COUNSELOR II / Individual Placement Support (IPS) (Sumter- Santee-Wateree MHC)

State of South Carolina; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

Job summary

SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) seeks a Counselor II to provide IPS-based employment services in the Santee-Wateree area. You will help individuals with serious mental illness obtain and maintain competitive employment through rapid job search, employer engagement, and ongoing supports.

Work under supervision, collaborate with clinical teams and Vocational Rehabilitation, document accurately in EHR, and travel frequently in the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and relevant human services experience.
• Frequent community travel and in-community work hours.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver IPS-based community employment services and rapid job search.
• Engage employers and develop job opportunities.
• Coordinate with mental health treatment teams and Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Maintain documentation and ensure IPS fidelity.
• Pursue professional development and travel as needed.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Master’s degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Job Responsibilities

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 a Counselor II who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Santee-Wateree MHC, 801 N. Pike West, Sumter, SC 29153.

Under limited supervision, you will provide individualized, community-based supported employment services using the evidence based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Assist individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive, integrated employment aligned with their strengths and preferences. Conduct employer engagement, job development, rapid job search, and ongoing job support while collaborating with clinical teams and Vocational Rehabilitation. Ensure fidelity aligned service delivery, accurate documentation, and adherence to agency and IPS standards.

Responsibilities For The Counselor II

• Direct Employment Services - Deliver individualized, community based supported employment services using the IPS model. Conduct rapid job search by initiating employer contact within 30 days of program entry for most clients, consistent with IPS fidelity standards. Provide ongoing, work based vocational assessment and updates plans based on new information. Ensure job search and job development activities are individualized and based on client preferences. Provide individualized, unlimited time follow along supports based on client needs and preferences.


• Employer Engagement & Job Development - Conduct frequent, face-to-face employer contacts to build relationships and identify competitive job opportunities, meeting the fidelity expectation of six or more employer contacts per week. Use individualized, preference-based approaches to employer engagement. Develop a diverse network of employers and job types to support client choice.


• Integration With Mental Health Treatment Team - Participate in weekly mental health treatment team meetings to integrate employment with clinical care, consistent with fidelity expectations for team assignment and frequent contact. Shares client updates, coordinates services, and collaborates with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors as part of routine service delivery.


• Documentation, Data, and Compliance - Maintain accurate documentation in both the EHR and on-site records in accordance with agency policy and IPS fidelity expectations. Submit required IPS data for quality improvement and fidelity monitoring. Ensure adherence to agency Corporate Compliance policies and procedures.


• Training/Supervision/Professional Development- Pursue professional development through collegial consultation, supervision, continuing education, training, and certification. Travel throughout the catchment area as directed.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree and relevant human services experience.

Additional Requirements

• Position requires frequent community travel, including employer visits, job coaching, and outreach.


• Must be able to spend 50–64% of work hours in the community.


• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required based on employer or client needs.


• Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Rehabilitation, or related human services field


• Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disabilities


• Experience in vocational services, job development, or community based behavioral health


• Knowledge of evidence based supported employment, specifically the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.


• Knowledge of mental health symptoms, functional impairments, and recovery-oriented practices.


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

Post Hire Employees Must Demonstrate

• Ability to engage employers, conduct community-based job development, and support individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary treatment teams and Vocational Rehabilitation counselors.


• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.


• Ability to maintain dual documentation (EHR and on-site records) and meet productivity expectations.


• Ability to work independently in the community, manage a caseload, and provide trauma informed, strength-based services.


• Completion of MAPS training.

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.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note:

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.