Client Advocate I

Client Advocate I

Salary

$37,944.00 - $60,690.00 Annually

Location

Orangeburg County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

192429

Agency

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Division

Orangeburg Area Mental Health Center

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

10/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:

GA24

Position Number:

60019479

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Grade

GEN06

Hiring Range - Min.

$37,944.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$60,690.00

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

You must apply on-line at www.careers.sc.gov. Follow the status of your application on-line.

Veteran Preference Statement

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Responsibilities

Are you passionate about making a real difference in peoples 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 Client Advocate I, who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate lifes 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, Orangeburg Area Mental Health Center,2319 St Matthews Rd NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115.

As the Client Advocate I, you will Interview and investigate clients, their families and agency staff to determine if client's needs and human rights are met in a residential facility or community program of a state agency. Conduct investigations and prepare recommendations on individual problems for a program/facility. Assists clients in gaining information and support from the community as clients transition to independent living.

Responsibilities for the Client Advocate I:

• Provide patient care hours annually to ensure patients are seen in accordance with level of care prior to delivery of services.
• Provide mentoring and recovery coaching, peer-led groups, and navigation for social needs (e.g. housing, food).
• Document all services using collaborative documentation with state, federal, and CARF guidelines.
• Provide follow-up contacts to persons served in program to ensure continuity of care and promotion of recovery.
• Collect data from patients and family members regarding their thoughts surrounding their mental health treatment.
• Support community initiatives that focus on promoting services and reducing stigma.
• Participate in weekly treatment team meetings to gather and share information and offer insight.
• Ability to effectively teach individuals how to take responsibility for recovery.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

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

Additional Comments

• Must 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.
• Must have completed 100 hours of supervised, paid, or volunteer work providing peer support services to individuals diagnosed with MI, SU or co-occurring disorder.
• Must be able to lift 5 lbs. and operate a state vehicle.
• This position is considered essential and may be called back during crisis/disaster/emergencies.
• May deliver services in center locations and community.
• Must complete a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education training annually of which at least 12 hours are face to face training.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Additional Comments

Post hire, employee must:

• Required to obtain and maintain (Peer Support Specialist) PSS Certification.

Benefits for State Employees

The 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 Benefits

Eligible 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 Benefits

State 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 Benefits

State 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 Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities- Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formally SC Department of Mental Health)?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience? A bachelors degree may be substituted for the required experience.

• Yes
• No

03

Have you ever been employed by the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities- Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formally SC Department of Mental Health)? 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 QUESTIONS WILL DEEM YOUR APPPLCATION AS INCOMPLETE AND IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

• Please indicate your understanding to this statement by checking the box below.

04

Do you have a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Certification?

• Yes
• No

05

Please indicate your salary requirement (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open").

Required Question

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Address 400 Otarre Parkway

Cayce, South Carolina, 29033

Phone OIDD - (803)898-9600

OMH - (803) 898-8600

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.