MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR

Code: 02493@ Local Unclassified

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of the Mental Health Board, acts as its executive secretary and carries out its \ programs and policies; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Organizes, sets up meetings, prepares minutes and handles all correspondence and communications of the mental Health Board and the Professional Advisory Committee.
• Attends all meetings of both bodies and serves as a Coordinator between them.
• Develops plans for Mental Health Community Centers and County facilities including research studies and the preparation of proposals and applications for such facilities.
• Stimulates broad based community and cooperation among community health and welfare organizations and governmental health agencies in reviewing applications of clinics for State matching funds or other funds by collecting data and evaluating certain aspects of their functioning.
• Maintains liaison between state and federal mental health agencies, and studies the financial resources available at the state and federal levels.
• Serves as the secretariat for the formulation of drafts for staffing and construction applications for community mental service areas of the county.
• Serves as the representative of the Mental Health Board at various local and state meetings.
• Serves in a liaison capacity between the county mental health board and/or regional or local planning groups and other organizations.
• Submits monthly reports specifying progress and program developments in the county to the Division of Mental Health and Hospitals.
• Attends staff conferences convened by the Division as necessary.
• Serves as the executive secretary for the Mental Health Board in their:
• Review of request of local agencies for State funds.
• Development and utilization of guidelines and criteria for project review.
• Assessment of mental health needs in the county in terms of existing services and in regard to new or improved services.
• Formulation and dissemination of recommendations to local agencies.
• Formulation and transmittal to the Division Mental Health and Hospitals of a recommended plan for comprehensive mental health services in the county.
• Maintenance of effective with local agencies.
• Aid to county organizations and agencies vi thin the county in planning new or improved services as part of the overall development of community mental health centers.
• Assists the county mental health board in preparation of its annual budget.
• Is responsible for the maintenance of accurate records of summaries of deliberations of the professional advisory committee including the reactions and recommendations on Issues specifically referred to the committee by the county mental health board.
• Provides leadership to county mental health policy groups.
• Participates in planning and implementing all systems.
• Submits an annual county mental health services plan the State Division Health and Hospitals.
• Participates in monitoring of grant and contract services.
• Reviews, comments, and makes recommendations on proposals and applications for mental health services to the County Mental Health Board and agencies of the State and Federal Government, whenever appropriate.
• Participates in the review and negotiation of initial and renewal contracts.
• In cooperation with the State Division of Mental Health and Hospitals develops affiliation agreements for promoting and monitoring a county unified services system.
• Insures proper communication information concerning mental health service funding, deadlines, etc., to funded agencies.
• Plays role in carrying out the county mental health boards advocacy functions, including:
• 1) Receiving and following up on client questions and complaints regarding services.
• 2) Increasing representation and participation service recipients on county mental health board.
• 3) Facilitating the development of self-help groups.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Education

Possession of a master's degree in psychology or public administration or social work or public health or hospital administration or nursing from an accredited college or university and three years of experience in the administration of a mental health program.

<b>OR</b>

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in psychology or public administration or social work or public health or hospital administration or nursing and four years of experience in the administration of a mental health program.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of editing and writing techniques relative to preparing official documents and reports.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques involving the organization and functioning of community organizations, committees, conferences and meetings.
• Knowledge of the organization, structure, objectives, programs, and limitations of voluntary and business programs directly or indirectly concerned with the development and/or improvement of mental health services.
• Knowledge of current developments in the fields of mental health, education, and welfare and/or public health.
• Knowledge of planning, budgeting and human services contract administration.
• Knowledge of organizations and operations in both the public and private sector including government, social service, and health agencies and public institutions involved with mental health care.
• Ability to identify past problem areas in community mental health and develop programs.
• Ability to initiate corrective action and organize task force meetings.
• Ability to work harmoniously with leaders and representatives of professional, civic and community organizations, consumer groups and to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships leading to the facilitation of community consensus around program developments.
• Ability to assume responsibility for all mental health planning activities and to translate the policies of the Mental Health Board into concrete proposals and action.
• Ability to take initiative in the formulation of policies and procedures connected with mental health planning activities.
• Ability to devise model service systems and implement goals and objectives toward development of a unified services system.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.