Consumer Advocate (Coastal)

Consumer Advocate (Coastal)

Salary

$53,142.00 - $63,000.00 Annually

Location

Dorchester County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

192332

Agency

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Division

Central Office

Opening Date

08/31/2026

Closing Date

9/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

Apply online.

Class Code:

AH40

Position Number:

60013456

Normal Work Schedule:

Other

Pay Grade

GEN09

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Normal Work Schedule (Other):

This position primarily operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and may require responding to incidents after hours.

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 Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Consumer Advocate 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.

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Director of Risk Management and the Risk Management Team Lead, this position operates with considerable independence while exercising sound judgment and discretion. Job responsibilities include:

• Coordinates on site Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ANE) investigations for assigned Regional Center. Initiates intake process within the 24 hour time frame, gathers documents for the Risk Management Investigator(s), coordinates/schedules Administrative Reviews, acts as a liaison with outside entities (i.e. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Ombudsman Office, etc.), and submits reports within the requirements of the Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) regulations.
• Conducts on-site investigations of critical incidents, death cases, and other incidents as needed for assigned Regional Center.
• Plans, coordinates, and delivers ANE, Critical Incident, and Death reporting training to all staff of their assigned Regional Center.
• Serves as an active member of the Risk Management team. Contributes to the identification, analysis, and mitigation of organizational risks, including those related to ANE, Critical Incidents, and Deaths.
• Reviews all peer-on-peer altercations. Reviews related Interdisciplinary (ID) team follow up actions and makes recommendations as appropriate.
• Conducts unannounced visits for the residential areas of Regional Centers to aid in identification and the reduction of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Completes Rapid Risk Reviews, as a follow up to previously completed Administrative Reviews to ensure corrective actions have been completed and to determine whether additional corrective actions are warranted.
• Receives & tracks complaint resolutions.
• Performs additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational goals.

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

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A Bachelors degree and three (3) years experience working with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in accordance with State Human Resources Regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

A Bachelors degree and three (3) years experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities in an Intermediate Care Facility setting.

Extensive knowledge of agency directives, regional center internal procedures and Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) regulations, with emphasis on those relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, critical incidents, and consumer rights. Ability to complete time sensitive reports that are accurate and thorough. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Additional Comments

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 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, 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 States Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health 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 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 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)

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

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 or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Please indicate your understanding and acknowledgement of the above statement by checking the box below.

• Checking this box indicates my understanding and acknowledgement of the above referenced statement.

02

At the time of application, what is your highest level of education completed?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the Above

03

How many years of paid, professional experience do you have working with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 5 to 6 years
• 7 or more years

04

Do you have experience working in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID)?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience working in another type of highly regulated, licensed residential environment?

• Yes
• No

06

Please check the applicable box(es) if you have you ever been employed by the following Offices of the South Carolina Department Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

• Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) (formerly SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs)
• Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health)
• Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) (formerly SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services)

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.