07/08/2004 43795

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE CHILDREN’S BEHAVIORAL SERVICES DIRECTOR

DEFINITION: This is professional and administrative work directing a statewide mental health and substance abuse services (OMHSAS) program administered by the Department of Public Welfare for the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents.

The employee in this job is responsible for planning, developing, directing, and coordinating a specialized statewide mental health program for children and adolescents. Work involves developing new and revised services, program standards, policies, regulations and Medicaid State Plan amendments consistent with Child and Adolescent Service System Program principles. The employee directs, prepares and manages the development of Unified System of Children’s Services and Medicaid HealthChoices waivers in collaboration with OMHSAS bureaus, the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP), other state agencies and local stakeholders. Work also involves directing coordination with the Department of Education, Department of Health and workgroups in the development of mental health and substance abuse services for children. Supervision is exercised over a professional and clerical staff. Work is performed with initiative and independent judgment under the general administrative direction of the Deputy Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services who reviews work through conferences, reports, and program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, develops, directs and coordinates a specialized statewide OMHSAS program for children and adolescents.

Leads OMHSAS, stakeholders and community groups on new program design based on evidence-based practices in service provision.

Designs and oversees the implementation of pilot projects.

Provides training on innovative practices and evaluates program outcomes.

Directs the development and preparation of new and revised policies, regulations and contract provisions to comply with legal settlements and lawsuits impacting service delivery.

Collaborates with other DPW program offices, other state agencies and workgroups providing services for the behavioral health needs of children.

Directs and prepares the development of Unified System of Children’s Services and Medicaid HealthChoices waivers in collaboration with other Departmental bureaus, other state agencies and local stakeholders.

Analyzes and interprets applicable federal and state regulations into the Unified System of Children’s Services and HealthChoices standards, requirements and policies.

Plans and coordinates the development of standards, best practices and requirements with consideration of local priorities in budget allocations, capitation rate setting, children’s initiatives and federal and state plan documents.

Oversees, in collaboration with the Office of the Medical Director, clinical and treatment services continuity within provider agencies to ensure compliance with regulations, policies, treatment plans, professional standards and best practices.

Directs, guides and coordinates service providers, professional staff and state, county and local officials in developing an integrated children and adolescent behavioral health service system.

Directs the review of existing and proposed federal and state legislation to determine the effect on service provision, quality and utilization.

Recommends appropriate resources to effectively develop, monitor, evaluate and report service performance.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

May participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and current developments in the field of mental health and substance abuse programs and services for children and adolescents.

Knowledge of functions, programs, and resources of federal, state, county, local, and private agencies and organizations related to mental health and substance abuse programs and services for children and adolescents.

Knowledge of the resources and requirements of federal, state and local agencies applicable to mental health and substance abuse programs and services for children and adolescents.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of policy and program planning, development and implementation.

Ability to provide direction, coordination, leadership, guidance, and consultation to mental health facilities and community mental health programs providing mental health and substance abuse services.

Ability to analyze, evaluate, interpret, monitor, and identify specific behavioral health needs and make recommendations for the improvement.

Ability to develop and apply Departmental policies and regulations in the provision of consultative services for mental health and substance abuse programs for children and adolescents.

Ability to use judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting Departmental policies and procedures.

Ability to exercise effective administrative and professional coordination
over the statewide mental health program for children and adolescents.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Seven years of professional experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of a human services program, including three years in an administrative, consultative, or supervisory capacity involving behavioral health programs for children and adolescents; and a bachelor's degree;

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An equivalent combination of professional experience and training, which included three years of administrative, consultative, or supervisory experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of behavioral health programs for children and adolescents.

A master’s degree in public health, public administration, psychology, social work or a closely related field may be substituted for two years of administrative, consultative or supervisory experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of behavioral health programs for children and adolescents.