs and preferences.
• Be able to coordinate outreach and community events for youth and young adults.
• Be able to strategically share personal stories to promote hope and recovery.
• Be able to serve as a bridge between service providers and practitioners to reduce identifiable behavioral and physical risks.
• Be able to participate in coaching interventions to promote recovery, self-advocacy, socialization, and health lifestyles for successful transition to adulthood.
• Be able to participate in and advocate for policy and system change initiatives.
• Be able to help young people gain information, skills, and connection to community resources.
• Be able to promote positive messaging that support youth voice.
• Be eligible to complete Certified Peer Specialist approved curriculum and ongoing training.
• Be able to manage time well, follow directions, and work independently.

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