Mental Health Professional I (Forensics)

Mental Health Professional I (Forensics)

Salary

$53,590.00 Annually

Location

Richland County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

192268

Agency

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Division

Greater Bryan Psychiatric Hospital

Opening Date

09/11/2026

Closing Date

10/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:

GA55

Position Number:

60015054

Normal Work Schedule:

Other

Normal Work Schedule (Other):

Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

Pay Grade

GEN08

Hiring Range - Min.

$53,590.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$53,590.00

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency 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.

• 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 Mental Health Professional I - Forensics 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- Forensics, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

As the Mental Health Professional I, working under the supervision of the MHP II and/or Program Coordinator and/or Program Manager Forensics Clinical Treatment Services, this position is responsible for the daily facilitation of evidence informed psychosocial and education groups within a Forensic Psychological Rehabilitation Treatment Mall and Forensics Units serving adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses and is responsible for implementation of services and interventions as identified on a multi-discipline plan of care.

Responsibilities for the Mental Health Professional - Forensics include:

• Assist Program Manager and Program Coordinator in planning, organizing, and coordinating evidence informed Psychosocial rehabilitation and educational groups for Forensics patients participating in Forensic Clinical Treatment Services, programming, and assigned unit programming. Lead groups daily as scheduled, and have adequate materials and supplies as needed for group function.
• Responsible for documentation in the Electronic Health Record progress notes and treatment goals/objectives and interventions on the master treatment plan. Document in progress notes weekly for individual and/or group sessions, noting patients progress towards meeting treatment plan goals/objectives. Progress notes are professionally documented with accurate punctuation and grammar.
• Participate in the development of treatment plan by identifying measurable goals, objectives and interventions to meet patients recovery and treatment needs. Communicate with treatment team as needed to discuss the patients progress and/or needs. Complete Needs Assessment for patients to participate in Unit groups and Forensics Clinical Treatment Services Groups.
• Maintain a daily group attendance log of patients attending group for statistical inventory and other related reports.
• Attend core competency training (MAPS, CPR) as scheduled and complete assigned Pathlore trainings on-line in required time frame and complete all other required trainings as identified. Participate in morning report meetings, staff meetings, and facility meetings as identified by Program Manager and participate in staff program meetings to discuss information and enhance effective service, coordination and planning.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A master's degree in guidance, counseling, the social sciences or a related field.
• A masters degree and professional experience in guidance counseling or the social sciences and two (2) years of experience in a clinical setting.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a current and valid SC Drivers License.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 lbs. or more in an emergency situation, climb stairs and be able to move freely throughout the entire facility.
• This position is considered essential and requires weekend and hazardous weather coverage.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Additional Comments

Post hire, employees must:

• Have computer skills sufficient to complete essential job duties.
• Be able to use good clinical judgement and have critical writing skills.

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 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)

• 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 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 Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities - Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health)?

• Yes
• No

02

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

Are you a graduate of an accredited college/university with a master's degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences and possess two (2) years of experience in a clinical setting?

• Yes
• No

04

Please indicate your salary requirements (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.