Behavioral Health Program Director

Under general direction, to plan, organize, develop, and direct the functions, services, and programs of the Trinity County Behavioral Health Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; to be responsible for the development and evaluation of programs and services; to be responsible for the state reporting requirements of program funding; to act as a spokesperson for assigned units; to establish assigned unit policies and goals within the general policies and goals of the Health and Human Services Agency's Behavioral Health Branch; to serve as a liaison with community, regional, or State agencies on mental health and substance abuse issues; and to do related work as required.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties:

(The follow is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

Plans, assigns, directs, supervises, and coordinates the work of multidisciplinary staff providing behavioral health diagnostic and treatment services, social and rehabilitation services, and consultation and education services to consumers, public and private agencies, and the community; evaluates overall activities of assigned programs/functions, including methods and procedures for effectiveness and consistency with program goals, objectives and regulations, recommending and implementing changes in program, policies, and procedures as necessary.
Makes or reviews decisions on difficult consumer assessment and casework matters.
Provides guidance to subordinates on departmental philosophy, goals and objectives, policies and procedures through casework conferences, staff meetings and work review.
Assists and participates in the development and coordination of in-service training and staff development programs.
Evaluates performance and productivity of personnel and takes or recommends appropriate course of action.
Interviews and makes recommendations on the hiring of new staff members.
Participates in various forms of psychotherapy, such as crisis intervention, individual, group and family therapy.
Works with other public, private, and community organizations providing health and human services to mentally and emotionally disabled individuals and individuals with substance abuse issues to gain and ensure cooperation in achieving program goals.
Participates in behavioral health conferences.
May participate in Countywide community needs assessment and program planning, development and evaluation activities.
Monitors expenditures and revenues to ensure programs/functions conform to the adopted budget.
Prepares reports and correspondence regarding workload statistics, casework and unit methods and procedures.

Desirable Qualifications:

Knowledge of:
Psychological and social aspects and characteristics of emotional disturbances and mental illness.
Therapeutic treatment methods and procedures used in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse fields.
Methods and techniques for conducting psychological and social assessments.
Methods of assessing, treating and counseling persons with mental health and/or substance abuse problems.
Alcohol and drug recovery, rehabilitation, and prevention programs.
Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and standards pertaining to County.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse programs and social service programs, especially those pertaining to an individual's legal rights.
Principles and methods of individual and group counseling.
Human behavior and development.
Available community resources for behavioral health services.
Problems and needs of the seriously mentally ill.
Causes and treatment of substance abuse problems and drug addictions.
Basic Knowledge of medications and psychotropic drugs used in behavioral health treatments.
Principles of program development and evaluation.
Principles of staff supervision, training and evaluation.

Ability to:
Plan, organize, develop, and manage Mental Health and Substance Abuse programs and services.
Supervise, train, evaluate and motivate assigned professional and support staff.
Develop and implement alcohol and drug education programs for the public, County staff and community groups.
Perform a variety of mental health assessment and therapeutic services.
Assess mental health disorders and functional impairments, developing effective care plans in consultation with clients and other staff.
Conduct effective individual and group psychotherapy.
Counsel alcohol and drug clients and conduct group therapy sessions.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Communicate effectively with people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Provide training of complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable and non-threatening manner.
Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of personal, medical, and administrative records, clinical documentation and related materials.
Effectively represent the Agency and the Branch in contacts with clients, the public, contract service providers, community organizations, other County staff, and other government organizations.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationship.

Training and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience, which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Three (3) years of licensed clinical experience at a level equivalent to Mental Health Clinician III in Trinity County. A year of providing clinical supervision is preferred.
Three (3) years of experience in a substance abuse, medical, behavioral health or public health program at a level equivalent to Substance Abuse Specialist III in Trinity County.
Completion of a Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Additional education in Health Administration, Business Administration, or Public Administration is preferred.

Special Requirements:
Possession of a license as a Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, or Marriage and Family Counselor, or Registered Nurse is required, in accordance with CCR Title 9, Division 1, Department of Mental Health.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California Driver's License.

Supplemental Information:

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office environment; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This single position classification is responsible for the supervision and coordination of all Mental Health and Substance Abuse programs, functions, and services in the County Health and Human Services Agency - Behavioral Health Branch.

 

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
In addition to our everyday duties, we have an added responsibility to help in a declared disaster. Under California law, all public employees are Disaster Service Workers and may be called upon in the event of a disaster. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Government Code 3100-3102; Labor Code 3211.92(b).