WDVA Program Specialist 3, Suicide Prevention Program Specialist, Full-Time, Spokane

State of Washington; Spokane (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) seeks a full-time Suicide Prevention Program Specialist (Program Specialist 3) to support SMVF across Washington through training, outreach, and resource navigation. The role involves traveling in the region, building partnerships, and promoting wellness and resilience.

Typical hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends; hybrid telework may be possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social services, social work, healthcare or related field.
• Two years of experience in suicide prevention training or models (ASSIST, ZERO Suicide, etc.).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and data apps; read/write/speak English fluently.

Responsibilities

• Provide hand-offs to SMVF to community resources in assigned region.
• Develop and implement suicide prevention trainings in region.
• Deliver regional awareness and prevention training programs.
• Support online SMVF resources database and web apps.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Training delivery

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

Data management systems

Teams / Maps apps

Job description

Suicide Prevention Program Specialist

(Program Specialist 3)

Full-Time - Permanent

Spokane Washington

Make a Difference Where it Matters Most. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is excited to announce that we are now hiring a Full-Time Suicide Prevention Program Specialist, (Program Specialist 3) to join our team!If you are passionate about suicide prevention, Veteran wellness, and turning awareness into meaningful action, this is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Washinton’s Service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF).

As the Suicide Prevention Program Specialist, you will help strengthen suicide prevention efforts across your assigned region in Washington by building community connections, providing prevention and awareness training, expanding access to resources, and promoting wellness and resilience. This is a high-tempo, very active role where no two days are the same. You will be spending much of your time traveling out in the community connecting with people, leading training, speaking to large groups, attending resource fairs, building partnerships, and helping communities strengthen their approach to suicide prevention.

Please note:

The typical expected hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is flexibility to manage schedule to complete work off-site. Occasional evening or weekend work is required. This position is expected to adjust the work schedule to meet the needs of the program. This position may be eligible for hybrid telework based on business needs, as approved by the appointing authority. The position will still require in-person presence.

*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.

Here 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 nearly 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 Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide a hand-off for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) to community services and resources in assigned region.
• Assist with developing suicide prevention-related training and implementation of these trainings within assigned region.
• Deliver regional suicide awareness and prevention training programs.
• Support the use of online SMVF resources database and web-based applications in the community.
• Support Suicide Prevention Program Manager and Lead Suicide Prevention Peer Specialist in the administration of policies, procedures, practices, and existing and new program activities that involve and impact SMVF, staff, and community partners.
• Promote 988 Lifeline Emblem sales through the Department of Licensing.
• Coordinate with the Department of Licensing, firearms dealers, law enforcement, and other related entities to publicize and collect voluntary donations to WDVA and/or the Suicide Prevention Community-Based Grant Fund.
• Build and maintain relationships with regional community resources and personnel serving SMVF promoting wellness and addressing crisis.
• Encourage non-profit, for-profit, city, county, state, and federal organizations and agencies to submit applications be included in Suicide Prevention resource database and resource pages.
• Disseminate information and encourage the use of resources by SMVF in the community and those who serve SMVF.
• Communicate regularly with Lead Suicide Prevention Peer Specialist (or delegate) by continually reporting about program design and identified outcomes.
• Encourage non-profit, for-profit, city, county, state, and federal organizations and agencies to submit applications be included in Suicide Prevention resource database and resource pages.
• Conduct outreach visits in the community with SMVF, SMVF-related organizations, state, federal, city, and county officials and agencies, behavioral health treatment facilities and organizations, community partners, and other applicable groups or entities as directed by the Lead Suicide Prevention Peer Specialist (or delegate).
• Participate in community events, resource fairs, and other events/activities that support and engage SMVF

*Complete Position Description available upon request*

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, social services, social work, social science, healthcare, 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 (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent.

AND

• Two (2) years of experience providing services concerning varying suicide prevention training efforts and/or familiarity with ASSIST, AMSR, ZERO Suicide, and other suicide prevention models.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote), data management systems, and mobile application software (Teams, Apple/Google Maps, etc.).
• A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English to facilitate effective performance of job duties. This includes sufficient written and verbal communication in English, to facilitate effective performance of essential functions.
• Agency Required Competencies for all positions:
  • The ability to take action to learn and grow.
  • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired:

• Master’s degree in a related field such as psychology, social services, social work, social science, healthcare, or liberal arts/sciences from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, CHEA, or a foreign equivalent.
• 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.
• Experience working with population seeking mental health services or supportive social services.
• Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders, provide outreach, education and case management and deliver successful presentations to a wide variety of audiences.
• Proficient and knowledgeable in all laws and ethical guidelines related to suicide prevention and mental health services.
• Two (2) years of experience in program development; coordination and experience in budget management and/or contracting; experience with records/database management.
• Served in the armed forces, guard or reserves with combat experience.
• Three (3) years of experience working directly with Veterans and their family members or demonstrated competence with this population.
• Ability to work independently, yet collaboratively while considering the needs and styles of others.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. 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.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs. and be capable of reaching a minimum of 36" using proper technique to stock shelves and access supplies. Employee must also be able to push or pull with sufficient strength and walk, sit, and bend in an unrestricted manner during the entire workday.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be willing to work as needed.
• Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
• Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• Work will occur in the office and in the field. Field work typically includes no risks other than those commonly found in government environments. May experience distressed SMVF in crisis with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!

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.

Other Information:

• This position is non-represented.

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 [e-mail].