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

State of South Carolina • Sumter County, SC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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, 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Pursue professional development through collegial consultation, supervision, continuing education, training, and certification.
• Travel throughout the catchment area as directed.

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
• Retirement benefit choices
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level