Direct Support Professional I / Peer Support Specialist / (CN802)

With our Agency's mission to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, we provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina. 

This position is located at the Department of Mental Health, Catawba Community Mental Health Center (CCMHC), York Adult Clinic, 205 Piedmont Blvd, Rock Hill, SC  29732.

Under the direct supervision of assigned Mental Health Professional, Peer Support Specialist guides patients toward the identification & achievement of specific goals defined by the patient and specified in the individual plan of care.

Responsibilities for this Position Title include but are not limited to:

• Peer Support Specialist serves as an active member of the patient’s treatment team.  Advocates for services requested by the patient.  PSS will cultivate the patient’s ability to make informed, independent choices, to set goals, and assist the patient in gaining information and support from the community.  Plans activities with the patient that lead to improved self-concepts through empowerment and self determination opportunities. Teaches and models the importance of medication adherence, effective communication with doctors and other caregivers.  
• Provides support and encouragement to both the patient and their family members, when it is the choice of the patient to do so.  
• Offers patients hope of recovery from mental illness by sharing their own recovery stories and by teaching patients how to tell their own recovery stories effectively. Uses their unique recovery experience to model the value of every individual’s recovery experience and to teach effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.  
• Will participate in training to enhance knowledge of best practice. PSS will work with supervising MHP in the creation of an annual report to be submitted to SCDMH for DHHS within 60 days of the end of the fiscal year.

State Minimum Requirements:
High school diploma or GED.
 
Agency (Facility) Minimum Requirements:
Must be a current or former consumer of mental health services.
 
Note:   If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position.

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

Employee must maintain a valid driver’s license.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex – including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
 
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

 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. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
 
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs