Description
Northwest Washington Suicide Prevention Peer Specialist
Program Specialist 3
Full-Time - Project (Permanent)
Are you passionate about suicide prevention in our Veteran and Family community? Do you pride yourself in championing actionable efforts toward suicide prevention? WDVA is excited to announce an opening for a
Suicide Prevention Peer Specialist (Program Specialist 3) to build lasting and meaningful change for America's heroes and their Families.
Please note: The typical expected hours for this position will be 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. There is flexibility to manage schedule to complete work off-site, as well as occasional evening or weekend work required.
*This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.
At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to honorably discharged Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.
Within the WDVA, our Counseling and Wellness program focuses on transforming the lives of Veterans and their families through growth and resiliency-related experiences. As the
Suicide Prevention Peer Specialist, you will support the expansion and enhancement of suicide prevention within all our programs. This includes providing suicide awareness and regional prevention trainings, collaborating with community organizations and resources, and managing program data and outcomes.
The incumbent is responsible for routine outreach to all assigned counties: Pierce, Kitsap, Jefferson, King, Clallam, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan, and Island.
Be a part of this important work and join our efforts of establishing suicide prevention policy and actionable objectives statewide by applying today!
Duties
Some of what you'll be doing:
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Providing Suicide Prevention Peer Programming and outreach in response to the actions detailed in the Governor's Challenge.
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Delivering regional suicide awareness and prevention training programs with content specific to Servicemembers, Veterans, and their Families (SVMFs).
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Coordinating with DOL, firearms dealers, law enforcement to publicize and collect voluntary donations.
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Tracking outreach activities including warm hand-offs and community connections in EVCMS.
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Supporting the implementation of the statewide plan to reduce suicide among SVMFs.
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Collaborating with regional government and nongovernment agencies and organizations to evaluate and implement promising best practices for suicide awareness and prevention materials, training, and outreach programs targeted to SMVFs.
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Providing regular updates on suicide prevention related activities.
*Full position description available upon request*
Qualifications
Required:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Services, Social Work, Social Science, Health Care, or Liberal Arts/Sciences from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent
AND
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Two (2) years of experience providing services to Veterans and their families in a human services environment related to mental health, behavioral health, traumatic brain injury and/or similar functional area.
OR
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Related and comparable experience may be substituted year for year for education.
Preferred/Desired:
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Master’s degree in counseling-related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent and two years of experience providing services concerning varying suicide prevention training efforts and/or familiarity with ASSIST, AMSR, ZERO Suicide and other suicide prevention models etc.
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Current and valid WA State licensure of one of the following or equivalent: LMHC, LICSW, LMFT.
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Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders, provide outreach, education and case management and deliver successful presentations to a wide variety of audiences.
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Proficient and knowledgeable in all laws and ethical guidelines related to suicide prevention and mental health services.
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Minimum two (2) years of experience in program development; coordination and experience in budget management and or contracting; experience with records/database management.
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Served in the armed forces, guard or reserves with combat experience; three years working directly with SVMFs or demonstrated competency with this population.
Supplemental Information
Application Process:
Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
Please include the following documents with your application:
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Other Information:
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Prior to a new hire, a background check, including criminal record history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
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Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.