Suicide Prevention Specialist

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DeafLEAD

Suicide Prevention Specialist

Columbia, MO
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Title : Suicide Prevention Specialist

    Organization : DeafLEAD

    Job Type: Full time, salaried (non-exempt)

    Location : Remote

    Reports To : Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

    Start Date: December 16th, 2024

    Salary range: $60,000 - $70,000* annually

    • External hires are usually brought on to DeafLEAD between the minimum to midpoint of the posted salary range depending on a combination of education, qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.

    Position Summary

    DeafLEAD is a non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention services to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Deaf+ individuals and their families within the state of Missouri and nationwide. Our mission is to promote the emotional and physical well-being of consumers in a safe and respectful environment utilizing a consumer-centered, trauma-informed approach.

    We are committed to providing a variety of services to effectively meet the changing needs within the Deaf community. These services include (but are not limited to): crisis intervention, safety planning, legal/medical/personal advocacy, case management, crisis videophone/text/chat/hotline services, mental health services, training, and interpreting.

    The Suicide Prevention Specialist will play a crucial role in promoting 988 Chat/Text and 988 Videophone (VP) awareness, and education about suicide prevention strategies within both the Deaf community and the broader mainstream population. This position involves developing and delivering educational programs, collaborating with Deaf and hearing community organizations, and advocating for mental health awareness and the 988. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator, fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, who is passionate about reducing stigma and empowering individuals with knowledge and resources. This specialist will also work internally at DeafLEAD to ensure 988 crisis counselors and management have the most current training and resources on suicide data and prevention strategies.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Community Education:
      • Develop and deliver workshops, seminars, and presentations internally at DeafLEAD for crisis counselors and management on suicide prevention and mental health awareness tailored to the needs of both the Deaf community and the larger mainstream population.
      • In collaboration with the DeafLEAD Outreach Manager, create and distribute educational materials, including pamphlets, videos, and online content, to promote the 988 chat/text, 988 VP, suicide prevention and mental health resources.
    • Outreach and Collaboration: * Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to foster partnerships and collaborative initiatives as it relates to 988 and 988 VP. * Serve as a liaison between DeafLEAD and other mental health organizations to coordinate joint efforts in suicide prevention and education and mobile crisis services related to direct services provided on the 988 chat/text and 988 VP.
    • Advocacy and Support: * Provide support and resources to individuals and families affected by suicide, connecting them with appropriate services and support networks. * Facilitate support groups for people with lived experience related to suicide (suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide loss, etc.).
    • Training and Development:
      • Design and conduct training sessions for staff and community members on suicide prevention techniques and best practices.
      • Stay updated on the latest research and developments in the field of mental health and suicide prevention to inform educational content and strategies, as well as information provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA and Vibrant related to 988.
    • Program Evaluation: * Assess the effectiveness of educational programs and initiatives, collecting feedback and data to improve future efforts within the Deaf community. * Prepare reports and presentations on program outcomes and impact for stakeholders and funding sources.
    • Other duties as assigned

    Qualifications

    • Lived experience related to suicide—whether through personal loss, direct experience with suicidal ideation, or as a caregiver/supporter for someone at risk—is valued and can bring unique insights and perspectives to the role. While not required, candidates who bring such personal understanding are encouraged to apply.
    • Strong presentation and public speaking skills with an ability to engage diverse audiences, deliver impactful education, and foster meaningful conversation around suicide prevention.
    • Experience creating engaging social media content to raise awareness, promote resources, and foster online community engagement is highly valued.
    • Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, or a related field. Master's degree preferred OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • Experience in mental health education, community outreach, or related fields.
    • Strong understanding of the Deaf community and cultural competence in working with diverse populations.
    • Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) required.
    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
    • Passion for mental health advocacy and suicide prevention.
    • Proficiency in writing, editing, and conveying complex ideas persuasively.
    • Employs critical thinking and data-driven decision-making to achieve goals.
    • Capable of adjusting strategies in response to evolving circumstances.
    • Thrives under pressure while meeting tight deadlines with a positive approach.
    • Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and work independently.
    • High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to DeafLEAD’s mission.

    Compensation

    · Annual salary ranges between $60,000 - $70,000* based on education and previous experience.

    • External hires are usually brought on to DeafLEAD between the minimum to midpoint of the posted salary range depending on a combination of education, qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.

    · Insurance

    · Health

    · Dental

    · Vision

    · Paid time off (sick, holiday, vacation, and personal)

    · 401(k) retirement available

    Work Environment

    DeafLEAD is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. This role requires empathy, adaptability, and cultural awareness, particularly in supporting employees who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Deaf+. Occasional travel to events or offsite training may be required.

    Confidentiality and Nondisclosure of Trade Secrets

    As a condition of employment, DeafLEAD employees are required to protect the confidentiality of DeafLEAD trade secrets, proprietary information, and confidential commercially sensitive information (i.e. financial or sales records/reports, marketing or business strategies/plans, product development, customer lists, patents, trademarks, etc.) related to DeafLEAD. Access to this information should be limited to a “need to know” basis and should not be used for personal benefit, disclosed, or released without prior authorization from management.

    If you have information that leads you to suspect that employees are sharing such information in violation of this policy and/or competitors are obtaining such information, you are required to inform DeafLEAD’s PEO partner.

    Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination and may subject the violator to civil liability.

    Inventions

    Any invention created, in whole or in part, during your work hours, or from the use of equipment or facilities belonging to DeafLEAD and DeafLEAD's PEO partner, is a “work for hire” and is the property of DeafLEAD.

    If you intend to develop and maintain property rights to any invention that relates in any way to products or services of DeafLEAD, you are required to obtain a written waiver of this policy, signed by both you and the CEO of DeafLEAD.

    DeafLEAD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

    DeafLEAD hires remote candidates in the following states:

    _ _ AL, AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, and WI.__