MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONER 22257

8/16/90 A

This is an agency unique, single position classification responsible for directing, planning and developing the delivery of mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse service programs throughout the Commonwealth. This position provides leadership, management and administrative direction to facility directors and a professional staff of directors and consultants having accountability for accomplishment of agency's mission. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Commissioner class by the Associate Commissioner's requirement to supervise and direct all service programs.

Complexity of Work: Performs duties of unusual difficulty in the developing, planning, coordinating, directing and monitoring of the programmatic operational and administrative activities of the mental health and mental retardation facilities. This position is responsible for insuring that institutions and community agencies develop and maintain a coordinative approach for delivery of quality services. Supervises a staff of professionals in the development and direction of mental health, mental retardation, substance abuse and forensic services. Directs staff in working with forty diverse and politically independent community service boards in linking service delivery. This class is accorded wide latitude for exercising independent judgment and discretion with established policies and statutory limitations. This class may act for the Commissioner during his/her absence.

Supervision Given: Provides formal supervision to facility directors, Human Service Program Directors, Human Service Directors Senior, and a large staff of professionals.

Supervision Received: Receives broad administrative direction from the Commissioner who expects the incumbent to exercise a high degree of judgment and initiative in directing activities of the facilities and staff.

Scope: Directs the accomplishment of a major part of the agency's total mission affecting facilities, contracted services and field service offices where large numbers of clients are served.

Impact of Actions: Decisions seriously impact the services received by clients who are represented by local advocacy groups. The services provided determine the quality of life that the clients have and their changes for independent living. Careful assessments must be made to balance public resources with clients' needs and their potential for improvement. There is an opportunity to realize large savings or losses and to influence public goodwill.

Personal Contacts: Maintains frequent contact with facility directors, Central Office staff, Executive Directors of Community Services Boards, DMHMRSAS Board, legislators and other state agencies, especially during legislative sessions.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse services including the conduct of mental evaluations, the provision of therapeutic treatment, and the management of patient behavior. Considerable knowledge of the structure of state and local government and the role of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse system; ability to maintain cooperative working relations with staff in institutional and community settings, to present facts and conclusions to government officials, client advocates, and the general public to obtain their support and to direct a professional staff.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work related to mental health, mental retardation, substance abuse, social work, rehabilitation, counseling, psychology, business or public administration, or a related human services field.

Level and Type of Experience: Extensive experience in planning and managing complex statewide human services programs. The experience should involve administrative and programmatic responsibilities for multiple, diverse programs, requiring cooperation across jurisdictional boundaries and supervision of professional staff.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class is established as a result of reorganization and reassignment of duties at the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, effective August 16, 1990.