Using a developmental approach to establish a rational model for the assignment of tasks and roles to various levels of mental health manpower, 36 participants attended four 2-day seminars which were concerned with needs of clients, activities to meet the needs of clients, needs of agencies and institutions, and legal, institutional, and professional constraints. Mental health agencies have traditionally clustered tasks and activities according to professional specialities, agencies, or specific tasks, none of which is particularly responsive to client needs. It was recommended that the highest priority of rationales for clustering jobs and activities be target groups of persons. This is the notion of the generalist whose primary focus is on meeting the needs of the client. In addition, 15 functional roles were identified, and four levels of workers (entry, apprentice, journeyman, and master) were determined. Role clusters are charted, and implications of the generalist notion are included for clients, families, communities, workers, agencies, professions, personnel systems, educational programs, and finances. (SB)