Consumer Advocate (Coastal)

State of South Carolina; Coventry Place (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, disability, &/

Life insurance

15 days annual leave

15 days sick leave

13 paid holidays

Parental Leave

Deferred Compensation

SCRS & State ORP

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is seeking a Consumer Advocate for the Coastal Regional Center in Summerville, SC. The role supports risk management, conducts investigations, and provides training on Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation to staff at the ICF‑IID facility.

Responsibilities include coordinating investigations, reviewing incidents, and liaising with SLED and other offices while ensuring compliance with regulations and reporting deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years experience working with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or equivalent.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates on-site Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation investigations for assigned Regional Center.
• Initiates intake within 24 hours and submits reports per ICF regulations.
• Plans and delivers ANE, Critical Incident, and Death reporting training to staff.
• Acts as a liaison with external entities (SLED, Ombudsman, etc.).
• Reviews peer-on-peer altercations and ID team follow-ups; makes recommendations.

Skills

Communication skills

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the 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 Consumer Advocate 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.

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Director of Risk Management and the Risk Management Team Lead, this position operates with considerable independence while exercising sound judgment and discretion. Job responsibilities include:

• Coordinates on site Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ANE) investigations for assigned Regional Center. Initiates intake process within the 24 hour time frame, gathers documents for the Risk Management Investigator(s), coordinates/schedules Administrative Reviews, acts as a liaison with outside entities (i.e. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Ombudsman Office, etc.), and submits reports within the requirements of the Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) regulations.
• Conducts on-site investigations of critical incidents, death cases, and other incidents as needed for assigned Regional Center.
• Plans, coordinates, and delivers ANE, Critical Incident, and Death reporting training to all staff of their assigned Regional Center.
• Serves as an active member of the Risk Management team. Contributes to the identification, analysis, and mitigation of organizational risks, including those related to ANE, Critical Incidents, and Deaths.
• Reviews all peer-on-peer altercations. Reviews related Interdisciplinary (ID) team follow up actions and makes recommendations as appropriate.
• Conducts unannounced visits for the residential areas of Regional Centers to aid in identification and the reduction of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Completes Rapid Risk Reviews, as a follow up to previously completed Administrative Reviews to ensure corrective actions have been completed and to determine whether additional corrective actions are warranted.
• Receives & tracks complaint resolutions.
• Performs additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational goals.

The position for this posting will be located at Coastal Regional Center, an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) of BHDD located in Summerville, SC serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A Bachelor's degree and three (3) years experience working with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in accordance with State Human Resources Regulations.

A Bachelor's degree and three (3) years experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities in an Intermediate Care Facility setting.

Extensive knowledge of agency directives, regional center internal procedures and Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) regulations, with emphasis on those relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, critical incidents, and consumer rights. Ability to complete time sensitive reports that are accurate and thorough. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre‑employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, whichcause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with consumers of the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resources for further information.

Supplemental Questions: 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 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)