Client Advocate I / Peer Support (Greenville)

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Vacation (15 days)

Sick leave (15 days)

13 paid holidays

Parental leave

Deferred compensation

SCRS retirement

State ORP retirement

Job summary

SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) is seeking a Client Advocate I to help individuals and families navigate challenges and achieve wellness. The role focuses on peer support services, recovery coaching, and social resource navigation at the Greater Greenville Mental Health Center in Greenville, SC.

Responsibilities include ensuring LOC-compliant patient care, documentation per guidelines, and ongoing participation in trainings and certifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of sustained recovery without relapse preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Self-identify as a person diagnosed with MI/SU.
• Completed 100 hours of supervised, paid, or volunteer peer support experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care hours annually ensuring patients are seen in accordance with LOC and prior authorizations; include individual and group services with peer support, mentoring, recovery coaching, and navigation for social needs.
• Document all services per state, federal, and CARF guidelines; maintain accurate records.
• Comply with Corporate Compliance and Risk Management Plans.

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree may be substituted for experience

Job description

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 aClient 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,

This position is located at the BHDD - Office of Mental Health, Greater Greenville Mental Health Center, 124 Mallard St, Greenville, SC 29601.

This position will promote recovery of persons with mental illnesses, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder via provision of peer support services.

Responsibilities for the Client Advocate I:

• Provide patient care hours annually ensuring that patients are seen in accordance with Level of Care (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 trainings, SCEIS training modules, and maintains Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Certification including participation in OMH PSS meetings/trainings. Demonstrate effective use of social and interpersonal knowledge and skills and demonstrate 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.

• A high school diploma & relevant human services or social services experience.
• A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Self-identify as a person diagnosed with mental illness / substance use (MI/SU)
• Demonstrate two (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.

Additional Requirements

• Position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies.
• Ability to lift 5lbs and operate a state vehicle.
• May deliver services in center locations and community.

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

Post hire, employees must:

• have the ability to communicate orally and in writing.

• have effective 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.

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.

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.