Mental Health Professional I (Forensics)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Mental Health Professional I - Forensics 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– Forensics, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

As the Mental Health Professional I, working under the supervision of the MHP II and/or Program Coordinator and/or Program Manager Forensics Clinical Treatment Services, this position is responsible for the daily facilitation of evidence informed psychosocial and education groups within a Forensic Psychological Rehabilitation Treatment Mall and Forensics Units serving adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses and is responsible for implementation of services and interventions as identified on a multi-discipline plan of care. 

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional - Forensics include:

• Assist Program Manager and Program Coordinator in planning, organizing, and coordinating evidence informed Psychosocial rehabilitation and educational groups for Forensics patients participating in Forensic Clinical Treatment Services, programming, and assigned unit programming. Lead groups daily as scheduled, and have adequate materials and supplies as needed for group function.
• Responsible for documentation in the Electronic Health Record progress notes and treatment goals/objectives and interventions on the master treatment plan. Document in progress notes weekly for individual and/or group sessions, noting patients progress towards meeting treatment plan goals/objectives. Progress notes are professionally documented with accurate punctuation and grammar. 
• Participate in the development of treatment plan by identifying measurable goals, objectives and interventions to meet patients' recovery and treatment needs. Communicate with treatment team as needed to discuss the patients' progress and/or needs. Complete Needs Assessment for patients to participate in Unit groups and Forensics Clinical Treatment Services Groups.
• Maintain a daily group attendance log of patients attending group for statistical inventory and other related reports.
• Attend core competency training (MAPS, CPR) as scheduled and complete assigned Pathlore trainings on-line in required time frame and complete all other required trainings as identified. Participate in morning report meetings, staff meetings, and facility meetings as identified by Program Manager and participate in staff program meetings to discuss information and enhance effective service, coordination and planning. 

• A 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 (2) years of experience in a clinical setting. 

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a current and valid SC Driver's License.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 lbs. or more in an emergency situation, climb stairs and be able to move freely throughout the entire facility.
• This position is considered essential and requires weekend and hazardous weather coverage.

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Post hire, employees must:

• Have computer skills sufficient to complete essential job duties.
• Be able to use good clinical judgement and have critical writing skills.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.  Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.  Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.  A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: 

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 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)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.