Occ. Code 8745100

FORENSIC SERVICES PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR 1, M-2	8745100
FORENSIC SERVICES PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR 2, M-3	8745200

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Positions in this title series plan, coordinate, and administer the delivery of services for a forensic mental health program or multiple correctional facility-based programs.  Incumbents oversee the admission and discharge of patients; ensure compliance with regulations and standards of care; oversee the completion of forensic reports; oversee the coordination of patient movement; chair forensic committees; and serve as a facility expert in Criminal Procedure Law.  All Forensic Services Program Administrators perform various duties and functions in conjunction with the overall operation of the facility and/or location to which they are assigned.

These positions are classified at the Office of Mental Health (OMH). 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

forensic services program administrator 1:  first managerial level; manages the delivery of mental health services for a forensic mental health program.

forensic services program administrator 2:  second managerial level; manages the delivery of mental health services for correctional facility-based programs at multiple Mental Health and/or Satellite Units located throughout the State.

RELATED CLASSES:

Chiefs of Forensic Unit 1 plan, coordinate, and supervise the implementation of mental health treatment services for correctional facility-based programs at an OMH Mental Health or Satellite Unit.  Incumbents manage and direct the activities of an interdisciplinary treatment team, typically composed of 20 or more clinical, direct care, administrative, and/or clerical support staff.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

          forensic services program administrator 1

Oversees and coordinates the admission and discharge of all patients for a forensic mental health program. 

• Reviews all records for medical clearance and legal status to ensure compliance with regulations and established standards of care.   

• Identifies and resolves discrepancies with the Office of Mental Health Bureau of Forensic Services in Central Office or with the sending facility. 

• Notifies agencies of court hearings; provides necessary information and documentation to defense attorneys, the District Attorney, and/or the Attorney General. 

• Tracks expiration dates of commitment orders for all patients, and notifies staff members of retention and expiration dates for each patient under the Criminal Procedure Law and the Mental Hygiene Law. 

• Reviews all Treatment Team recommendations to transfer or retain patients under the Criminal Procedure Law or Mental Hygiene Law.

• Files the appropriate application with the court to either transfer or retain a patient, and communicates with the Bureau of Forensic Services with regard to the application. 

• Reviews all Treatment Team referrals to ensure the appropriateness of content as it pertains to clinical and legal concerns. 

• Serves as liaison between treatment teams and the Attorney Generals Office, District Attorney, Legal Aid, the court and criminal justice systems, the Bureau of Forensic Services, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), and other mental health facilities. 

• Apprises the Attorney General of OMH concerns, pending actions, and the disposition of all cases. 

Serves as facility expert in the Criminal Procedure Law. 

• Provides consultative services to facility staff with regard to the Criminal Procedure Law and appropriate actions under the law.   

• Reviews all forensic reports generated by clinical staff; monitors the quality of reports; and recommends changes as necessary. 

• Trains staff on testifying in court through in-service training, case conferences, or post-hearing critiques. 

• Represents OMH in addressing issues with forensic services; chairs or serves on various committees concerned with forensic services. 

Develops and implements systems to monitor the provision of clinical services to ensure compliance with established regulations and standards of care. 

• Reviews clinical staff performance with facility management staff, and develops recommendations for the improvement of services. 

Supervises subordinate staff.

· Oversees staff assignments and reassignments; evaluates performance, and monitors time and attendance.

· Sets priorities and deadlines to manage and direct program activities.

· Identifies training needs and arranges for the provision of training.   

          forensic services program administrator 2 

May perform all of the same duties and functions as a Forensic Services Program Administrator 1. 

Manages mental health services for correctional facility-based programs at multiple Mental Health and/or Satellite Units in specified geographic regions.

· Directs and oversees the statewide administration of major operational components of treatment and program initiatives.  

• Monitors the implementation of mental health programs and services in Mental Health and/or Satellite Units to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and negotiated agreements. 

· Works closely with Central Office, Bureau of Forensic Services, executive management, and legal staff to plan, develop, and implement programs and coordinate services. 

· Directs mental health program activities and coordinates efforts with operations, clinical, supervisory, and administrative staff. 

· Oversees and directs the administrative activities of treatment programs with supervisory and management staff on campus and at Mental Health and/or Satellite Units. 

· Serves as liaison for clinical issues; interfaces with and coordinates necessary action steps and services with DOCCS. 

· Collaborates with program directors and heads of clinical staff to develop and implement policies and procedures. 

· Reviews patient care issues with DOCCS and other OMH staff. 

· Manages clinical, supervisory, and administrative procedures and program results.

· Establishes new programs; interfaces with existing programs that require revisions and expansion; and integrates the goals and objectives of Mental Health and/or Satellite Units with those of OMH. 

• Develops projects to introduce new policies and procedures, and improve coordination with existing policies and procedures. 

Supervises Chiefs of Forensic Unit 1 in correctional facility-based programs at OMH Mental Health and/or Satellite Units.

• Reviews and approves staffing, fiscal, and budgetary proposals; monitors Extra Service Program actions; and plans for the management of resources and services. 

• Coordinates work flow and follows-up with regional directors of community and related services. 

• Manages quality assurance and training issues related to staff in correctional facility-based programs. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          forensic services program administrator 1

Open-Competitive: a masters degree and four years of professional administrative experience in a mental health setting, at least one year of which was in a forensic setting established for the custodial care and treatment of mental health patients involved with the criminal justice system.

          forensic services program administrator 2 

Open-Competitive: a masters degree and five years of professional administrative experience in a mental health setting, at least two years of which was in a forensic setting established for the custodial care and treatment of mental health patients involved with the criminal justice system.

Date:  10/15

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.