Mental Health Professional I - Hospital Transition Specialist (Columbia)

Salary: $51,039.00 - $59,622.00 AnnuallyLocation : Richland County, SCJob Type: FTE - Full-TimeJob Number: 186395Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division: Central OfficeOpening Date: 03/25/2026Closing Date: 4/26/2026 11:59 PM EasternClass Code:: GA55Position Number:: 60008911Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)Pay Grade: GEN08Hiring Range - Min.: $51,039.00Hiring Range - Max.: $59,622.00Opening Date: 03/25/2026EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity EmployerAgency Specific Application Procedures:: Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education using verifiable dates.Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.Job ResponsibilitiesAre 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 / Transitions 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, G.W. Bryan Psychiatric Hospital, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia, SC 29203Under general supervision of the Program Coordinator II for the Office of Transitions Programs, you will identify and execute activities that result in patient discharge from inpatient settings to integrated community residences and community-based behavioral health services, to include discharge plan development, accessing residential setting, patient assessment and linking to community-based providers. Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional I/ Transition SpecialistQuality Management: Responsible for conducting Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) Initial Clinical Assessments and DLA20s with patients choosing CMHC for outpatient provider to support continuity of services from inpatient to outpatient settings; coordinates and locates community-based residential settings options, based on patients' discharge plan; collects data for performance improvement; and utilize the EMR to document services provided.Leadership: Coordinate staffing with CMHC regarding program placement for patient when discharged; provides face-to-face and/or video introduction of patient to community providers to include care coordinator and peer support specialist; attends treatment team meeting, discharge committee meetings, patient staffing and discharge planning staffings to provide community-based resources and/or options for discharge planning.Initiative: Identify, collect, and routinely update an inventory of integrated community-based residences for Transition Team distribution/ resource directory; brokers needed community resources/services and develops resources where gaps exist.Skill Enhancement: Complete core competency training (such as SCEIS Learning, Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric & Long-Term Care Setting (MAPS), MANDT Training, etc.) and other job-related trainings as required or assigned; will maintain professional licensure (as applicable) and maintain knowledge of and enforce policies and procedures.Minimum and Additional RequirementsA master's degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.Additional RequirementsAbility to bend, stoop, climb, drive from location to location, lift and file; must perform duties in multiple settings. Preferred QualificationsBilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.Additional CommentsPost hire, employees must:Possess ability to access and coordinate interaction between multi-disciplinary staff when needed.Have thorough knowledge of methods, principles and practices of clinical counseling and education services.Have extensive knowledge of psychopathology and patient management within a psychiatric setting.Have the ability to problem-solve and utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach to patient transition.Possess laptop computer skills, able to utilize a web-based database system of reporting, be highly organized and able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.Work in the community, in assigned mental health locations, CMHC's, OMH hospitals and facilities.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 for additional information.15 days annual (vacation) leave per year15 days sick leave per year13 paid holidaysPaid Parental LeaveS.C. Deferred Compensation Program available Retirement benefit choices *State Retirement Plan State Optional Retirement Program *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.60024242Benefits for State EmployeesThe state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.Insurance BenefitsEligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.Retirement BenefitsState employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.Workplace BenefitsState employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.01 Have you ever been employed by the SC Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities - Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health)? YesNo02 If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense (other than in a Juvenile Court), you MUST list this information (unless you have taken steps to expunge your record.) This includes fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. *Please note that conviction of a criminal offense does not bar you from employment in all cases; each conviction is evaluated individually. However, failure to list convictions is considered falsification of the application and WILL BE grounds for termination, if hired. It is your responsibility to know what is on your criminal record. If you have charges on your record that appear without a court disposition (result) you may be asked to provide that information if selected for employment. If you have questions, please inquire before you complete your application.PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ANSWERING THIS QUESTION WILL DEEM YOUR APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE AND IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.Please indicate your understanding to this statement by checking the box below. Checking this box indicates my understanding to the above referenced statement.03 Did you graduate with at least a master's degree from an accredited college/university in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field? YesNo04 Please indicate your salary requirements (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open"). Required Question