Client Advocate I / Peer Support (Greenville)

Client Advocate I / Peer Support (Greenville)

Salary

$37,200.00 - $59,500.00 Annually

Location

Greenville County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

190686

Agency

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Division

Greater Greenville Mental Health Center

Opening Date

07/21/2026

Closing Date

8/4/2026 7:59 AM Eastern

Class Code:

GA24

Position Number:

60008295

Normal Work Schedule:

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

Pay Grade

GEN06

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 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, Greater Greenville Mental Health Center, 124 Mallard St, Greenville, SC 29601.

A Peer Support Service is a structured and scheduled therapeutic activity with an individual patient or group provided by a trained, self-identified consumer of mental health services. A Peer Support Specialist guides a patient toward the identification and achievement of specific goals defined by the patient and specified in the Individual Treatment Plan. Peer Support Services promote community socialization, recovery, self-advocacy, self-help and development of natural supports.

This position is supervised by a Mental Health Professional who assures that all services rendered by the Peer Support Specialist are provided in accordance with the certification training standards established by the OMH and with accepted standards of clinical practice.

Responsibilities for the Client Advocate I:

• Serve as an active member of the patient's treatment team and advocate for services requested by the patient. Cultivate the patient's ability to make informed, independent choices, to set goals, and assist the patient in gaining information and support from the community.

• Plan activities with the patient that lead to improved self-concepts through empowerment and self-determination opportunities. Teach and role model the importance of medication monitoring, clear communication with doctors and other caregivers, developing a WRAP plan, Psychiatric Advance Directive, and/or crisis plan to facilitate or avoid/shorten hospitalization. Assist the patient with learning how to maintain stable housing and employment and provide support and encouragement to both the patient and their family members, when it is the choice of the patient to do so.

• Offer patients hope of recovery from mental illness by sharing their own recovery stories and by teaching patients how to tell their own recovery stories effectively. Use their unique recovery experience to model the value of every individual's recovery experience and to teach effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.

• Document the following on the patient's treatment plan with assistance from a supervising MHP:

• Identify, person-centered strengths, needs, abilities and recovery goals.

• Provide interventions to assist the consumer with reaching their goals for recovery.

• Make progress towards goals.

• Conduct/co-facilitate continuing education opportunities on a regional basis for other Peer Support Specialists. Actively participate in train-the trainer exercises related to the certification training and continuing education programs. Maintain valid SC Driver's License and provide backup transportation support for patient appointments to strengthen engagement and ensure reliable attendance

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.
• Applicant must be a current or former patient of mental health services, plus have one-year participation in a local or national patient movement or demonstrate recovery experience.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess a valid SC Driver's License.
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, drive from location to location, lift and file.
• This position could be considered essential. Therefore, the employee in this position may be asked to report to work even if the Center is closed in the event of an emergency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Related experience as a trainer or presenter preferred.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments

Post hire, employees must:

• Have knowledge of an agencys mission, programs and objectives.
• Possess valid SC Driver's License.
• If not certified as a SC Peer Support Specialist, must attend mandatory training and complete certification requirements.
• Maintain SC Peer Support Certification.
• Have good computer skills and ability to work set schedule determined by the Center.
• Have knowledge of recovery.
• Have ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Have effective problem-solving and decision-making 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

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

• Yes
• No

04

Are you a current or former patient of mental health services, plus have one-year of participation in a local or national patient movement, or demonstrate recovery experience?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid South Carolina Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have related experience as a trainer or presenter?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you certified as a South Carolina Peer Support Specialist by SC Share?

• Yes
• No

08

This role requires the sharing of personal experiences with recovery from mental health or substance use challenges. Is this something you are able to do?

• Yes
• No

09

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.