*MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION DIRECTOR
Pay Range GC26

INTRODUCTION

This at-will position serves as director of the mental health services division of the health and social services department and performs professional and management duties in planning, managing, evaluating and providing operational support of a broad range of mental health programs such as mentally and emotionally disturbed, mentally retarded and developmentally disabled and alcohol and drug abuse programs.  Program goals are to provide a system of appropriate, accessible, coordinated, effective, efficient services to meet the mental health needs of Douglas County.  Programs provide services to a wide variety of clients such as emotionally disturbed children, adolescents, mentally ill adults and individuals with dysfunctional behaviors.  This classification supervises professional and clerical staff in varying degrees and has the responsibility for work performed in the division.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Assess the on-going mental health needs and concerns within the county and develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate programs and services for mental health needs; develop early intervention and prevention services; obtain  knowledge of new developments in mental health and implement appropriate concepts such as managed mental health care, Title XIX, brief therapy, regional services, joint ventures, etc.  Establish and maintain division policies and procedures.  Monitor program services to ensure compliance with federal and state standards and regulations; analyze the impact on programs due to state regulations.

2. Prepare and administer annual division plan; prepare division program budget; monitor and manage fiscal operations of the division; collect and analyze program statistics and prepare reports; negotiate and secure funding including writing grants and proposals; establish and maintain division policy and procedures.

3. Direct and supervise support staff through program managers and is involved in selecting, training, and evaluating staff.  Ensure performance of quality assurance and that State and Federal requirements are met.   Monitor staff development programs and on-going training for division personnel; maintain knowledge of training available from outside sources.  Assume final responsibility for work performed within the division. 

4. Guide development of division's Management Information System ensuring collection of data to evaluate program effectiveness, cost and quality assurance.

5. Manage and monitor Alcohol and Drug services; monitor and evaluate sub-contract providers, quality of care provided and effectiveness of treatment programs and services.

6. Provide direct and staff support and direction to community, regional and state committees or boards to coordinate, plan, implement and monitor mental health services such as Southern Oregon Inpatient Council; establish policies of public education and public relations for mental health programs; promote mental health programs.

7. Serve as a part of the department management team and participates in development of goals and objectives both for the division and the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of effective administration, including public relations, personnel management, and fiscal management; thorough knowledge of philosophies, principles, and practices of modern and comprehensive mental health treatment; thorough knowledge of resources relating to development and funding of programs; thorough knowledge of laws, rules and regulations relating to mental health programs; thorough knowledge of administration and management of program services to develop, implement and evaluate programs; thorough knowledge of managed mental health care systems.  Skill in: Interviewing and counseling techniques; report writing, grant, and budget administration.  Writing clear and concise reports, records and statistical data.  Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written form; apply laws, rules and regulations relating to mental health to services; support, counsel, lead and motivate a staff of mental health professionals; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable, and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; define and gather statistical information through a computerized management information system and compile into necessary reports;  negotiate service agreements and contracts; maintain effective working relationships with other employees, county officials, federal and state agencies, community advisory boards, contractors, committees, citizen's groups and the public.

Education, experience and training: Master's degree in a behavioral science, psychology, social work or closely related field and four years post master experience in community mental health services, two of which are in community mental health management.  Must possess valid Oregon driver's license at time of appointment.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

This classification is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Health and Social Services Department Administrator.

Work is performed under the guidance of the health and social services administrator.  The employee works independently in administering a complex area of responsibility and confers with supervisor for professional advice.  Discretion is required in applying general goal and policy statements, in development of recommendations, policies and procedures and in resolving program problems.  Work is accomplished within a broad framework, with authority and responsibility in area of service.  Periodic reviews of work performance are conducted in terms of expected results.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental policy and procedures, federal, state and county statutes, rules, regulations, guidelines and ordinances; established professional practices in mental health and with respect to Citizen's Advisory Board guidelines, personnel rules, management and budget administration references.   Employee uses seasoned judgment in interpreting guidelines and contributes to modification of existing guidelines by recommending changes or adapting guidelines to problems encountered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment; may involve bending, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, lifting up to 34 pounds, reaching, sitting, standing and walking.  A reasonable amount of driving is required.