Regional Mental Health Director (DOC)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Corrections is a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based progressive correctional practices. A key component of our system is the behavioral health services that we provide to our population. The people that we serve have a broad range of behavioral health concerns which provides tremendous opportunity for individuals who are seeking to serve underserved populations and gain invaluable experience providing care for a full range of issues in a safe therapeutic environment.

This position will be accountable for administering clinical and behavioral health services programs and operations. Based at the York Correctional Institution in Niantic the Regional Mental Health Director will work 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 female population.

If interested in learning more about the DOC Health Services Staff, please view the below video:

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.   Please ensure that your application is complete.  You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut. 

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

• Directs staff, services and programs relating to mental health care for the female population
• Develops and manages the execution of the daily delivery of mental health services to the female inmate and parole population
• Assumes a lead role in the development, management, evaluation and implementation of mental health services, policies, programs and protocols
• Engages in frequent observation, coaching, monitoring and evaluation of provided services at the York Correctional Institution
• Fosters an organization-wide culture of continuous improvement and employee empowerment
• Develops, executes and manages quality system and manages to metrics that measure success
• Leads talent management with regards to identifying incoming talent and developing staff
• Determines appropriate mental health staffing levels to ensure appropriate resource allocation and compliance with collective bargaining agreements and labor laws
• Provides ongoing performance feedback and evaluations; administers progressive discipline when necessary
• Coordinates with medical and substance abuse leadership to ensure that patients are addressed holistically
• Participates on district administrator’s extended staff to ensure collaboration and coordination with custody operations
• Ensures mental health service operations are within budgetary guidelines for the female population
• Work In concert with medical and custody leadership to ensure that treatment resources are appropriate and that the safety and security of the operations are maintained
• Coordinates with external care partners to ensure continuity of care and seamless transition to the community
• Provide mental health consultation and direct care to offenders requiring second opinions

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.

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

• Experience managing large teams of clinical mental health practitioners  
• Considerable knowledge of principles, practices and issues of medicine and mental health with particular reference to diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health patients
• Experience with administration of clinical operations including budget, operational management and management of success measures
• Experience with hiring, development and performance management Strong interpersonal 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.