Mental Health Program Coordinator

The Position

Under direction, to perform a wide range of supervisory and administrative duties, including administration of contracted and County-operated mental health programs and services; supervision of programs and functions that are County-wide and department-wide in nature; supervision of mental health clinics; evaluation of services and programs; and supervision of direct mental health patient care.

Examples Of Knowledge And Abilities

Knowledge of current principles and practices of mental health administration; principles of organization and supervision; principles and procedures of budget preparation and monitoring, including budgets involving grants, contracted services, and federal and state funding; techniques of contract negotiation and monitoring; principles and techniques of public personnel management, with emphasis on health occupations; principles and techniques of clinical interviewing, diagnosis, and treatment; most current version of the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; the purposes, functions and activities of various public and private health care entities, including advocacy groups, involved in mental health and substance abuse; State of California laws and regulations governing mental health care workers, nurses, physicians, and other licensed health professionals; the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, the Short-Doyle Act, and other laws and regulations regarding the delivery of mental health services; psychiatric treatment modalities; current trends in prevention and treatment of mental illness and substance abuse; principles and techniques for on-site reviews and program evaluations; techniques of planning, evaluating, and organizing a training program; current social and economic factors and trends influencing community mental health and substance abuse care services; differing cultural, religious, and social attitudes about mental health and substance abuse.

Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the activities of mental health care programs and activities; supervise, directly and through subordinates, a multi-disciplinary staff, including licensed mental health care providers, physicians, nurses, and support staff, and service providers under contract; analyze and accurately evaluate management and organizational situations, and make recommendations for effective improvements; analyze and effectively evaluate the operations and services of mental health and substance abuse programs, including those of contract providers; analyze and interpret laws and regulations governing health services; direct complex budget activities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, subordinates, and the staffs of public and private agencies and groups involved in health programs; communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing, and before large groups; make effective recommendations regarding staffing and other personnel matters.

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Any combination of education, training and experience likely to provide the required Knowledge and Abilities as described above. Typical ways include: Possession of a Master's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, counseling, psychiatric nursing, or a related field such as health care administration, or in public administration; AND Two years of experience coordinating and/or supervising mental health and/or substance abuse program(s) which included experience in a direct care program such as a public mental health clinic or inpatient facility, OR in an administrative or non-direct care program such as client case management or contract services. Such experience should be equivalent and comparable to the duties of the County's Senior Mental Health Counselor, Senior Psychiatric Nurse, Social Service Supervisor II, Supervising Deputy Public Guardian/Conservator, or Social Worker - Master's Degree. Note: The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the job announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements. If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

Special Requirements 1. Some positions in this class involve responsibility for direct patient care, and persons appointed to such positions may be required, in accordance with applicable federal and/or state regulations, to possess and maintain a current valid license issued by the State of California as a Psychiatrist; Psychologist; Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor; or Registered Nurse. Note: Failure to maintain a required license may be cause for disciplinary action in accordance with Civil Service rules. The Civil Service Commission approved the use of selective certification for these special requirements for Mental Health Program Coordinator, May 12, 1989. 2. Persons appointed to these classes may be subject to a confidential criminal history check and fingerprinting. 3. Psychiatric health facilities such as the County's Mental Health Center are licensed and regulated by the California State Department of Mental Health; such regulations include staffing and personnel standards which may apply to some positions in these classes and may supersede the above Minimum Qualifications. Probationary Period The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.