Job Description

Posting number: 189731

Department: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Division: Coastal Regional Center

Job classification: Counselor I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services, Miscellaneous, Human Services, Community Development, Records Management, Counseling, Office and Administrative Support, Rehabilitation Services

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Counselor 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.

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Behavior Supports, this position provides assistance to the Behavior Supports Department and therapeutic assistance to assigned individuals.

• Updates Behavior Support Plans (BSP) and drug plans according to Single Plan schedule for Mental Health Professionals. Ensures recent data is used and past interventions in Called Team Meetings (CTM) are incorporated in BSPs.
• Collects monthly 31-day data sheets and organizes accordingly. Coordinates tallying of data sheets with switchboard. Enters data in progress notes each month. Updates 31-day data sheets and objectives on progress notes as needed. Updates and revises Quarterly Drug Review sheet in preparation for quarterly scheduled meetings.
• Prepares Human Rights agenda, prepares and copies Human Rights materials, and completes other related duties for Human Rights meetings, including copying and distributing programs. Ensures members are mailed Agenda, Part I, a week prior to official meeting date and that Agenda, Part II, is ready for members at meeting. Finalizes minutes following Human Rights meeting after they are reviewed by the Director of Behavior Supports. Copies approved plans and distributes to Residential/Day Programs. Maintains Human Rights files accurately
• Proactively requests potential consumers from the Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) that might benefit from one-on-one time. Provides emotional/social/recreational counseling to those consumers. Maintains Transaction logs (T-logs) outlining consumer's level of participation. Assists with behavioral escalation at the request of assigned MHP.
• Accompanies staff MHP's on occasional outings and day trips to support consumers. Maintains T-logs for outings, ensuring to log consumer's level of participation and their ability to achieve set objectives.
• Assists MHP's as needed with therapy groups as well as campus activities (i.e. walking program, special events).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The position for this posting is located at Coastal Regional Center, an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) of BHDD-OIDD located in Summerville, SC serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Examples of duties

Bachelor's degree in a social science or related field of study and six months experience in a therapeutic environment.

Qualifications

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins. Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate, and not interrupt at inappropriate times. Ability to actively look for ways to help people. Ability to handle complaints, settle disputes, resolve grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiate with others. Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Ability to communicate effectively. Knowledge of modern casework and counseling techniques. Ability to develop and assess resources within the community to assist the client and family members to become self-sufficient and the family to remain intact.

Supplemental information

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with consumers of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resources for further information

Supplemental Questions: 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 South Carolina 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.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 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)