VENDOR SERVICES COORDINATOR (Mental Health)

DEFINITION

This is responsible professional work in the development, implementation and evaluation of community-based mental health services in an assigned geographical area of the state.

An employee in this class works directly with Department of Mental Health and community service providers, local officials and organizations, and the general public in responding to service needs by identifying resources, establishing priorities, and developing programs and services which are compatible with the overall plans and goals of the Department of Mental Health. In programs of sufficient scope and complexity, the purchase-of-service and community placement functions may each have an employee assigned to perform these duties, and in the largest and most complex programs there may be more than one position assigned to each function. Work includes providing technical assistance to community agencies and service vendors in preparing contracts, proposals and other requirements for program participation. The employee also establishes, evaluates and monitors documentation necessary for the provision of community-based services for eligible clients. Work is subject to review by the Regional Program Specialist (DD), Regional Community Services Director, Regional Placement and Services Director, or other designated superior; and the employee may receive technical direction from the Department of Mental Health's central office.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Assists Department and community service providers, local officials, organizations and general public in the determination of service needs, identification of resources, establishment of priorities, and development of programs and services in an assigned geographic area.

Provides technical assistance to community agencies in preparing contracts and other requirements for participation in the purchase of service and/or community placement program.

Establishes and maintains documentation necessary for eligible clients receiving services and submits necessary reports to central office.

Develops, maintains and evaluates an information and referral system for clients in the region who are unserved, underserved or inappropriately served.

Serves as liaison between community service providers, local officials, general public and staff of Department of Mental Health facilities and programs; assists in the development of a comprehensive service delivery system in the region.

Conducts on-site audits of vendor agencies to assess proper utilization of purchase of service funds.

Coordinates specific regional service needs and resources with appropriate Purchase of Services Specialist.

Conducts periodic regional meetings with facility program staff, community providers, consumers and local agencies in order to coordinate the service delivery system to avoid gaps and overlaps.

Maintains budgetary information regarding expenditure of program funds and prepares regular reports on budget status; assists in redistribution of funds within the region when necessary.

Establishes and maintains the necessary records and reporting as required by the program.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of the Department of Mental Health's regulations relevant to purchase of service delivery and accounting systems.

Working knowledge of the principles of administration as applied to the Department of Mental Health programs.

Working knowledge of all divisions' program areas.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with facility and program employees, other agencies at local, regional and state levels, professional community groups, and the general public.

Ability to analyze and interpret data and to effectively communicate analysis.

Ability to interpret and monitor regulations, policies, and procedures and to coordinate these on a multi-service level.

Ability to make decisions relative to program implementation and maintenance.

Ability to establish and maintain the necessary recording and reporting systems.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Three years of responsible professional experience in social work, education, psychology, nursing, case management or closely related area, of which at least two years must have been in a community-based program serving persons with mental illness or mental retardation/developmental disabilities; and possession of a Masters' Degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in social work education, psychology, nursing, sociology or other closely related area. (An additional year of the general experience may be substituted for the required graduate work.)

OR

Three years of responsible professional or technical work in the field of business or public administration, accounting or closely related area, of which at least two years must have been in the development and monitoring of proposals, contracts and/or budgets for community-based mental health services, or in obtaining reimbursements for such services, at the level of an Accountant I, Executive I, or Reimbursement Officer I; and possession of a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in business or public administration, accounting, or other closely related area. (An additional year of the general experience may be substituted for the required graduate work.)

(Rev. 1/1/94)