Therapeutic Assistant / Counselor Assistant (G.W. Bryan Hospital)

Therapeutic Assistant / Counselor Assistant (G.W. Bryan Hospital)

Salary

$30,700.00 - $39,900.00 Annually

Location

Richland County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

188648

Agency

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Division

Greater Bryan Psychiatric Hospital

Opening Date

05/20/2026

Closing Date

6/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:

GA33

Position Number:

60025465

Normal Work Schedule:

Other

Normal Work Schedule (Other):

Monday-Friday: 11:00 AM-7:30PM

Pay Grade

GEN04

Hiring Range - Min.

$30,700.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$39,900.00

Opening Date

05/20/2026

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 Therapeutic Assistant / Counselor Assistant, 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, G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia SC 29203.

As the Therapeutic Assistant / Counselor Assistant, under the supervision of the Activity Therapy Supervisor, you will provide therapeutic diversionary based activities for the child and adolescent aged population. Therapeutic Assistants will assist the patients in achieving their recovery goals via the utilization of appropriate and therapeutic interpersonal skills and activities. You will collaborate with Nursing Services and assist in fostering and maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment on the assigned lodge(s).

Responsibilities for the Therapeutic Assistant / Counselor Assistant include:

• Create, plan and conduct individual and group diversionary activities during designated times. Provide individual or group diversionary activities during the patients free time, as needed. Will observe and document each patients attendance, level of participation, behavior, and response to the group provided. Observe, document. and report any changes in the patients behavior with The Activity Therapy Supervisor and Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse to ensure patient safety. Assist in providing coverage as assigned.
• Observe and monitor patients assigned by the Nurse Manager /Charge Nurse, excluding patients on any level of observation. Demonstrate and facilitate appropriate and empathetic communication skills while maintaining a suitable and therapeutic relationship with the patients. In collaboration with the Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse, you will assist Nursing Services in providing a safe and recovery focused environment through the utilization of de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, milieu management assistance, and the utilization of diversionary activities. You will also provide additional coverage on the unit/lodges as assigned.
• Complete inventory logs and supply check-out forms for designated areas. Will submit inventory logs and supply check-out forms to the Activity Therapy Supervisor. Observe and maintain facility equipment, in addition to reporting damages or needed repairs to Physical Plant Services, the Activity Therapy Supervisors and/or the Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse.
• Will adhere to policies and procedures set for by the SCBHDD-Office of Mental Health, in addition to adhering to Activity Therapy Standard Operating Procedures and Nursing Services rules/regulations. Will complete and maintain compliance for all mandatory training including but not limited to: MANDT, CPR, PPD, Corporate Compliance and other assigned online training.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience.

Additional Requirement:

• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds (or more during emergencies); Applicants must be able to stand, walk, reach, pull, stoop, bend and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and inclement weather as needed.
• Must be willing to work with all genders and populations at BPH Civil, Child & Adolescent and Forensics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
• In progress of an Associates Degree in the Human Services or other related fields.
• A bachelors degree in human services, Psychology and related fields can be substituted for program experience.

Additional Comments

Post hire, employees must:

• Be able to communicate with staff and patients clearly and effectively.
• Possess the ability to establish and maintain rapport with patients, in addition to being able to exercise judgement and discretion in interpreting and applying SCOMH 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 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.

60029496

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?

• 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.