"'Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.' That quote by psychologist William James perfectly explains why I was drawn to the field of mental health counseling, because I'm intentional about making a difference. In this work, listening without judgment, asking the right questions, and helping clients build strategies are what create real change and are what it takes to be a counselor.

I'm able to support people through life's challenges by creating a safe space to talk, heal, and grow. I truly believe that listening, empathy, and consistent support can change lives. That's why I show up every day knowing that
what I do really matters."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 21-1023
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Customer service
• Behavioral assessment
• Track injury trends
• Build strong relationships
• Financial reporting

General Work Activities 

• Mental Processes
  • Modify treatment plans
  • Develop or advise on social policy or assist in community development
• Interacting With Others
  • Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment
  • Supervise or direct other workers who provide services
  • Educate clients or community members
  • Counsel or aid family members
• Work Output
  • Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress
  • Interview clients, review records, and conduct assessments
  • Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans
  • Refer patient, client, or family to community resources for housing or treatment

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Midlands
• Santee-Lynches
• Trident
• Catawba
• Worklink
• Greenville

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, Inc.
• NHE, Incs
• Pilgrim's
• Addus HomeCare, Inc.

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Healthcare Social Workers
• Mental Health Counselors
• Psychiatrists
• Rehabilitation Counselors
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.