Mental Health Professional I / School Based (Lexington District 1)

State of South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

place West Columbia, 29172

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Counseling, Other Behavioral, Mental, or Healthcare Field

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Internship, Full-Time, Supervision

local_atm $51,039 - $59,622 a year

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Paid Parental Leave, Retirement Plan, Other Benefits

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English, Spanish

Job Responsibilities

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 School-Based 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 will report to the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health (OMH), Lexington County Community Mental Health Center (LCCMHC), 305 Palmetto Park Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072. This position will be located in Lexington District 1 schools.

Under general supervision of the program supervisor, you will serve as an Mental Health Professional in which you will provide a full array of clinical services to patients referred to the School Mental Health program.

Responsibilities for the School-Based 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 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 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, and OMH and Center policies and procedures.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A master’s degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.
Must be licensed or eligible for licensure in SC and willing to work towards licensure in SC within the first six (6) months of employment

Additional Requirements:

Ability to lift 5 lbs.
Operate a state vehicle
Requires travel due to being a community-based position (schools and clinic for meetings)
Essential employee and may be called during crises/disasters/emergencies

In order to be credentialed for core services as a Mental Health Professional at the SC Office of Mental Health, applicants must provide evidence of clinical experience providing direct patient care. This experience may be documented as a practicum or internship during graduate program, or post-graduate clinical experience. Please be sure to provide specific clinical activities on your application and/or resume.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Additional Comments

Post hire, employee must:

Have practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral & mental disorders
Be able to listen and understand and communicate information and ideas so others will understand
Have knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, family and group psychotherapy
Identify and effectively utilize resources available in the community to accomplish objectives
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families and representatives of other professional disciplines
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.

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.