Client Advocate I / Peer Support Specialist (Orangeburg)

Job Responsibilities 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 Client Advocate 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 SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Orangeburg Area Mental Health Center,2319 St Matthews Rd NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115. As the Client Advocate I , you will Interview and investigate clients, their families and agency staff to determine if client’s needs and human rights are met in a residential facility or community program of a state agency. Conduct investigations and prepare recommendations on individual problems for a program/facility. Assists clients in gaining information and support from the community as clients transition to independent living.

Responsibilities

For The Client Advocate I Provide patient care hours annually to ensure patients are seen in accordance with level of care prior to delivery of services. Provide mentoring and recovery coaching, peer-led groups, and navigation for social needs (e.g. housing, food). Document all services using collaborative documentation with state, federal, and CARF guidelines. Provide follow-up contacts to persons served in program to ensure continuity of care and promotion of recovery. Collect data from patients and family members regarding their thoughts surrounding their mental health treatment. Support community initiatives that focus on promoting services and reducing stigma. Participate in weekly treatment team meetings to gather and share information and offer insight. Ability to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibility for recovery. Minimum And Additional Requirements A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience. Additional Comments Must be at least 18 years of age, self-identify as a person diagnosed with mental illness/substance use (MI/SU). Demonstrate 2 years of sustained recovery without relapse. Must have completed 100 hours of supervised, paid, or volunteer work providing peer support services to individuals diagnosed with MI, SU or co-occurring disorder. Must be able to lift 5 lbs. and operate a state vehicle. This position is considered essential and may be called back during crisis/disaster/emergencies. May deliver services in center locations and community. Must complete a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education training annually of which at least 12 hours are face to face training.

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus. Additional Comments Post Hire, Employee Must Required to obtain and maintain (Peer Support Specialist) PSS Certification.

Benefits

For State Employees The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance Benefits Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement Benefits State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace Benefits State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available. 01 Please check the box(es) if you have ever been employed by the following Offices of SC Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health) Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) (formerly SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs) Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) (formerly SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services) Does Not Apply 02 If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense (other than in a Juvenile Court), you MUST list this information (unless you have taken steps to expunge your record.) This includes fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. *Please note that conviction of a criminal offense does not bar you from employment in all cases; each conviction is evaluated individually. However, failure to list convictions is considered falsification of the application and WILL BE grounds for termination, if hired. It is your responsibility to know what is on your criminal record. If you have charges on your record that appear without a court disposition (result) you may be asked to provide that information if selected for employment. If you have questions, please inquire before you complete your application. PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ANSWERING THIS QUESTION WILL DEEM YOUR APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE AND IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Please indicate your understanding to this statement by checking the box below. Checking this box indicates my understanding to the above referenced statement. 03 Do you have a high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience? A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience. Yes No 04 Do you have a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Certification? Yes No 05 This role requires the sharing of personal experiences with recovery from mental health or substance use challenges. Is this something you are able to do? Yes No 06 Please indicate your salary requirement (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open"). Required Question