This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Orangeburg Area Mental Health Center 2319 St. Matthews Road Orangeburg SC 29118.The Office of Mental Health's mission 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.As the Counselor II, working under general supervision, you will serve on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team which provides evidenced-based services in an intensive non-residential treatment and rehabilitative services in accordance with the fidelity model. This is a single fixed point of responsibility for treatment, rehabilitation, and support needs for patients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who require higher levels of community care and have not been well supported in lower level of care options.Responsibilities for the Counselor II (IPS / ACT Program):

Engage patients who receive services from the ACT Team and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated, community job settings. Complete a vocational assessment that is focused on the patient's strengths, preferences, and on-the-job assessments when appropriate. Conduct job development and job search activities directed toward the positions that are individualized and consistent with the needs and interests of clients on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of IPS and supported employment. Provide individualized, time unlimited follow along services to assist patients in sustaining employment.
Manage a caseload of up to 20 patients and maintain medical record documentation standards in accordance with all Center, QA, DMH, and CARF policies and procedures. Complete Collaborative Documentation with the patient and/or caregiver and commits to EMR immediately after the delivery of service whenever possible.
Provide benefits counseling directly as well as connects beneficiaries to experts for more extensive benefits counseling as needed.
Provide interventions, outreach and on the job site support to promote stability and ensure success. Provide consultative services to Employers which may include negotiating job accommodations.
Serve as a consultant and educator to fellow ACT team members on the topic of evidence-based supportive employment, which is the Individual Placement and Supports (IPS) model. Participate as an active member of the Clinical treatment team, engages in supervisory and administrative meetings.
Provide Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services (PRS) within the Individual Placement and Support Program.
Adhere to Corporate Compliance, Safety, Fire, CARF, HIPPA, and Cultural Competency policies and procedures.
Complete all annual required trainings to include Safety, MAPS, Cultural Affairs, and clinical trainings. Demonstrate adherence to CARF standards, and OMH and Center policies and Procedures.

A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.
At least 1 year experience working with adults with SMI and at least 6 months providing employment and educational supports.

Additional Requirements:

Ability to lift 50bs and operate a state vehicle. Position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies. Requires flexible schedule. Services are delivered in the community and patients' homes.

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

Post hire, employee must:

Qualify to render services applicable to position per credentialing and priviledging standards and with concurrence by OMH Office of Quality Management.
Have considerable knowledge of the techniques of interviewing, counseling and guidance.
Be able to establish rapport with the patients and establish and maintain effective working relationships with agencies, organizations and other community partners.
Have the ability to communicate effectively.

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.