Unit Director (#MDDZ71)
$62,483.00 Yearly Min / $78,104.00 Yearly Mid / $93,725.00 Yearly Max

A class incumbent is responsible for the overall administration, including motivating, coordinating and directing the work of staff assigned to a treatment unit assigned to a psychiatric hospital.

• Directly supervises the work of 30 40 direct care and clerical employees.
• Manages the daily work assignments of 24 30 professional and paraprofessional employees providing treatment services to 40 110 patients.

A class incumbent reports to the Deputy Director, DSH Treatment Services and is responsible for ensuring the provision of active treatment to patients by interdisciplinary teams assigned to the unit.  An incumbent ensures the development and implementation of coordinated schedule of appropriate activities and programs and the continuity of the programs and individualized treatment planning. A class incumbent designates a leader for each treatment team to schedule work assignments and coordinate the treatment process.  An incumbent directs the work of subordinate supervisors responsible for the work of direct care staff and for scheduling shift coverage in accordance with hospital staffing requirements. An incumbent monitors the progress of treatment teams and directs the evaluation, treatment and discharge of patients. An incumbent assures that the clinical record is current and that appropriate forms are in place. In addition, an incumbent works with the support services section to assure that housekeeping, supplies and other needed services are adequate for effective unit operations. A significant aspect of the work requires frequent consultation with supervisors from the professional services department to ensure adherence to standards, effective unit operations, and to maintain a positive therapeutic environment on the unit in conformance with accreditation/certification standards and hospital policy. An incumbent participates in on call and administrative rounds required to effectively manage the hospital on a 24-hour seven day week basis.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Provides direction, coordination and motivation to treatment teams to ensure a continuum of quality/individualized patient oriented activities.  Provides direction to direct care and clerical staff in maintaining client records in compliance with accreditation/certification standards and hospital policy.
   
• Manages staffing for all unit employees to ensure proper coverage of a 24 hour, seven day week operation and staff adherence to treatment standards.  Identifies staff training needs and communicates them to the department heads and the training coordinator.
   
• Coordinates with maintenance supervisor the custodial upkeep and cleanliness of the treatment unit.
   
• Coordinates with support services the level of dietary, laundry, housekeeping and pharmaceutical supplies to ensure effective and efficient operations of the unit; Monitors same to ensure that the unit can function effectively and efficiently.
   
• Manages the transfer of patients to and from the unit to insure continuity of treatment and appropriate flow of patient information.
   
• Ensures unit operating expenses are in conformance with the hospital budget.
   
• Prepares reports and maintains records of unit activities.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the role of a psychiatric hospital in a community based mental health service delivery system.
• Knowledge of treatment standards for a psychiatric inpatient hospital.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of psychiatric hospital health care.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards for psychiatric inpatient hospitals.
• Knowledge of the multi-disciplinary team approach to the delivery of mental health services.
• Knowledge of program development and service delivery for both acute and long-term care patients.
• Knowledge of staffing, supply and treatment requirements necessary to effectively operate a psychiatric treatment unit.
• Skill in staff scheduling and organizing work assignments.
• Skill in coordinating and managing multi-disciplinary treatment team activities and overall unit operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to participate as a team member in the development of treatment plans.
• Ability to plan, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff.
• Ability to prepare reports of unit activities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Unit Director
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in health or human services program administration such as overseeing and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of health or human services programs and services; planning and establishing short and long range program goals and objectives; developing and implementing program policies and procedures and ensuring compliance. Providing advice to other agency organizational units through consultation.
2. Three years experience in interpreting and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards for psychiatric inpatient or outpatient programs.
3. Three years experience in providing psychiatric health care.
4. Three years experience in interdisciplinary team approach to the delivery of mental health services.
5. Six months experience in developing policies or procedures.
6. Six months experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.