Richland County, South Carolina
Legal Assistant - Judicial Processing (Inpatient Services)
Job details
- Location
- Richland County, South Carolina
- Work type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $39,300 - $53,100/yr
- Posted
- Sep 25, 2026
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
About the Department
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 Legal Assistant for the Judicial & Health Information Services Program, 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 (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health (OMH), G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia SC 29203.
As the Legal Assistant, you will independently perform specialized administrative functions which require a thorough knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures, and the SC Code of Law regarding the mentally ill and chemically dependent. Work effectively with court officials, designated examiners and various other professionals involved with the commitment due process proceeding and court-ordered discharges at all OMH-Inpatient Services facilities.
Responsibilities for the Legal Assistant include:
- Review, prepare, and processes paperwork involving the judicial process of patients to courts and families. Process admission/discharge documents from the previous day's admission and discharges, with notification to the Probate Courts. Ensure that any discrepancies of legal compliance are documented and corrected.
- Arrange for service of legal documents (received from Probate Court) upon patients. Prepare notarized Affidavit of Service and ensure the record is appropriately documented for action taken.
- Prepare weekly schedules for hearing held at IS facilities and off site. Ensures that hearings held at the facility are coordinated and scheduled examiners can be present for hearings. If not, arrange for new examiners.
- When hearings are held in house, assures that the hearing room is a proper order before and after the hearing.
- Prepare Travel Vouchers for Probate Judges traveling to facility for hearings. Prepare monthly report for SCOMH Legal Counsel of all hearings held by one county for another county. Prepare Statistical reports generated by the Judicial Processing department.
- Input information into the Outpatient Electronic Medical Record on all new admissions, judgement and orders, hearing is held or a verbal order is given. Daily maintenance of electronic filing system of Judicial patient data.
- Serve as backup for judicial employees at any IS facility when they are on sick leave or vacation.
- Take recommendations to supervisor concerning procedural improvements to office operations; perform other duties as requested.
- Maintain compliance as appropriate with policies covering: Cultural and Populations Specific Compliance Corporate andHIPAA policies, Harassment free Workplace policies, and training.
Position Duties
- A high school diploma and work experience that is related to the area of employment
- Commissioned and appointed as a Notary for the State of SC
- Use acquired skills and good judgement
- Must be able to work with young to geriatric population
Minimum Qualifications
- A high school diploma and two (2) years of clerical experience; or an associate degree in secretarial science or other related field; or (3) three years clerical experience.
- Must be able to type at least 35 words per minute.
- Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
Other Qualifications
Post hire, employees must:
- Have a considerable knowledge of clerical formats, language usage, telephone etiquette, spelling, and ability to perform advance clerical duties and the ability to maintain routine filing systems.
- Be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with staff and the public in disseminating and obtaining information.
- Have the computer skills necessary to manage D.E. schedules as well as correspondence.
- Be knowledgeable of law governing the mentally ill and substance abuse clients; must be knowledgeable of policies and procedures regarding ROI and confidentiality requirements.
- Be able to manage self and time efficiently.
- Be able to complete MANDT training.
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 *
*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.
60007288, 60027675
Benefits
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.
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.
Supplemental Questions
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
Did you graduate with a high school diploma and work experience that is related to the area of employment?
- Yes
- No
04
Are you commissioned and appointed as a Notary for the State of SC?
- Yes
- No
05
Do you have a high school diploma and two (2) years of clerical experience; OR an associate degree in secretarial science or other related field; OR (3) three years clerical experience?
- Yes
- No
06
Please indicate your salary requirements (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open").
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerState of South CarolinaAgency Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Address 400 Otarre ParkwayCayce, South Carolina, 29033 PhoneOIDD - (803)898-9600
OMH - (803) 898-8600
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