Counselor I / Bph/Hall

Job Responsibilities

THIS POSITION IS REPOSTED

• Previous applicants are still under consideration and do not need to reapply*

With our Agency'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.

This position is located at the Department of Mental Health, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

As the Counselor I, working under the general supervision of the Counselor Supervisor, you will provide psychoeducational and therapeutic services to child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient population between the ages of 4 - 17 years old. Will document services provided in the Electronic Health Record in compliance with the SCDMH and BPH/ Hall Child & Adolescent Division policies and procedures. Will provide services on days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as during hazardous weather coverage.

Responsibilities for this Counselor I include but are not limited to:

• Provides active treatment by conducting psychoeducational and therapeutic groups as to assigned patients to assist in achievement of treatment goals that focuses on improved coping and social skills as well as appropriately expressing emotions.

• Provides de-escalation and crisis counseling interventions to patients. Maintains appropriate documentation of patients on the Level system and documents points daily to maintain patient level status.

• Documents individual and crisis interventions with patients and effectiveness or ineffectiveness of any identified interventions. Will document progress, lack of progress, participation, and lack of participation in psychoeducational and therapeutic groups. Ensures documentation of all related services provided are in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and is in compliance with documentation standards as well in compliance with SCDMH and Hall C & A policies and procedures.

• Attends staff meetings and serves on committees as assigned.

• Completes all trainings as required (SCEIS during birth month) and attends all mandatory trainings as required. Adheres to policy and procedures including but not limited to Time and Attendance, Corporate Compliance, HIPPA and Harassment-Free Workplace.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.

Agency (Facility) Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling from an accredited program with one (1) year of experience.

Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position.

Additional Comments

The selected candidate must have knowledge of psychopathology and de-escalation techniques, as well as crisis and group counseling. Ability to relate well to acutely and behaviorally challenged children and adolescent patients in a hospital setting. Ability to work collaboratively with members of other professional disciplines. Ability to demonstrate appropriate and professional boundaries with patients and staff. Ability to engage in active listening with patients and tolerate noise levels and circulate in patient areas for long periods. Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to stand, walk, reach, pull, push, stoop, and bend. Must be able to develop a therapeutic alliance with a wide range of patients and work with repetitive unusual patient behaviors.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex - including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

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. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year

• 15 days sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs