Mental Health Outreach Coordinator (Temporary) 8/27/26

Mental Health Outreach Specialist

The Mental Health Outreach Specialist will work with the CCSO's Director of Mental Health, aiming to deliver resources within Charleston County to enhance prevailing social and economic circumstances that contribute to mental health incidents. Working closely with stakeholders such as the medical community and various organizations in both volunteer and public sectors, this position will conduct research on underlying causes and effective strategies, subsequently putting these strategies into action. This position will conduct community follow ups for individuals who have experienced mental health incidents in Charleston County and connect them to appropriate resources.

SALARY HOURLY: $30.64 - $34.45

NOTE: THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION AND THERE ARE NO BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TEMPORARY POSITION.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

• Utilize Critical Incident Management System software (CIMS) to track incidents of behavioral health crises and coordinate follow up efforts in partnership with other providers in the community.
• Conduct community follow ups for individuals, both in person and via phone, who have experienced behavioral health incidents in Charleston County and connect them to appropriate resources and involve family, significant others, and participant-identified collateral contacts whenever possible in-service referral and planning.
• Research and refer at-risk individuals to community resources, such as mental health and substance related support services, public benefits, healthcare, support groups, etc.
• Follow up post-intervention with at-risk individuals in the community to ensure that their situations have improved. Monitor and track milestones in participation, such as employment acquisition, completion of certificates, increased wages and other outcome measures of success.
• Act as advocate and liaison for at-risk individuals in securing access to community services, housing, educational and vocational services, income support, and natural support such as self-help.
• When appropriate, participate as part of a multi-disciplinary team to strategize how best to support and supervise at-risk individuals in the community, communicating with all relevant parties, including the at-risk individual, family members, significant others, providers, judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney.
• Document all follow ups in accordance with applicable agencies, local, state and federal regulations and always maintain confidentiality.
• Provide regular updates to the court and other stakeholders regarding the at-risk individual's engagement in referral services in the community as required by the judge.
• Provide support, guidance and assistance to Deputies on scene with those in crisis, to include coordination with Mobile Crisis when appropriate. Maintain a strong working relationship with Patrol Deputies and Supervisors through regular contact.
• Develop and maintain a list of community resources beneficial for at-risk individuals for Patrol Deputies to utilize when they encounter those in need.
• Display sound judgement and safety considerations regarding any follow up activity, effectively utilizing support from Deputies for any security concerns.
• Identify and support those jail residents at risk of mental health incidents and assess their re-entry needs to include housing, benefits, mental health and substance use treatment after release.
• Participate in Community and Outreach events that may include some evening and weekend hours as part of the Community Wellness Unit.
• Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.
• May be required to work evenings, holidays or weekends as directed. Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office

Minimum Qualifications

A qualified applicant must (1) be a U.S. Citizen; (2) possess a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services field such as Psychology, Counseling, Education or Social Work. Clinical Sciences from an accredited institution, have 1-3 years of case management experience with a focus on community treatment or experience working in a correctional setting. (3) have a valid SC driver's license and (4) must be able to obtain NCIC certification within 6 months of hire. Applicants meeting these minimum criteria must submit to, and successfully complete, all phases of the hiring process to be considered for employment. The process includes but is not limited to the following: the Nelson-Denny Reading Test, a two-phase background investigation, a credit check, a psychological examination/evaluation, a polygraph examination, an oral interview and upon an offer of employment, a pre-employment physical examination.