Client Advocate I / Peer Support Specialist (Beckman)

State of South Carolina • Greenwood County, SC

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is with the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Beckman Center for Mental Health Services, 1547 Parkway Greenwood, SC 29646. The base location for this position is Greenwood, with provision of peer support services throughout Beckman's catchment area to aid in recovery of people with mental illness, substance use disorder (SUD), and /or co-occurring disorder. In this position, you will promote the recovery of persons with mental illnesses, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder via provision of peer support services.

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 with a diagnosed mental illness / substance use (MI/SU).
• Must demonstrate two (2) years of sustained recovery, without any relapse(s).
• Verifiable completion of 100-hours of supervised, paid, or voluntary work providing peer support services to individuals with MI, SU, or co-occurring disorder.
• Be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Apply policy to use problem solving skills and decision-making skills in aiding persons served.

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.
• Obtain and maintain PSS Certification.
• Post hire, employees must: Obtain and maintain PSS Certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group services, to include mentoring, recovery coaching, peer-led groups, and navigation of social needs such as access to housing, food, etc. in varied locations / settings.
• Client Advocate must ensure, annually, that patients are receiving services in accordance with their correct level of care (LOC) and prior authorization (PA) is completed prior to delivery of services.
• Document all services using collaborative documentation in accordance with state, federal, and CARF regulations.
• Comply with corporate compliance and risk management plans.
• Complete required SCEIS training modules, maintain PSS Certification, participate in OMH PSS meetings/trainings, demonstrate effective use of social and interpersonal knowledge and skills via demonstration of appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities.
• Provide follow up contact to persons served to ensure continuity of care and promotion of recovery.
• Act as an advocate and teach patients self-advocacy.
• Implement knowledge of agency and community resources to connect persons served as needed.
• Participate in center and state level peer support meetings and trainings.
• Have the ability to provide direct peer support services to patients in individual, community, and group settings.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours continuing education training, annually, of which at least 12-hours are face to face training.
• Demonstrate one's own state of recovery of MI/SU.
• Be able to lift 5lbs.
• Be able to operate a state vehicle.
• Understand that position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies.

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