DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is an administrative position involving the direction of day-to-day operations of the Department of Social Services and all county-operated community mental health programs within the framework of social service laws, rules, regulations, and administrative policies. Responsibilities include generally directing various functions of the department as well as the coordination, administration and operation of the mental health, developmental disabilities, alcoholism and substance abuse preventative and rehabilitative services provided within the county. Incumbents in this title will work regularly with outside, local, non-profit organizations. Direct supervision is exercised over a large staff of professional, administrative and clerical staff. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

• Exercises administrative direction and supervision over activities of the department and day-to-day operations of county mental health and developmental disability services, and alcoholism and substance abuse preventative and rehabilitative services;
• Coordinates various functions such as economic independence, information technology, fiscal, child support and managed care;
• Interprets, implements, and enforces federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations as they pertain to the operation and administration of the department;
• Coordinates mental health services with third party, non-profit organizations and other authorized public health agencies and groups;
• Oversees, plans and develops, and restructures educational and informational programs for the community, to promote maximum use of services provided by the County, and conducts or directs public awareness forums and activities;
• Responsible for developing and implementing Office of Mental Health Report Collection System for both local and privately operated agencies;
• Oversees the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures;
• Conducts personnel administration and participates in the disciplinary, grievance, and performance evaluation process;
• Coordinates and supervises staff development including inter-departmental workshops;
• Maintains community relations and attends meetings of local government units, social service agencies, community program administrators, citizen groups, etc.;
• Establishes and maintains organizational relationships with other agencies and groups for the purpose of developing resources and providing more efficient services;
• Performs needs assessments, conducts public hearings and studies etc. relative to establishment and operation of new mental health, developmental disabilities, alcohol and substance abuse programs;
• Oversees the preparation of annual report and monitors the annual operating budget;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:   Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of social welfare, health administration, and management; Thorough knowledge of the modern theory and practice of psychology, social psychology, mental health and psychotherapy; thorough knowledge of planning, administration and coordination of mental health and developmental disabilities services; thorough knowledge of social and health legislation; thorough knowledge of resources available to treat alcohol and substance abusers; good knowledge of administrative techniques and practices with particular reference to field staff located in separated areas and to the relationship between public agencies and the general public; good knowledge of effective public relations techniques; good knowledge of principles and practices of supervision; good knowledge of budgetary procedures; ability to manage and administer complex programs; ability to effectively work with outside agencies; ability to direct a large staff; ability to delegate; ability to organize and prepare complex oral and written reports; ability to present ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; tact; initiative; good judgement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS*:

Five years of progressively responsible clinical and/or administrative experience in a governmental, private, not-for-profit or proprietary program providing services for people who have a diagnosis of mental illness, mental retardation, developmental disability, alcoholism or substance abuse. At least two of the five years shall include functioning in an administrative capacity for the management of a program in which the candidate was responsible for the overall direction and control of an identifiable organizational unit or program. Such experience shall be specifically related to the powers and duties of the director of community services in accordance with section 14 CRR-NY 102.7; and

1. Physician licensed to practice medicine in New York State who shall be deemed board certified or board eligible in psychiatry, neurology, pediatrics; or
2. Psychologist who is currently licensed as a psychologist by the New York State Education Department; or
3. Master's degree in social work, and is currently licensed as a licensed master social worker or as a licensed clinical social worker by the New York State Education Department; or
4. Master's degree in psychiatric mental health nursing and shall be licensed by the New York State Education Department as a registered nurse; or
5. Master's degree in rehabilitation counselling, psychology, social work, public health administration, public administration, hospital administration, human services administration, business administration or other equivalent degrees as determined by a curriculum reviewed and approved by the New York State Education Department+

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Access to transportation is required to meet work requirements in a timely and efficient manner.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT**: This position is considered to be a public officer. The holder of this position must be a United States citizen and a resident of Putnam County, and maintain residency for the duration of employment.

*Minimum Qualifications established in compliance with 14 CRR-NY 102.6 and 18 CRR-NY 679.3

**Public Officers Law Article 2, Section 3

+ When a local governmental unit appoints a director of community services with an administrative degree as defined in paragraph (a) (5) of this section, the local governmental unit shall also designate a senior level clinician with responsibilities for supervision of clinical services. Such designee shall have a clinical degree and licensure or certification in addition to demonstrable clinical work experience.

9/23; 10/24 

Non-Competitive Class