Counselor II - ACT (Spartanburg)

State of South Carolina•Spartanburg County, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor II serves on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team at the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center. Under general supervision, the role provides evidence-based intensive, non-residential treatment and rehabilitative services in accordance with the ACT fidelity model. The ACT team provides a single fixed point of responsibility for treatment, rehabilitation, and support needs for people with serious mental illness who need a higher level of community care and have not been adequately supported by lower levels of care. The position focuses on helping patients pursue and sustain competitive employment in integrated community settings through individualized assessment, job development, job-search support, benefits counseling, and ongoing follow-along services. The Counselor II also supports employment stability through outreach, interventions, and on-site assistance; advises employers about accommodations; and educates ACT colleagues about evidence-based supported employment using the Individual Placement and Supports (IPS) model. The role includes managing a caseload of up to 20 patients, maintaining required records, providing Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services (PRS), and participating in clinical, supervisory, and administrative activities. The position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center, 250 Dewey Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303. The department describes its benefits package as available to full-time employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences.
Professional experience in human services or social services programs.
Considerable 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 other community partners.
Ability to communicate effectively.
After hire, successfully complete the Basic Fundamentals course with a minimum grade of 75.
After hire, qualify to render services applicable to the position under credentialing and privileging standards, with concurrence by BHDD Office of Quality Management.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or another language.
At least one year of experience working with adults with serious mental illness.
At least six months of experience providing employment and educational support.

Responsibilities

Engage patients served by the ACT team and build trusting, collaborative relationships focused on competitive employment in integrated community job settings.
Complete strengths-focused vocational assessments, including on-the-job assessments when appropriate.
Conduct individualized job development and job-search activities consistent with patients’ needs and interests and the principles and procedures of IPS and supported employment.
Provide individualized, time-unlimited follow-along services to help patients sustain employment.
Manage a caseload of up to 20 patients and maintain medical records in accordance with Center, QA, DMH, and CARF requirements.
Complete collaborative documentation with patients and/or caregivers and enter it into the electronic medical record promptly after services whenever possible.
Provide benefits counseling and connect beneficiaries with specialists for more extensive counseling when needed.
Provide interventions, outreach, and on-the-job-site support to promote stability and employment success.
Consult with employers, including negotiating job accommodations where appropriate.
Educate and consult with ACT team members about evidence-based supported employment and the IPS model.
Participate as an active member of the clinical treatment team and attend supervisory and administrative meetings.
Provide Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services (PRS) within the Individual Placement and Support Program.
Follow Corporate Compliance, Safety, Fire, CARF, HIPAA, and Cultural Competency policies and procedures.

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
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
Retirement plan choices: State Retirement Plan (SCRS) or State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)