Client Advocate I /Certified Peer Support Specialist / NAVIGATE - New Directions (Charleston)

State of South Carolina • Charleston County, SC

16d • Onsite

About The Position

Client Advocate I / Certified Peer Support Specialist / NAVIGATE - New Directions (Charleston) Job Responsibilities Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? 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/ Certified Peer Support Specialist 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, Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center, 2100 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston SC 29414. As the Client Advocate working under general supervision of Peer Support Team Leader with support from the Team Leader, you will provide Peer Support Services (PSS) to NAVIGATE and New Directions FEP patients. The Peer Support Specialist guides patients toward the identification and achievement of specific goals defined by the patient and specified in the Plan of Care. Peer Support Services promote community socialization, recovery, self-advocacy, self-help and development of living and coping skills.

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.
• The employee is required to have a serviceable personal vehicle and a valid SC driver's license.
• Position requires the ability to bend, stoop, climb, drive from location to location, and lift up to 5 pounds.

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.
• Have the ability to communicate orally, and in writing.
• Have effective problem-solving skills, and decision-making skills.
• Be required to obtain and maintain Peer Support Specialist Certification.
• Be knowledgeable of agency and community resources and have the ability to link individuals with recourses.
• Be able to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibility for recovery.
• Able to effectively advocate for patient needs, with the ability to collaborate with treatment team, and demonstrate sustained recovery.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an active member of the NAVIGATE & New Directions treatment team; Advocate for services requested by the patient, cultivate the patient's ability to make informed, independent choices, to set goals and assist the patient in gaining information and support from the community.
• Plan activities with the patients that lead to improved self-concepts through empowerment and self-determination opportunities; Teach and role model the importance of medication monitoring, clear communication with doctors and other caregivers, developing a WRAP plan, Psychiatric Advance Directive, and/or crisis plan to facilitate or avoid/shorten hospitalizations.
• PSS will assist the patient with learning how to maintain stable housing and employment.
• Peer Support Specialist will provide support and encouragement to both the patient and his/her family members, when it is the choice of the patient to do so.
• Offer patient hope of recovery from mental illness by sharing his/her own recovery stories and by teaching patients how to tell their own recovery stories effectively.
• Use your unique recovery experience to model the values of every individual's recovery experience and to teach effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• With assistance from a supervising MHP, you will document the following: Identified, person-centered strengths, needs, abilities and recovery goals; Intentions to assist the patient with reaching his/her goals for recovery; Progress made towards goals.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the areas of mental health through relevant materials and through continuing education when offered by the Office of Human Affairs and SCBHDD.
• Comply with all BHDD/CDMHC, polices and protocols, applicable QI, Corporate Compliance, Cultural Competency and CARF policies and procedures and Federal State rules and regulations; Attend all trainings classified mandatory by Federal and State regulations.

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 (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices
• State Retirement Plan ( SCRS )
• State Optional Retirement Program ( State ORP )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED