Summary
Under the supervision of the Executive Director (ED), this position consists of implementing various suicide prevention awareness campaigns.  This position is funded for one (1) year under the Healthy Communities Coalition. The current cycle is FY 2023-2024. (June 1, 2023-June 30 2024)

Role and Responsibilities
Prepares programs that will help eliminate the option of suicide as a solution for escaping depression, bullying, divorce, unemployment, loneliness, mental illness, or any other cause for hopelessness.

 

PRIMARY

The core area of need is suicide awareness, prevention and intervention education in order to prevent deaths  by suicide.  Among the major supporting aspects, mental wellness and resiliency are critical; people with mental health and resiliency challenges, including depression and lack of resilience and coping skills, are at a very high risk for suicide.

 

Currently, most prevention is crisis-driven intervention.  Suicide Prevention Network will use an “upstream prevention” approach by moving forward in the process to focus on the ultimate goal of preventing all ages from suicide by reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors.

 

Developing “competent communities” in which everyone is concerned about the well-being of others and everyone knows where to get help for themselves and others when needed is one step in reducing risk factors.  Primary prevention strategies is a step that provides a way to get in front of the problem.

 

Suicide Prevention Network focuses on suicide awareness, prevention and intervention skills, mental wellness, positivity, resilience and coping skills. Education sessions will incorporate in-person information/experienced staff speakers/trainers and mental wellness, self-harm prevention and coping resource material takeaways for attendees.

SECONDARY

Provide awareness in the workplace, schools, retirement homes, churches, service clubs, and homes with presentations and trainings at the discretion of the ED.

Set up the following criteria:

·         Outline and define the long-term goals to accomplish.

·         Research and identify key risk factors specific to local communities which contribute to suicide ideology.

·         Develop intervention methods applicable to the problems and risk factors identified.

·         Establish an evaluation plan to determine needs and improvement methodologies.

·         Evaluate results and improve methods for continued success.

·         Need assessment, data analysis and reporting will be required.

·         Will maintain and exhibit a professional demeanor, an outgoing, positive and engaging personality, as well as personal integrity and credibility at all times.

·         Interpersonal skills include collaborating in an inclusive way with a multicultural and diverse population, as well as embracing a team player style of coordinating efforts with other members of the team while striving for a common goal.

·         Communication skills, both written and verbal, include being an articulate writer with good proofreading skills; a confident and articulate speaker, as well as an attentive and empathic listener;    a strong, effective, and passionate presenter.

Qualifications
Must be effective communicator, both written and verbal; must have good computer skills and be literate in computer programs, including internet research.  Must be self-starter, able to work independently while prioritizing tasks and effectively managing time to meet deadlines.

Education / experience
Bachelor Degree or equivalent work/life experience in counseling, social wok or related field.  Certification, training and/or experience in the area of suicideology. Trainings on suicide prevention will be provided, including “Mental Health First Aid”

Certifications/licenses
Valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record, valid auto insurance and registration and dependable automobile. Fingerprinting will be required.

Physical demands / working environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and drive; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb, balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and must frequently lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work is performed in an office environment where the physical demands require sitting for extended periods of time; frequent use of computers and standard office equipment; may work under stress of deadlines; works in close contact with members of the public with varying degrees of intoxication/impairment, physical and/or mental illness and usually under stressful circumstances.