*MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 5
Pay Range GC24

INTRODUCTION

This classification serves as a mental health program manager and performs program management duties involving a broad range of mental health programs which provide services to a wide variety of clients. Employees assume major responsibility for planning, implementing, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating an assigned program of the mental health division of the health and social services department to assure that program staff and related community agencies work effectively towards obtaining goals and objectives of the program. Program areas include crisis and evaluation, youth and family treatment, adult outpatient treatment and community support. This classification supervises a professional and support staff in varying degrees and has responsibility for work performed within the unit. May serve as division director in their absence.

This classification is distinguished from the mental health specialist 4 by performing program management.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not perform all listed duties.)

1. Assess utilization of existing services and the need for additional services; develop strategies and plan for delivery of needed services; work with the community to establish priorities for needed services; perform program development, establishment, evaluation and funding; develop, implement, conduct and attend activities/programs to promote community interest and involvement in mental health programs.

2. Supervise, assign work to, coordinate and monitor work activities of assigned professional support staff; offer assistance staff members. Ensure work is in compliance with appropriate standards and regulations. Assume accountability for work performed within program area. Participate in the selection, training and evaluation of staff. Interpret policy and procedure.

3. Assist division director in establishment of goals, policies and procedures for program area; monitor and report program effectiveness. Manage program budget; assist in program area subcontract development, management and monitoring; prepare technical aspects of grants for specific program areas. May serve as division director in their absence.

4. Participate in mental health division management team. Serve as liaison/consultant between mental health division and other health division, state hospital, schools, state agencies and other service agencies, judicial and law enforcement agencies and various committees/councils.

5. Coordinate activities between clients and community resources; assist in referral of clients from one agency or treatment to another.

6. Provide training, consultation and education to staff, service providers, schools and the public; evaluate training needs of assigned staff and work closely with the division director in obtaining or providing training.

7. Provide direct client services such as counseling/psychotherapy, intake, assessment, evaluation, information/referral, treatment plan and crisis intervention; perform pre-commitment investigations.

8. Maintain and complete required records, reports, statistical information as required by departmental policy and state law.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of program management techniques including supervision, budget preparation, resource development, funding, needs assessment, program development, implementation and evaluation; considerable knowledge of program financial and contract administration; thorough knowledge of psychological/psychosocial theory, principles and practices of mental health treatment including assessment, diagnosis and treatment of specific client population; thorough knowledge of human behavior and development as it relates to crisis situations and problems of client population; thorough knowledge of behavior intervention, management and support strategies; thorough knowledge of the laws relating to mental health and services provided to client population; thorough knowledge of planning, community resource development and community organization techniques; thorough knowledge of community resources and the functions and procedures of other social service agencies and service providers; considerable knowledge of psychological and personality testing and application to diagnosis, treatment or program planning for mentally ill or developmentally disabled persons; considerable knowledge of psychoactive medication and treatment applications. Skill in: Writing clear and concise correspondence, records, contracts, grants, treatment plans, legal documents, reports and statistical data; interviewing, counseling, listening, negotiating and therapeutic techniques and principles; family and group dynamics; assessment, diagnosis and treatment of client population; grant and contract administration. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both written and oral form; identify problems and issues and to implement plan of action; use sound judgment in making decisions regarding program and management problems; support, supervise and motivate a staff of mental health specialists and support staff; conduct thorough interviews, assessments and evaluations and to deal effectively with target population; work with and relate to a diverse population of people with mental and physical handicaps; assess, diagnosis and treat clients; develop treatment plans; 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; work independently, efficiently organize time and meet established deadlines; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; gather statistical information and compile into meaningful reports; plan/consult/coordinate with source agencies, physicians, families of clients and the community; work within inter-disciplinary team; establish and maintain records, reports and statistical data; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, community resource agencies, clients, families, hospital, schools, state agencies, judicial and law enforcement agencies, professionals, other service agencies, service providers, physicians, committees, contractors, county personnel and the public.

Education, experience and training: Master's degree is psychology, social work or related field and five years post-experience in a community mental health setting, which includes two years supervisory or program management experience OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Certifications: LCSW preferred. Some positions may require additional professional licensing or certification in specialized areas and /or experience with specific target population.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OVER THE POSITION

Work is performed under the general direction of the mental health division director who establishes goals, objectives and priorities. The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to the employee's discretion and interpretation. Employee estimates and manages time efficiently. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions made are in compliance to department policy and procedures and in terms of management requirements and expected results.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental policy and procedures, federal, state, and county statutes, rules, regulations, guidelines and ordinances; mental health and counseling reference materials, corrections guidelines, application of clinical ethics of social work; physical restraint procedures. 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 AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment and in the field; may involve bending, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, lifting up to 35 pounds, sitting, standing and walking. Considerable attention is given to personal safety when in contact with potentially aggressive clients. Employees must maintain a positive mental attitude and a tolerance for pressure situations. Some positions may require extensive driving.