Eligibility Review Psychologist at State of South Carolina – Cayce, South Carolina

About Our Agency
The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) was established April 28, 2025. The Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) is a part of the state's behavioral health and developmental disabilities agency, providing services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions and substance use disorders through a wholistic, streamlined and coordinated approach. OIDD assists in the planning, developing, coordinating, and funding services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of:

• intellectual disability and related disabilities
• autism spectrum disorder
• traumatic brain injury
• spinal cord injury and similar disability

Job Responsibilities
This position provides clinical leadership and oversight for eligibility determinations with OIDD by serving as the final authority on diagnostic and functional eligibility decisions for individuals applying under categories such as Intellectual Disability, Related Disability, At-Risk Child, and Head and Spinal Cord Injury. The position ensures that all determinations are accurate, timely, and compliant with state and federal guidelines, while also supervising record review staff, managing contract evaluators, and providing expert consultation, training, and legal testimony as needed to support the offices' mission.

• Serves as the final clinical authority on eligibility determinations for Intellectual Disability, Related Disability, At-Risk Child, and Head and Spinal Cord Injury. Reviews and approves complex or ambiguous cases, issues final determinations, and responds to appeals within required timelines. Reviews and approves Initial Level of Care.
• Supervises and supports record review staff to ensure high-quality, timely eligibility recommendation work. Provides coaching, oversight, and productivity monitoring to improve accuracy and efficiency. Submits monthly data reports to the Director of Eligibility and uses these reports to identify trends, gaps, or areas needing improvement.
• Recruits, manages, and supports a statewide network of contracted evaluators. Ensures contract compliance, renewals, and provides logistical support.
• Conducts and/or assigns eligibility evaluations for judicial admissions and subclass.
• Provides expert consultation to internal divisions and external partners. Represents the agency in hearings and court as needed.
• Develops and delivers clinical training to internal staff and external stakeholders as requested.
• Maintains licensure requirements and actively participates in agency operations.
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership, aligned with agency needs and mission.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

A master's degree in Applied Psychology and 4 years clinical experience subsequent to master's degree or possession of a license to practice Psychology in the state of South Carolina.
Working knowledge/understanding of Intellectual Disability; Related Disability; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury;
developmental issues and sequence; and knowledge of medical issues/or diagnoses; knowledge of Medicaid processes. Minimum of one (1) year experience supervising staff OR overseeing psychological services or eligibility-related programs.

About Our Agency: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and similar disability.

EEO Statement: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex --including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with consumers of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resource for further information.

Supplemental Questions: 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.