Suicide Prevention Specialist I

Job Purpose The Suicide Prevention Specialist (SPS) will engage with community stakeholders, including persons with lived experience, gun-owners, gun retailers, private businesses, local government, faith-based organizations, regarding capacity building; communication and messaging; and outreach, education, and training to increase awareness and expertise related to evidence-informed gun-suicide prevention practices. The SPS will ensure the strategies and approaches utilized are tailored to the social, economic, cultural, and environmental context of individuals and communities. Qualifications Associate's degree in counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field OR High School diploma or equivalent AND at least two years of experience in psychiatric, substance use treatment, peer support, or developmental disabilities Must have competency-based training on suicide prevention, interventions, and postvention as well as experience and knowledge associated with the gun-owning community Core Job Duties Assists with developing and maintaining a coalition of community partners who share the same vision. The coalition would include traditional community partners as well as involving faith-based organizations and local businesses. Performs an annual comprehensive environmental scan. Ensures suicide prevention efforts align with community perspectives, culture, readiness, strengths, and needs. Identifies gaps in resources and services and promotes capacity building to address these issues. Provides outreach to workplaces to promote the objectives of the program. Assists workplaces in finding ways to identify suicidal behavior, strengthen social support, promote the development of coping skills, and change policies and norms to encourage help-seeking behaviors. Provides education and/or training for workplaces based on their needs/interests. Develop relationships with key community organizations so that those natural gatekeepers can identify people at risk for suicide and route them directly into services.

Examples of training include:

Question Persuade, Refer, Conversations for Suicide Safer Homes, Vital Cog, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means; suicide risk factors, protective factors, concepts and facts; training on lethal means reduction, etc. Develops linkages with clinical systems, health care providers, and programs in the community to ensure seamless and continuous care for individuals. Communicates effectively with internal and external audiences. Provides evidence-informed communication, including safe messaging guidelines. When appropriate and in alignment with organizational guidelines, share personal lived experience with suicidal ideation and/or attempt to foster connection, reduce stigma, and support others in their recovery journey. Adherence to all applicable evidence-based practice models. Orally communicate information effectively and accurately. Assure program operates within the constraints of the agency's certification (CARF, DMH) standards and strategic plan related to clinical care. Abide by program and agency policies and procedures. Other job duties and special projects as assigned.