N.J. Admin. Code § 10:37-3.7

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 10:37-3.7 - County Mental Health Administrators

(a) By State law, all County Mental Health Boards may, with the approval of the Board of Freeholders, create the position of Mental Health Administrator. The Division strongly encourages the creation of this position in every County and suggests additional staff for the mental health board, also including one non-clerical position for every 300,000 people living in a particular county.

(b) The Division shall approve the credentials of a candidate for the position of Mental Health Administrator, selected by the appointing authority, prior to his/her hiring.

(c) The county shall provide, as part of its submission of the candidate's approval request, a current description of how the Administrator will be responsible to the county and to the County Mental Health Board and a job description that reflects the Administrator's role in developing the County Mental Health Plan and other requirements under State law and these Regulations.

(d) Minimum qualification shall include:

1. Education: A Master's Degree from an accredited university in Psychology, Public Administration, Social Work, Public Health, Hospital Administration, Nursing or a related field. A Bachelor's Degree with significant work experience beyond the required three years, in one of the above areas, may be substituted for a Master's Degree with prior approval from the Division.

2. Experience: A minimum of three years experience in administration in mental health care or related fields.

3. Knowledge and abilities: Working knowledge of planning, budgeting and human services contract administration. Working knowledge of current developments in the field of mental health. Working knowledge of organizations and operations in the public sector including government, private, social service and health agencies and public institutions. Ability to devise model service systems and implement goals and objectives toward development of a unified services system. Ability to work harmoniously with various leaders, representatives of the community, and consumer groups.

(e) Roles and functions: The County Mental Health Administrator shall:

1. Maintain accurate records and summaries of the county mental health board's and its professional advisory committee's deliberations and conduct regular clerical and business matters of the county mental health board and be responsible to that body;

2. Serve as the county mental health board's executive secretary;

3. Serve as liaison between the county mental health board and its advisory committee and county government, the Division, the Department and the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, and to local and regional planning bodies;

4. Provide leadership to county mental health policy groups and participants as an equal member in policy groups convened by the Division;

5. Participate in planning and implementation of all system and program development activities relating to the county, convened, initiated or required by the Division;

6. Act as a facilitator/convenor for meetings involving agencies under the county mental health board's jurisdiction, and county. State and/or Federal officials;

7. Submit an annual county mental health services plan to the Division, in accordance with the Division's planning guidelines;

8. Attend Statewide or Regional meetings of County Mental Health Administrators, and submit reports, as required by the Division;

9. Participate in formal monitoring of grant and contract services;

10. Participate as a full team member at all Federal, State, County site inspections of all services and agencies under the Board's jurisdiction;

11. Review, comment and make recommendations on proposals and applications for mental health services to the County Mental Health Board and to agencies of the State and Federal Government, as appropriate;

12. Participate in the review and negotiation of initial and renewal contracts;

13. In cooperation with the Division develop affiliation agreements for promoting and monitoring a county unified services system;

14. Insure proper communication of information concerning mental health services, funding, deadlines, etc. to funded agencies;

15. Play an active role in carrying out the county mental health board's advocacy functions including:

i. Receiving and following up on client questions and complaints regarding services, as outlined in 10:37-4.6.

ii. Increasing representation and participation of service recipients on county mental health board.

iii. Facilitating the development of self-help groups.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10:37-3.7