MENTAL HEALTH/RETARDATION FACILITY DIRECTOR A 22105

9/1/77 A

Directs all functions of a small to medium mental hospital or regional training center for the mentally retarded.

The work involves planning and managing the medical, clinical, administrative, physical plant and related activities of an institution within the limits of the policies and guidelines of the State Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board and the Commissioner of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. Direction is given to the heads of various sections and services of the institution, and professional assistance is provided on individual patient cases to the extent possible by virtue of education, experience and time available from other duties. Responsibility for medical diagnosis and treatment is delegated to a physician. Liaison is maintained with representatives of institutions of higher education in the development and administration of training programs for medical and clinical personnel. Rules and regulations governing the daily operation of the facility are formulated, implemented and revised as required. Direct contacts are made with relatives and friends of residents to discuss the care and treatment of residents. Conferences of national and regional scope are attended with other staff personnel in order to continue development of knowledge and skills related to the treatment, training and rehabilitation of the mentally ill or mentally retarded. Direction is received from the State Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board and the Commissioner of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.

Examples of duties characteristic of positions in this class:

1. Reviews the recommendations and projections of staff members in connection with the evaluation and treatment of mental and physical illnesses of residents; gives non-medical advice in certain instances; arranges for additional medical consultation on especially difficult cases.

2. Supervises staff development activities; coordinates affiliated training programs for psychiatric social workers, nurses, medical students, residents and others.

3. Inspects the physical plant and orders necessary repairs and renovations; develops proposals and recommendations for the construction of new or enlarged facilities; discusses construction plans with the Commissioner, architects, engineers and others involved in the process.

4. Supervises the business and fiscal transactions of the institution; directs the preparation of budget requests and documents; insures the preparation and maintenance of official records and reports; approves the employment, promotion and discharge of personnel.

Confers with family and friends of residents regarding the condition and progress of residents; hears and discusses complaints, suggestions and problems; approves the furlough or discharge of residents.

6. Recommends, when necessary, changes in departmental medical and administrative policies and procedures to the State Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board and the Commissioner of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.

 

Possession of a master's degree in psychology, social work, hospital administration or other field related to mental health and five years of professional experience in a facility for the care and treatment of the mentally ill or mentally retarded, three years of which must have been in a responsible administrative capacity. Additional education ma be substituted for experience on an equivalent time basis.

Considerable knowledge of modern methods of treatment, education, and rehabilitation of the mentally ill and mentally retarded; considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of mental health facility administration; ability to plan and direct the work of a large professional, technical and administrative staff; ability to deal effectively with a variety of individuals and groups.