Regional Mental Health Director (DOC)

Accountable for administering clinical and behavioral health services programs and operations. Works out of both Central Office and correctional facilities, having persistent interaction with inmates. Works directly with sentenced and sentenced offenders, providing mental health care, relief care for mental health providers when needed. Develops and directs mental health programming for diverse population.

During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency. 

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Cathy Riberio at Catherine.Riberio@ct.gov.

In the Department of Correction, this class is accountable for administering mental health services to offenders and inmates under the care and custody of the agency including offenders assigned to Parole and Community Services supervision, in an assigned region.

Directs staff, services, and programs relating to mental health care in an assigned region; oversees the daily delivery of mental health services to the offender, inmate and parole population; assists with the development and implements and evaluates policies, goals, and objectives to ensure conformance with national standards, administrative policies, accreditation of staff and statutory provisions; interprets and administers pertinent laws; formulates and leads the  mental health services team in the attainment of agency goals and objectives; assists in development of programs and activities including development of  mental health service standards and criteria; implements new procedures and procedural revisions; determines or assists in determination of appropriate  mental health staffing levels to ensure appropriate resource allocation and compliance with collective bargaining agreements and labor laws; monitors  mental health services activities for conformance with relevant state and federal licensure and other statutes, regulations and/or policies; enforces  mental health services polices and agency administrative directives; coordinates with human resources to ensure the hiring, retention, training and promotion of qualified staff; provides ongoing performance feedback and evaluations and initiates and enforces progressive discipline when necessary; ensures  mental health service operations are within budgetary guidelines for region; regulates number of infirmary beds within designated facilities; coordinates offender admissions and transfers due to  mental health necessity; conducts risk management assessment of care including fiscal,  mental health and security issues ensuring quality of treatment; maintains contact with individuals both within and outside of agency who might impact on programs and services; provides expert testimony in court; participates on various committees and boards; may participate in quality assurance studies and investigations; may represents the Commissioner regarding  mental health lawsuits; may provide  mental health consultation and direct care to offenders requiring second opinions; may participate in quality assurance studies and investigations; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of  mental health with particular reference to diagnosis and treatment of offenders; considerable knowledge of recent developments in the field of  mental health; knowledge of administration and clinical operations, functions and systems involving  mental health service delivery; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable organizational skills; considerable analytical skills; ability to teach and provide clinical supervision.

Experience in a hospital, clinical setting or correctional facility as a board certified psychiatrist.

One (1) year of the general experience in a supervisory capacity or leader of programs and processes.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of principles, practices, and issues of medicine and psychiatry with particular reference to diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health patients; considerable knowledge of recent developments in the field of psychiatry and medicine; knowledge of administration and clinical operations, functions, and systems involving behavioral health service delivery; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable organizational skills; considerable analytical skills; ability to teach and provide clinical supervision.

1. Incumbents in this class must possess an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Connecticut.
2. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain certification as a specialist in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
3. Incumbents in this class may possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b (f).
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain certification as a specialist in an area such as geriatrics, ABI/TBI, forensics, substance abuse, etc.
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess appropriate current licenses, certifications or permits.
6. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual.
7. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
8. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.