Counselor II / Employment Support, ACT Team (Aiken)

State of South Carolina•Aiken County, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor II / Employment Support serves under general supervision as a member of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team at the Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center. The team provides evidence-based, intensive, non-residential treatment and rehabilitative services in accordance with the ACT fidelity model. The position provides a single fixed point of responsibility for treatment, rehabilitation, and support needs of patients with serious mental illness who need a higher level of community care and have not been well supported at lower levels of care. The role focuses on helping patients pursue and sustain competitive employment in integrated community job settings. It includes vocational assessment, job development and search, individualized follow-along support, benefits counseling, and workplace interventions. The position manages a caseload of up to 20 patients, maintains required medical records, and collaborates with patients, caregivers, employers, community partners, and ACT colleagues. Services are delivered in the community and patients’ homes. The position requires a flexible schedule and is considered essential, with possible call-back during crises, disasters, or emergencies. The position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health, Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center, 1135 Gregg Highway, Aiken, SC 29801. Supervision is provided by the ACT Team Leader and Psychiatric Team Lead.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences.
Professional experience in human services or social services programs.
At least one year of experience working with adults with serious mental illness.
At least six months of experience providing employment and educational supports.
Ability to lift 5 pounds and operate a state vehicle.
After hire, qualify to render services applicable to the position under credentialing and privileging standards, with concurrence by the OMH Office of Quality Management.
Knowledge of interviewing, counseling, and guidance techniques.
Ability to establish rapport with patients.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agencies, organizations, and community partners.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to work a flexible schedule.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or another language.

Responsibilities

Engage ACT patients and establish trusting, collaborative relationships focused on competitive employment in integrated community job settings.
Conduct vocational assessments centered on patients’ strengths and preferences, including on-the-job assessments when appropriate.
Conduct job development and job search activities for positions individualized to the needs and interests of patients, following Individual Placement and Supports (IPS) and supported employment principles and procedures.
Provide individualized, time-unlimited follow-along services to help patients sustain employment.
Provide Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services related to employment services.
Manage a caseload of up to 20 patients and maintain medical record documentation in accordance with Center, QA, OMH, and CARF policies and procedures.
Complete collaborative documentation with patients and/or caregivers and enter it into the EMR immediately after service delivery whenever possible.
Provide benefits counseling and connect beneficiaries with experts for more extensive benefits counseling as needed.
Provide interventions, outreach, and on-the-job-site support to promote stability and success.
Consult with employers, including negotiating job accommodations when appropriate.
Educate and consult with ACT team members about evidence-based supported employment and the IPS model.
Participate actively in the clinical treatment team and attend supervisory and administrative meetings.
Follow Corporate Compliance and Risk Management policies, CARF standards, ACT Fidelity, and OMH/ABMHC policies and procedures.
Complete required annual training, including Safety, MAPS, and clinical training.
Perform other duties as needed.
Be available for call-back during crises, disasters, or emergencies.

Benefits

Health insurance for employees, spouse, and children
Dental insurance for employees, spouse, and children
Vision insurance for employees, spouse, and children
Long-term disability insurance for employees, spouse, and children
Life insurance for employees, spouse, and children
15 days of annual (vacation) leave per year
15 days of sick leave per year
13 paid holidays
Paid parental leave
S.C. Deferred Compensation Program
State Retirement Plan (SCRS) or State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP); enrollment in one listed plan is required for FTE employees