ASSISTANT MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR



DEFINITION


Under direction, assists the mental health administrator in planning,
developing, and implementing county mental health services; does other
related duties as required.

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes
only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties
listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on
the job may not be listed.


EXAMPLES OF WORK:


May plan and implement all mental health system and program development
activities for a county.

May develop an annual county mental health services plan.

Participates in monitoring grant funding and evaluation of services
rendered by various mental health agencies throughout the county.

Reviews and makes recommendations to the mental health administrator on
proposals and funding applications for mental health services submitted
to the Mental Health Board.

May prepare the annual budget for the Mental Health Board.

Participates in the review and negotiation of initial and renewal
contracts between the county and agencies providing mental health
services.

May represent the Mental Health Board on various committees and meetings
with other agencies.

May develop plans for mental health community centers and county
facilities including research studies and the preparation of proposals
and applications for such facilities.

Maintains liaison between state and federal mental health agencies and
studies the financial resources available at the state and federal
level.

Serves in a liaison capacity with regional or local planning groups.

Serves as and represents the mental health administrator during his/her
absence.

May establish records and files.

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or
manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or
related units.

REQUIREMENTS:

     EDUCATION:

     Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Public Administration, Social Work,
Public Health, Hospital Administration, or Nursing.

     NOTE: A Master's degree in Psychology, Public Administration,
Social Work, Public Health, Hospital Administration, or Nursing from an
accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of
required experience.

     EXPERIENCE:

     Three (3) years of experience in the administration of a mental
health program.

     LICENSE:

     Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in
New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee
mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of editing and writing techniques relative to preparing
official documents and reports.

Knowledge of principles and techniques involving the organization and
functioning of community organizations, committees, conferences, and
meetings.

Knowledge of the organization, structures, objectives, programs, and
limitations of voluntary and business programs directly and indirectly
concerned with the development and/or improvement of mental health
services.

Knowledge of current developments in the fields of mental health,
education, and welfare and/or public health.

Knowledge of planning, budgeting, and human services contract
administration.

Knowledge of organizations and operations in both the public and private
sector including government, social service, and health agencies, and
public institutions involved with mental health care.

Ability to identify basic problem areas in community mental health
programs.

Ability to initiate corrective action and organize task force meetings.

Ability to work harmoniously with leaders and representatives of
professional, civic, and neighborhood organizations.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
leading to the facilitation of community consensus around program
developments.

Ability to assume responsibility for mental health planning activities.

Ability to translate policies of the Mental Health Board into concrete
proposals and action.

Ability to take the initiative in formulation of policies and procedures
connected with mental health planning activities.

Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording
and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English
sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language
or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as
they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable
accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation
cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such
persons may not be eligible.

CODES: LG - 07296             RKR/hw                      8/28/97

This job specification is for local government use only.