Introduction
THE POSITION
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a qualified individual to lead as the Chief Executive Officer (Mental Health Superintendent 1) (PCN 23774) of the Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN). This individual is responsible for the executive management of direct service programs throughout three state behavioral health sites in northwest Connecticut. The ideal candidate will have a background leading complex behavioral health programs. Additionally, they will have the ability to exercise and implement financial stewardship, quality improvement, and workforce excellence, while promoting WCMHN’s principles of change, growth and empowerment.
The WCMHN is made up of three state-operated Local Mental Health Authorities, located in Waterbury, Danbury, and Torrington. As a partnership, WCMHN provides and coordinates local clinical services throughout northwestern Connecticut for DMHAS (Region 5). Approximately 7,000 clients receive services in a variety of programs, including Peer Support Programs, Supported Employment, Homeless Services, Residential, Crisis Services, Jail Diversion, Outpatient, Case Management, Behavioral Health Home, Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACTT) and Young Adult Services.
In addition, the Western Connecticut Mental Health Network contracts with an array of private not-for-profit agencies, including five general hospitals to provide mental health services to the adult population of nearly 600,000 living within the northwest corner of Connecticut.
HIGHLIGHTS
- FACILITY: Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN)
- LOCATION: 55 W. Main Street, Waterbury, CT
- This position may also include travel to the Danbury and Torrington sites as needed.
- SCHEDULE: Full-Time, 40 Hours per Week, First Shift, Monday through Friday
- POSITION NUMBER: 23774
In this role, you will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
- Lead and Supervise: Provide oversight and guidance to three site directors, as well as the clinical and administrative leadership team. Serve as Chair of the Executive Committee.
- Ensure Quality Care: Ensure that DMHAS target populations receive appropriate and effective services.
- Implement Policy & Standards: Put Agency program, policies and mission into practice within the Network. Facilitate the development of performance standards for private non-profit agencies and monitor service utilization data to confirm compliance with required standards.
- Foster Collaboration: Build and maintain strong partnerships across areas and engage with local advisory groups, behavioral health organizations, advocacy groups, and consumer action teams.
- Manage Operations: Oversee compliance with bargaining unit contracts. Prepare annual operating plan and ensure efficient and effective operations to maintain fidelity to the Network’s budget.
- Workforce Planning: Lead workforce strategies that prioritize consumer and family involvement in service delivery and decision-making.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify and address service gaps through strategic planning and implementation.
- Consumer Advocacy: Implement the DMHAS grievance process to ensure timely and appropriate resolution of concerns raised by consumers, families, and agencies.
ABOUT US
DMHAS is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
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BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Jensine Tran at Jensine.Tran@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for developing and directing the clinical and administrative programs and operations of a mental health facility, hospital or community mental health center.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Plans, develops and directs clinical and administrative program at a mental health facility, hospital or community based mental health center in accordance with policies established by the governing body;
- Participates in planning and development of regional mental health service systems;
- Participates in policy and subcommittee meetings;
- Presides at administrative conferences with department heads to formulate policies to meet regional needs;
- Develops and monitors programs;
- Establishes and monitors procedures for facility;
- Confers with visitors, relatives, and professional consultants regarding patients and clients and agency practices;
- Ensures conformance of all facility procedures and programs with relevant statues and regulations;
- Directs preparation and management of budget in conjunction with department heads;
- Assures continued facility accreditation by Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals;
- Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Considerable knowledge of
- and ability to apply management principles and practices;
- relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations;
- behavioral health policies and systems;
- principles and practices of public and/or health care administration;
- managed health care systems;
- mental health program planning and development;
- Knowledge of quality assessment and/or improvement techniques and accreditation body standards;
- Considerable
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- Considerable ability to collaborate within department, state, community, and agency constituent groups;
- Ability to analyze fiscal data and prepare budgets.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
A Master's degree or higher in a health related field and at least six (6) years of managerial experience in hospital, health or mental health administration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience overseeing compliance and privacy responsibilities of a healthcare agency
- Experience working within a senior management team, overseeing multidisciplinary teams of staff and departments
- Experience leading and implementing the mission & vision of a healthcare organization
- Experience in a management capacity directing programs and operations of behavioral health or health care services
NOTE:
Managerial capacity is defined as formulating program goals and objectives, developing and implementing program procedures, initiating program policies and developing and monitoring a budget.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess the appropriate current license in one of the following areas: clinical social work, marital and family therapist, professional counselor, registered nurse, clinical psychologist, alcohol and drug abuse counselor, medicine or psychiatry.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
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.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.