Mental Health Professional I /Jail-Based Restoration/ Forensics

State of South Carolina

  • Richland County, SC
  • $53,590-77,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 day ago
This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)-Office of Mental Health (OMH), Forensics Services, Crafts-Farrow, 7901 Farrow Rd, Columbia, SC 29203.The Office of Mental Health's mission is 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 Mental Health Professional, working under the supervision of the Psychologist II, you will facilitate direct Competency Restoration programming (i.e., CBT-Psychosis) and Court Education or adjunctive psychosocial programming as necessary for those deemed incompetent to stand trial due to mental illness or defect. Treatment may occur within the Forensic hospital or within jail based or outpatient restoration sites, depending upon needs.Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional:
  • Assist in the provision of competency restoration treatment for services across multiple sites. Collaboratively prepare, facilitate, and organize individual and/or group therapy. Provides patient education, individual and group counseling related to either competency restoration or re-entry into the community.
  • Complete competency pre-screening consultations with attorneys, as assigned. Work collaboratively with the legal office, Forensics, and the community mental health centers to develop diversion recommendations when appropriate. Provide education to all relevant stakeholders regarding the forensic process and available pathways to treatment, supporting the least restrictive means of care.
  • Document in the Electronic Health Record progress notes and treatment goals/objectives and interventions on Master Treatment Plan. Perform documentation of progress notes within twenty-four hours for individual and/or group sessions noting patients' progress towards meeting treatment plan goals/objectives. Progress notes are professionally documented with accurate punctuation and grammar.
  • Assist with the program/curriculum development for the competency restoration population. Review restoration unit referrals and makes appropriate treatment recommendations.
  • Maintain necessary data tracking, including daily group attendance log of patients attending group for statistical inventory and other related reports.
  • Attend core competency training (MANDT, CPR) as scheduled and complete assigned Pathlore trainings online in required time frame and complete all other required trainings as identified. Participate in morning report meetings, staff meetings, facility meetings as identified by Program Manager and participate in staff program meetings to discuss information and enhance effective service coordination and planning.
  • A master's degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.
Additional RequirementsProfessional experience in guidance counseling or the social sciences and two (2) years of experience in a clinical setting. * Ability to bend, stoop, lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds or more in an emergency situation, climb stairs and the ability to move freely throughout the entire facility. Weekends and hazardous weather coverage.
  • A current and valid SC driver's license.
  • Knowledge and experience in psychosocial rehabilitation and forensic inpatient setting.
  • Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
Post hire, employees must:
  • Have the ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with patients and staff.
  • Understand this position provides weekend and hazardous weather coverage.
  • Computer skills sufficient to complete essential job duties.
  • Have experience with group counseling.
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.

State of South Carolina