Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Suicide Prevention Coordinator

The Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC) facilitates implementation of suicide prevention strategies at the local level through education, monitoring, coordination of treatment. They coordinate the care for veterans who are at an elevated risk of suicide. They function as an advisor to the Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health, other facility leadership, staff concerning suicide prevention strategies at the individual patient level for the facility, and the veteran community as a whole. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Coordinator) is assigned to the Mental Health Service Line of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System and reports directly to the Section Chief, Suicide Prevention Programs. The position is located at Balcones Height VA Clinic.

Maintains a list of patients determined to be currently high-risk for suicide and monitors their care to assure needed services are being received.

As appropriate, consults/collaborates with providers regarding their delivery of care to high-risk veterans. Provides education and facilitates best practice. Will provide direct patient care for same purpose. Provides training to clinical and non-clinical staff throughout STVHCS community regarding risk factors, warning signs, treatment options, and resources. Promotes the use of evidence-based interventions and strategies for suicide prevention.

Responds timely to referrals from the Veteran Crisis Line to include making contact with veterans callers to engage them in treatment; reports back to the Crisis Line about the results of interventions. Collaborates with providers to support completion of SBORs, Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluations, and consults for consideration of activation of high-risk flag as appropriate.

Incumbent completes SBORs, Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluations, and consults for consideration of activation of high-risk flag as appropriate.

Ensures implementation of Category 1 Flags per Central office Directives.

Acts as liaison and trainer to community organizations and veterans organizations.

Assuring that all veterans on the facility tracking list are being followed closely by the appropriate provider on a regular basis as determined by the Tracking any no-show appointments by these patients and following up with the patient as soon as possible to reschedule the appointment.

Maintaining awareness of suicide treatment options and making recommendations to the patient's provider when new options become available.

Obtaining any relevant HIPM clearances to allow transmittal of facility data on suicide attempts and individuals at risk to other offices for research, analysis, and quality assurance purposes; and transmitting the data following cyber security requirements as applicable for this sensitive data.

Provides suicide prevention training to Veterans, staff and community members.

Compiles data, completes required Local, VISN and National reports, develops plans to facilitate meeting required performance measures (SAIL, Director's Performance etc.).

Works across service-lines to facilitate compliance with VHA directives and initiatives related to Suicide Prevention.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 0800AM-430PM

Telework: ADHOC only, as determined by Agency policy.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 54104-f

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized