Client Advocate I/Peer Support Specialist ACT Team Conway

Salary: $37,200.00 - $45,000.00 AnnuallyLocation : Horry County, SCJob Type: FTE - Full-TimeJob Number: 185845Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental DisabilitiesDivision: Waccamaw Center for Mental HealthOpening Date: 03/20/2026Closing Date: 4/3/2026 5:00 PM EasternResidency Requirement: NoClass Code:: GA24Position Number:: 60013532Normal Work Schedule:: OtherPay Grade: GEN06Hiring Range - Min.: $37,200.00Hiring Range - Max.: $45,000.00Opening Date: 03/04/2026EEO 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.Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Although regular hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:30-5:00, some flexibility may be required to meet program needs.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 Peer Support Specialist for our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program 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, Waccamaw Center for Mental Health (WCMH) 164 Waccamaw Medical Park Drive, Conway, SC 29526Under direct supervision of the ACT Team Lead, the Client Advocate will serve on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team who provide evidenced based intensive non-residential treatment and rehabilitative services in accordance with the fidelity model. This is a single fixed point of responsibility for treatment, rehabilitation, and support needs for patients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who require higher levels of community care and have not been well supported in lower level of care options.Responsibilities for the ACT Team Client Advocate / Peer Support:Provide direct services through coaching mentoring and consultation to the patient to promote recovery, self-advocacy and self-direction. Promote wellness management strategies, which include delivering manualized interventions, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or Illness Management and Recovery. Assist patients in developing Psychiatric Advanced Directives. Model recovery values, attitudes, beliefs and personal action to encourage wellness and resilience.Maintain medical records documentation standards with QA, DMH and CARF policies and procedures. Document services collaboratively with the patient as appropriate.Provide consultation to ACT Team members to assist in understanding recovery and the role of the Client Advocate promoting a culture in which patients' points of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment.Serve as an active member of the ACT team, which includes facilitating the IPOC process for patients assigned to them. Regularly participate in the daily team meetings and treatment planning meetings. Ensure at least a monthly staffing of each patient that they serve.Complete all annual required trainings to include Safety, MAPS, Affairs, and clinical trainings. Demonstrate adherence to CARF standards, and SCOMH and Center policies and Procedures.Minimum and Additional RequirementsA high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.Must have a valid SC Share (Self-Help Association Regarding Emotions) Peer Support Specialist Certification with concentration on mental health recovery.Self identifies as an individual with a serious mental illness who is currently recipient of mental health services and had lived experience receiving MH or SU services.Is in the process of their own recovery and has personal recovery story specific to primary mental illness.Preferred QualificationsBilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.Additional CommentsPost hire, employees must:Be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification.Be able to operate a state vehicleBe able to work a flexible schedule and know this position is considered essential and may be called back during crises /disasters/ emergencies.Be able to deliver services in the community and patients' homes.Perform all job duties and provide all services and documentation in compliance with CARF, OMH, CCMHC, Quality Assurance, Compliance, HIPAA, Transcultural and Productivity Standards, Policies and Procedures.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 availableRetirement benefit choices *State Retirement PlanState 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.Benefits 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.01Have 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)?YesNo02If 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.03Do you possess a high school diploma and relevant human service or social services experience?YesNo04Do you possess a bachelor's degree?YesNo05Do you have a lived experience receiving MH or SU services? Do you have a personal recovery story specific to primary mental illness? This is a requirement of the position. Please describe below.06Do you possess a current SC Share Certified Peer Support Certification? This is a requirement for the position and without this certification you can't be considered for employment.YesNo07Have you attached a copy of your current SC Share Certified Peer Support Certification? This must accompany your application for employment.YesNo08Have you attached a copy of your resume, transcripts and/or licenses?YesNo09Please indicate your salary requirements (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open").