Job Specification Details

Consultative, administrative, and planning work for the Department of Mental Health (DMH) involving operational oversight of a statewide behavioral health service delivery system for children, adolescents, and their families to provide comprehensive community-based services. Operational supervision is exercised over professional service contracts. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Children's Services, with input from the DMH Children’s Medical Director and the Commissioner. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Oversees a community-based behavioral health service system for children, adolescents, and their families. Monitors the allocation of funds to behavioral health care components and network providers based on the local and regional service systems, including core capacities, performance, and requests. Negotiates contracts, rates, and service standards with local service providers for delivery of services that meet the goals and needs of the regions. Monitors contract provisions, evaluates quality of care, reviews adherence to performance standards, and assists in quality assurance activities. Assists in the hiring and oversight of other department staff, professional contracts, and clerical staff. Develops policies and procedures related to child and family services. Serves as department representative on interagency funding collaboratives and work groups. Coordinates the use of multiple budgets and budget categories to promote a comprehensive response to a regional system of behavioral health care and service needs. Provides training and technical assistance to providers. Directs departmental responses to treatment emergencies involving children, adolescents, and their families. Plans and directs the development of effective systems of behavioral treatment and service delivery. Coordinates programs and services with state and private agencies. Responds to complaints, inquiries, and suggestions from consumers and the general public. Interprets policy and makes decisions on difficult, controversial, or unusual case situations. Serves as the department's representative for children's services regarding issues in meetings with state, federal, and local officials. Addresses state and local groups regarding children's mental health issues. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Interaction with government staff, representatives of other human service organizations, and families and consumers is frequent and may involve conflict and strong feelings. Tact and diplomacy are needed. Frequent travel may be necessary for which private means of transportation should be available. Some evening and weekend work and some out-of-state travel may be required.

Considerable knowledge of Vermont's system of behavioral health care, including school, family, community, residential, and in-patient services for children and adolescents.

Considerable knowledge of child development and conditions which may result in family disruption and emotional disturbance.

Considerable knowledge of clinical and environmental factors and intervention strategies applicable to mental health service programs.

Considerable knowledge of administrative and supervisory principles and practices.

Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and implement comprehensive programs of family support for children, adolescents, and their families.

Ability to use outcomes in program improvement, planning, and development.

Ability to use outcomes to maintain system accountability and measure contract performance.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education, or a related field and three (3) years or more as an administrator or supervisor of a program that provides direct services to children or adolescents with behavioral health needs. 

OR

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education, or a related field and four (4) years or more as an administrator or supervisor of a program that provides direct services to children or adolescents with behavioral health needs.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.