The Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC) is a Coordinator of the Western NY VA Suicide Prevention Program. In Conjunction with the Suicide Prevention Program Manager, they are responsible for and have authority for ensuring local planning and coordination of mental healthcare and support to Veterans who are at high risk for suicide. The SPC assists administration and staff with improving identification of Veterans at risk for suicide as well as promotes early access to mental health care.

Duties

VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU The Suicide Prevention program consists of suicide prevention case management of high risk flagged Veterans, suicide prevention in-reach program, REACH Vet program, and the Community Engagement and Partnership services. Uses their professional expertise to collaborate, develop, revise, and enforce policies related to national and local suicide prevention efforts. These efforts include oversight of all allocation of resources including the yearly Suicide Prevention funds and financial donations. Provides education and clinical training for VA staff as well as coordinates and provides outreach in the community to educate Veterans and the community at large regarding suicide risk, VA care and services. Oversees the local Veterans Crisis line responses and directs clinical care for Veterans at increased risk for suicide using crisis management, advocacy and support to Veterans who are referred to the Western New York VA. Also act as a liaison and broker when assisting Veterans with resources both in VA and the community. Acts as a clinical consultant to other medical center staff regarding routine and acute psychiatric related issues where the threat of suicide may be a factor. Assists in the completion of all issue briefs related to self-directed violence (on site attempts, serious community attempts and completions). SPC is the Point of Contact (POC) for all suicide behavior tracking and performance improvement activities including but not limited to aggregate reviews and performance measures related to suicide prevention efforts. This encompasses tracking and trending data in order to develop, implement and oversee policies and procedures to reduce the incident of suicide within VHA. Delegated and authorized to provide urban and rural outreach and training for staff in CBOC's and the community at large regarding the risk factors that contribute to Veteran suicides. This outreach responsibility is a monthly requirement of the SPC. Independently assures that all National Patient Safety, Joint Commission and VA Central Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention program standards and policies are adhered to in a timely and effective manner. This includes developing screening and assessment tools for at risk Veterans, provides oversight of high-risk Veterans through flagging, and tracking of Veterans with self-directed violence within a 90-day period. Implements, monitors, and tracks all national, VISN and local suicide prevention mandates, policies, and procedures. Shares responsibility for managing and overseeing the aggregate suicide Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) that relate to suicide attempts and completions. Analysis of the data, trends, and development of actions identified as a result of the aggregate. Participating in individual RCAs concerning patients who have attempted or died by suicide. Establishing relationships with local and state suicide prevention organizations, local crisis line organizations, and local Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Participation on local community councils to represent the VA and VHA suicide prevention efforts. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD49430F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Possess a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school of social work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. For grades below or at the full performance level, VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent master's level within 3 years of their appointment as a social worker. Licensure: Possess a full and unrestricted license or certification by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. English Language Proficiency: Social workers must be proficient in spoken and written English. Driver's License: A current, valid state issued Driver's License is required for this position. You will be required to provide your license at the time of interview and if selected, a clean driving record report from the DMV during the online onboarding process. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). GS-12 Grade Determinations: Experience/Education:One year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency. Candidates may have certification or other post-master's degree training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university that includes a defined curriculum/course of study and internship, or equivalent supervised professional experience. AND Licensure/Certification: Individuals assigned as social worker program coordinator must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of program coordination and administration which includes consultation, negotiation, and monitoring. Knowledge and ability to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program. Ability to supervise multidisciplinary staff assigned to the program. Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting multiple deadlines, and evaluating assigned program area(s). Ability to provide training, orientation, and guidance within clinical practice. Preferred Experience: Experience working with the VA and knowledge of VA healthcare, Experience in mental health/suicide prevention/crisis work. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II. Appendix G-39 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Western New York Healthcare System 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 US
• Name: Crystal Collier
• Email: [email protected]