Job Responsibilities Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's 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, who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's 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 (BHDD) - Office of Mental Health, C.M. Tucker Jr. Nurse Care Center-Roddey Pavilion, 2200 Harden St. Columbia, SC 29203. As the Therapeutic Assistant, under the supervision of the Director of Recreation and Community Outreach Services, Therapeutic Assistant Supervisor, or designee (Licensed Nurse) you will provide specialized therapeutic recreation activities to culturally diverse resident population at the Roddey Pavilion across the life span based on individualized Activity Therapy Care Plans. You will assist residents in meeting their needs for dignity and quality of life maintenance. You will utilize effective leadership and interpersonal skills, provide guidance and assist in providing and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment. Responsibilities for the Therapeutic Assistant: Provide meaningful observations and individualized documentation of activity attendance, participation and responses related to interventions and any changes in behavior, mental and or physical state and the general well-being of residents. Report to the Director of Recreation and Community Outreach Services or designee (License Nurse) to ensure resident safety. Therapeutic Assistant will be assigned to perform close observations one to one (1:1) and hall monitoring on a Unit. Foster appropriate and empathetic communication skills while maintaining a therapeutic interpersonal relationship with residents. Assist in providing a safe and therapeutic environment, utilizing de-escalation techniques and assists with crisis intervention. Adhere to policies and procedures for: PPD policy, Mandatory education and training, Corporate Compliance, HIPAA and Harassment-Free Workplace. Assist the Activity Therapist Department with various activities, such as providing positive interaction with the residents in a resident's room, dining room, day room and throughout the facility/grounds to include simple crafts. Demonstrate competency in performing duties under the supervision of the Director of Recreation and Community Outreach Services. Assist with dining process by feeding and /or assisting residents receiving regular diets and thin liquids after successful completion of the facility's feeding program. Minimum and Additional Requirements Have the ability or experience to learn relevant program areas.
Additional Requirements:
Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to see, hear at normal volumes, stand, walk, reach, pull, stoop, bend and climb at least two (2) or three (3) flights of stairs. Ability to tolerate noise level and circulate in patient areas for long periods. Must be able to work with repetitive patient behaviors.
Preferred Qualifications:- A high school diploma or GED.Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
- Additional Comments
- Post hire, employees must:
- Be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with professional staff and others, express ideas clearly and establish rapport with residents.
- Be able to exercise judgement and discretion in applying and interpreting 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.15 days annual (vacation) leave per year15 days sick leave per year13 paid holidays
Paid Parental LeaveS.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:
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.
