Mental Health Director

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Northumberland County Behavioral Health & Intellectual/Developmental Services is actively seeking a Mental Health Director to lead their Mental Health Department --a role that blends leadership, compassion, and strategic vision to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, adults, and families in the community. If you're passionate about shaping mental health services and leading with purpose, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting difference in Northumberland County!

For more information and to apply for this position, click on the following link: Mental Health Director (County Mental Health Program Specialist 2 (LG)) Northumberland County MH/ID | Job Details tab | Career Pages

This will be an administrative position in the BH/IDS Program

The employee in this class will review, analyze and evaluate mental health program objectives, policies and operations of organizational segments in the Northumberland County BH/IDS Program.

Employee provides supervision to the Mental Health Department staff concerning program planning, interpreting overall departmental objectives, and advising on problems related to the coordination of the Mental Health Program. Important aspects of this work include: the review and analysis of existing programs utilized by the Mental Health Department; evaluation of program effectiveness and recommendations for potential changes in program policies and procedures.

Meet with regional program personnel to ensure effective coordination of the BH/IDS Program procedures, policies and practices are in compliance with all DHS Regulations.

Responsible for the coordination of the Mental Health Department with other departments within the Human Services Agency.

Responsible for the oversight of emergency services provided by the Mental Health Department and the clients served within Northumberland County for crisis intervention.

Plan, develop and implement departmental in-service training and activities for the Mental Health Department, especially concerning emergency services. Responsible for developing, reviewing and implementing program policies and operating procedures for the Mental Health Department and BH/IDS Program. This includes maintaining and updating the Mental Health Department Policy and Procedures Manual, in conjunction with the BH/IDS Administrative staff, prepares reports on studies made and recommends policy and procedural changes. Also, coordinate and complete the development and drafting of departmental Annual Plans, policies and procedures.

Develop Grant proposals for funding of services outside of the traditional funding streams; also responsible for the successful implementation of grants, program initiatives and projects assigned to the Mental Health Department in cooperation with other administrative staff.

Monitor all Mental Health services and service providers to assure that treatment, planning, service delivery, service quality and corresponding billing are in compliance with contractual provisions.

In conjunction with BH/IDS Administrative staff, the Mental Health Director determines the effectiveness of Mental Health Programs in meeting departmental objectives by discussing program operations with staff and reviewing reports and other data on program plans, operations, and achievements.

Authorizes and approves funding for services and programs provided to clients of the Mental Health Program. Assist in the development of the Agency’s Mental Health budget and assist in monitoring of fiscal expenditures.

Be an effective liaison with governmental and private community health and welfare agencies, organizations and facilities.

Represent the Mental Health Department on task forces, advisory boards or other community services as necessary.

Responsible for all other job duties not specified above.

Required Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

· Knowledge of the principles and practices of mental health program planning and development as it relates to the implementation of direct services and operational procedures.

· Knowledge of modern basic management principles and practices

· Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and resources as it relates to the field of mental health.

· Knowledge of the basic principles and methods involved in working with socially maladjusted or physical or mentally disabled adults and/or children.

· Knowledge of the structure, organization, and methods of public and private mental health agencies and institutions.

· Knowledge of the principles and methods applied to collecting, reviewing, analyzing and interpreting statistical data.

· Ability to analyze and evaluate program plans and operations and make recommendations leading toward policy and method determination

· Ability to aid in the development and coordination of mental health program plans.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private agencies, community groups and organizations, federal, state and county officials and agency staff.

· Ability to plan and direct the work of a professional staff.

· Ability to make clear and pertinent statements, orally and in writing.

Physical Job Requirements

· Mobility: Ability: to travel between office locations, client homes, hospitals, and community sites. This may involve walking, standing, climbing stairs and/or driving.

· Sitting/Standing: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer, as well as standing or walking when conducting field visits.

· Lifting/Carrying: May require lifting or carrying files, office supplies, small equipment, a child, or an adult (typically up to 25-150+ pounds)

· Reaching/Bending: Regularly required to reach, bend, crouch, or kneel to assist clients or handle paperwork

· Fine Motor Skills: Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling documents.

Mental and Emotional Demands

· High Stress Tolerance: Ability to manage crisis situations, interact with individuals in distress, and handle potentially volatile situations.

· Communication: Frequent verbal and written communication with clients, families, healthcare providers and legal entities.

· Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Requires critical thinking to assess client needs, develop care plans, and navigate complex social services.

Work Environment Considerations

· Client Homes and Community Settings: May encounter unsanitary conditions, pets, smoke, or environmental hazards.

· Potential Safety Risks: Interactions with individuals experiencing severe mental illness, substance use disorders, or behavioral crisis.

· Flexible Schedule: May require evening, weekend, or on-call work depending on agency requirements.