Client Advocate I​/Peer Support Specialist; Columbia Area MHC)

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 Client Advocate / Peer Support Specialist 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, Columbia Area Mental Health Center (CAMHC), 2715 Colonial Dr, Columbia, SC 29203.

As a Client Advocate I / Peer Support Specialist, you will promote recovery of persons with mental illnesses, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder via provision of peer support services.

• Provide patient care hours annually ensuring that patients are seen in accordance with LOC and prior authorizations are completed prior to delivery of services. This includes individual and group services in a variety of settings/locations.
• Peer support services include mentoring, recovery coaching, peer-led groups, and navigation for social needs (e.g. housing, food).
• Document all services using collaborative documentation and in accordance with state, federal, and CARF guidelines.
• Comply with Corporate Compliance and Risk Management Plans.
• Complete required training, SCEIS training modules, and maintains PSS Certification.
• Participation in OMH PSS meetings/trainings.
• Demonstrate effective use of social and interpersonal knowledge and skills and demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences and similarities.
• Provide follow-up contacts to persons served in program to ensure continuity of care and promotion of recovery.

• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Self-identify as a person diagnosed with mental illness / substance use (MI/SU).
• Demonstrate 2 years of sustained recovery without relapse.
• Completed 100 hours of supervised, paid, or volunteer work providing peer support services to individuals diagnosed with MI, SU or co-occurring disorder.
• Ability to lift 5 pounds and operate a state vehicle.

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

• Have the ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Effectively use problem- solving skills and decision-making skills.
• Obtain and maintain PSS Certification.
• Have knowledge of agency and community resources and ability to link individuals with resources.
• Have the ability to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibility for recovery.
• Have the ability to effectively advocate for patient needs.
• Have the ability to effectively collaborate with treatment team.
• Have the ability to demonstrate sustained recovery.
• Obtain general supervision during scheduled supervision and treatment team meetings.
• Participate in State Peer Support meetings, trainings and center trainings.
• Deliver peer support to patients in individual, community and group setting.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education training annually of which at least 12 hours are face to face training.
• Have understanding of mental illness and the recovery process.
• Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification.

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

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…