Mental Health Professional I (Forensics)
About The Position
The Mental Health Professional I – Forensics works at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health – Forensics, in Columbia, South Carolina. Under the supervision of the MHP II, Program Coordinator, and/or Program Manager for Forensics Clinical Treatment Services, this position facilitates evidence-informed psychosocial rehabilitation and educational groups for adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses in a forensic psychological rehabilitation treatment mall and forensic units. The role implements services and interventions identified in multidisciplinary plans of care. The position also contributes to treatment planning, documents patient progress and interventions in the Electronic Health Record, coordinates with treatment teams, and maintains group attendance and related records. The role requires participation in meetings, trainings, and facility activities. It is considered essential and requires weekend and hazardous-weather coverage.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences, or a related field.
- A master’s degree and professional experience in guidance counseling or the social sciences, and two years of experience in a clinical setting.
- Current and valid South Carolina driver’s license.
- Ability to bend, stoop, lift up to 25 pounds or more in an emergency, climb stairs, and move freely throughout the facility.
- Computer skills sufficient to complete essential job duties.
- Ability to use good clinical judgment and demonstrate critical writing skills.
- Availability for required weekend and hazardous-weather coverage.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or another language.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Program Manager and Program Coordinator with planning, organizing, and coordinating evidence-informed psychosocial rehabilitation and educational groups for forensic patients and assigned unit programming.
- Lead groups according to the daily schedule and ensure adequate materials and supplies are available.
- Document progress notes, treatment goals, objectives, and interventions in the Electronic Health Record and master treatment plan.
- Write weekly progress notes for individual and/or group sessions that document progress toward treatment plan goals and objectives, using accurate punctuation and grammar.
- Participate in treatment plan development by identifying measurable goals, objectives, and interventions that address patients’ recovery and treatment needs.
- Communicate with the treatment team as needed about patients’ progress and needs.
- Complete Needs Assessments for patients participating in unit groups and Forensics Clinical Treatment Services groups.
- Maintain daily group attendance logs for statistical inventory and related reports.
- Attend scheduled core competency training, including MAPS and CPR, complete assigned Pathlore online training on time, and complete other required training.
- Participate in morning report, staff, facility, and program meetings as identified to discuss information and support effective service coordination and planning.
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
- South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program
- State Retirement Plan (SCRS) or State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP); enrollment in one is required for FTE employees
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
