Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention Coordinator

Overview This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application. 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: Have 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 in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted. Verification of the degree can be made by going to to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a master's of social work. Licensure: Persons hired must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's level. Current state requirements may be found by going to English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees. Grade Determinations: GS 12 Program Coordinator. Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS‑11 grade level, demonstrating advanced practice skills and judgment. Candidates may have post‑master certification or other recognized training including internship. Licensure/Certification: Must be licensed at the advanced practice level and able to supervise for licensure. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of program coordination, consultation, negotiation, monitoring, policy and procedure writing, supervision of multidisciplinary staff, organization and execution of work with multiple deadlines, and training/mentoring. Assignments: Duties above the full performance level must represent 25% of the work and involve significant scope and complexity. Program coordinators are administratively responsible for clinical programs providing treatment to veterans in major specialty areas such as spinal cord injury, homelessness, hospice, suicide prevention, justice outreach, caregiver support, and community nursing. The program coordinator may be the sole practitioner in a specialty and provide direct patient care. Responsibilities include developing policies and procedures, preparing reports and statistics, budget oversight, quality improvement analysis, and staff leadership. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Responsibilities – Program Coordinator Administratively oversee daily operation of the program, including policy development, budget management, performance monitoring, and reporting for local, VISN, and national use. Supervise multidisciplinary staff, provide training, orientation, coaching, and continuing education. Conduct audits and reports, including productivity assessments, program or service audits. Assess and enhance program effectiveness by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Engage across and sharing best practices with other program coordinators and national programs. Responsibilities – Suicide Prevention Coordinator Serve as the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital and associated community clinics across Missouri and Illinois. Implement the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention's National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide at the local level. Act as the subject matter expert and point of contact for all suicide prevention related matters. Oversee compliance with OMHSP initiatives such as Suicide Prevention in the Emergency Department, High‑Risk for Suicide Patient Record Flag, VA Suicide Risk Identification Strategy, Financial Assistance for High‑Risk Veterans, Post Discharge Engagement, Postvention Program, Environment of Care, Caring Communications mailing program, Behavioral Health Autopsy program, and related initiatives. Manage enhanced care delivery for Veterans with a High‑Risk Suicide flag, review referrals, determine eligibility, monitor metrics, and support providers in assessment, treatment, and safety planning. Provide access and referral services through multiple touchpoints including community care emergency‑room visits, C&P examinations, and eligibility/enrollment/Veteran Advocate referrals. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary at the GS‑12 grade level with regular increases. Paid time out: 37‑50 days annually ( 13‑26 days of annual leave , 13 days of sick leave , and 11 paid federal holidays ). Additional leave accrual credit may be possible for prior experience or military service. Parental leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment (birth, adoption, or foster care). Child care subsidy: For eligible employees, subsidy up to 25% of childcare costs, with a monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and 401(k) with up to 5% employer contribution. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care (eligible to continue into retirement). Telework: Not a virtual position. Additional Information Recruitment incentive (sign‑on bonus) and relocation assistance are not authorized. EDRP is authorized for eligible candidates. The position is not a temporary change of station (PCS) and is 100% non‑telework. #J-18808-Ljbffr