About the position
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 Client Advocate I / Peer Support /Adu lt (Aiken) 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, Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center, 1135 Gregg Highway, Aiken, SC 29801. As a Client Advocate I / Peer Support /Adu lt (Aiken) you will promote recovery of persons with mental illnesses, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder via provision of peer support services.
Responsibilities
• Provide patient care hours annually ensuring that patients are seen in accordance with LOC and prior authorizations are completed prior to delivery of services.
• This includes individual and group services in a variety of settings/locations.
• Peer support services include mentoring, recovery coaching, peer-led groups, and navigation for social needs (e.g. housing, food).
• Document all services using collaborative documentation and in accordance with state, federal, and CARF guidelines.
• Comply with Corporate Compliance and Risk Management Plans.
• Complete required training, SCEIS training modules, and maintains PSS Certification.
• Participation in OMH PSS meetings/trainings.
• Demonstrate effective use of social and interpersonal knowledge and skills and demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities.
• Provide follow-up contacts to persons served in program to ensure continuity of care and promotion of recovery.
• Deliver peer support to patients in individual, community and group setting.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education training annually of which at least 12 hours are face to face training.
Requirements
• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience.
• 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.
• Completed 100 hours of supervised, paid, or volunteer work providing peer support services to individuals diagnosed with MI, SU or co-occurring disorder.
• Ability to lift 5 pounds and operate a state vehicle.
• Have the ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Effectively use problem-solving skills and decision-making skills.
• Obtain and maintain PSS Certification.
• Have knowledge of agency and community resources and ability to link individuals with resources.
• Have the ability to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibility for recovery.
• Have the ability to effectively advocate for patient needs.
• Have the ability to effectively collaborate with treatment team.
• Have the ability to demonstrate sustained recovery.
• Obtain general supervision during scheduled supervision and treatment team meetings.
• Participate in State Peer Support meetings, trainings and center trainings.
Nice-to-haves
• A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
Benefits
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• 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 (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
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