DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  Under the general direction of the County Executive, the Commissioner of Mental Health serves as the chief executive officer of the local governmental agency responsible for the Community Mental Health Program as set forth in New York State Mental Hygiene Law. The Commissioner of Mental Health shall have and exercise all the powers and duties conferred or imposed upon a Director of Community Services by the Mental Hygiene Law or any other law, except as otherwise provided by the Charter. The Commissioner of Mental Health makes recommendations to the County Executive (including the establishment of facilities and control of services) toward attaining a comprehensive community mental hygiene program.  Appointment to this position is by the County Executive in consultation with the Community Services Board, and with confirmation by the County Legislature. The incumbent shall serve at the pleasure of the County Executive. General supervision is exercised over professional, administrative, para-professional and clerical staff. Does related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the basic psychiatric sciences, community psychiatry, medical and social psychology, psychopathology, psychotherapy; thorough knowledge of the services provided in the field of mental health, alcohol and substance abuse and  mental disabilities; thorough knowledge of the principal methods and procedures used in organizing and delivering mental health, alcohol and  substance  abuse and  mental disabilities services; thorough knowledge of effective treatment techniques for mental health, alcohol and substance abuse and mental disabilities issues; good knowledge of the basic principles and practices of community organization, mental health education, office management and public relations; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; initiative, tact, patience; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either:
A.    Possession of a license to practice medicine in the State of New York and three (3) years of formal or supervised training in an inpatient or outpatient mental health program plus two (2) additional years of clinical or administrative experience in mental health. Two (2) years of the five (5) years of experience must have been in a supervisory or clinical administrative capacity in a community mental health program; OR
B.    New York State certification as a Psychologist and a Doctorate in Psychology conferred by a university recognized by the New York State Education Department and at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in programs for individuals with mental disabilities. Two (2) years of the five (5) years of experience must have been in an administrative capacity; OR
C.     Certification by the New York State Department of Education as a Social Worker and Master of Social Work degree from a university recognized by the New York State Department of Education and at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in programs for individuals with mental disabilities . Two (2) years of the seven (7) years of experience must have been in an administrative capacity; OR
D.     A Master's Degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in programs for individuals with mental disabilities . Two (2) years of the seven (7) years of experience must have been in an administrative capacity; OR
E.      A Master's Degree in Public Health, Public Administration or Business Administration from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in programs for individuals with mental disabilities. Two (2) years of the seven (7) years of experience must have been in an administrative capacity.
*If the appointee does not meet these requirements of administrative experience, then an Administrative Officer must be employed by the agency. This does not preclude the employment of an Administrative Officer where the candidate for Director meets or exceeds these minimal requirements.

Agreed to by Municipal Service Division and Department of Mental Hygiene, Division for Local Services and are based on the license requirements of the Education Law.

Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions: In accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the Department of Criminal Justice System or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authority based upon fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.
ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.