Job Title:                       SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program Outreach & Peer Services Coordinator

Location:                       Hudson Valley

FLSA Status:                 Salaried Hourly Non-Exempt

Work Schedule:             Mon-Fri hours 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; hours may vary occasionally

Reports To:                   Director of Integrated Wellness

Salary:                           $60,000 - $60,000

 

***This position is covered by the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which runs from October 1, 2024 - Sept 30, 2025 with an anticipated renewal annually through Sept 30, 2027.***

 

 Job Summary                                                                                                                                     

 

Clear Path for Veterans, Inc. (CPV or Clear Path) is a community-based organization delivering world-class, holistic programs and services to veterans and their families without condition. The SSG Fox SPGP Outreach & Peer Services Coordinator plays a vital role in delivering targeted outreach activities to ensure that suicide prevention services reach veterans most at risk or not currently connected to VA care. This position focuses on raising awareness among local and regional service providers about Clear Path for Veterans' SSG Fox SPGP, enabling them to make prompt referrals for at-risk veterans. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for assisting Veterans at risk of suicide and providing case management and peer support services to help participants understand what resources and supports are available in their area for suicide prevention.  The Outreach & Peer Services Coordinator also assists Veterans with reintegrating into their community by connecting them with programs and services that promote holistic warrior care.  This position works independently under general supervision and receives guidance and training from the Director of Integrated Wellness.

 

 Primary Functions                                                                                                                              

 

Suicide Prevention Education and Outreach

1. Work with the Program Manager to develop monthly outreach calendars and conduct targeted outreach to:
   1. Identify, assess, and engage eligible veterans in CPV’s SSG Fox SPSP, including veterans who are not receiving mental health care or other services furnished by the VA;
   2. Ensure local and regional service providers are aware of CPV’s SSG Fox SPGP and can make expedited referrals for veterans at risk of suicide, including veterans who may have sought care after a recent suicide attempt;
   3. Engage family members of veterans in the program, as well as families of veterans dealing with mental health concerns; and
   4. Distribute brochures, palm cards, and flyers containing information on CPV’s SSG Fox SPGP and available suicide prevention resources.
2. Connect eligible veterans to the SSG Fox SPGP Navigation Coordinator promptly for program eligibility determination, intake, and assessment.
3. Provide readily accessible resources to all veterans, their families, and caregivers to increase access to suicide prevention services, including the Veterans Crisis Line and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
4. Develop monthly training calendars and facilitate suicide prevention training, including:
   1. Gatekeeper training to develop individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and skills to prevent suicide;
   2. Lethal means safety training;
   3. Trainings that address the unique needs of family members, caregivers, and friends of veterans and service members with mental health issues (including suicidality); and
   4. Trainings that assist with identification, assessment, or prevention of suicide.
5. Assist with identifying family members of eligible veterans to participate in Family Support programming and suicide prevention trainings/workshops.
6. Provide mental health first aid to participants experiencing immediate crisis while participating in program-related activities and direct them to the VA and other community resources, as necessary.
7. Participate in bi-weekly Care Coordination Meetings with the SSG Fox SPGP Team.
8. Attend monthly SSG Fox SPGP National webinars and meetings.

 

Peer Support Services

• Provide case management and peer support services to help participants understand what resources and supports are available in their area for suicide prevention.
• Work with Veteran participants to develop client-centered and client-driven case plans designed to decrease their risk of suicide.
• Connect eligible Veterans to the VA and assisting in obtaining VA benefits.
• Assist in obtaining and coordinating other public benefits and assistance with emergent needs.
• Connect Veterans to community resources that may decrease the risk of suicide.
• Respond promptly and with compassion and understanding to inquiries from Veterans.
• Answer Veteran/client questions, including researching information to provide complete and accurate responses when necessary.
• Assist with potential Veterans who may need employment assistance.
• Meet with Regional Manager to review open cases and provide support with overflow caseload as needed.
• Evaluate Peer Support program effectiveness and efficiency through monitoring all caseloads for the following elements:
  1. Assess ability to function independently concerning health, financial stability, and housing.
  2. Assess progress in the program, identify areas of holistic warrior care that may need to be adjusted so that it’s ensured the Veteran reaches their goal.
• As part of a strategic outreach plan, search out and identify potential resources within assigned territories.
  1. This could include, but not be limited to, community partners, state, federal, health, and other organizations.
  2. Foster relationships with key stakeholders, community partners, leadership of local organizations, and the community at large.

 

Administrative and Other Duties

• Develop and disseminate reports as necessary, including, but not limited to, the activities CPV provides to the community, meetings with community partners, detailed categories of Veterans and family members served.
• Timely completion of required programmatic paperwork, data entry, and reports.
• Represent, or assist in representing Clear Path for Veterans at a variety of community events and other activities
• Identify and form relationships with Veterans encountered at those events.
• Prepare and facilitate a variety of presentations about Clear Path’s Peer mentor program and Clear Path in general.
• Attend and actively participate in departmental and organizational meetings.
• Promote teamwork by communicating regularly and effectively with the SSG Fox SPGP Team, the Peer Support Team, and other CPV staff.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

 

 

 

 Education and Experience Requirements                                                                                            

 

• Bachelor’s degree required (Joint Service Transcripts Accepted); Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, or related field preferred. Military service sufficient to understand the military culture required. Combat experience preferred. Must be trained in peer support and have similar lived experience related to suicide or mental health.
• Candidates for these positions must meet the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13) and meet qualification standards for appointment or have completed peer support training, are pursuing credentials to meet the minimum qualification standards for appointment and are under the supervision of an individual who meets the necessary requirements of 38 U.S.C. 402(b)(13).
• This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including non-traditional hours as necessary to accommodate for special event attendance.
• Background in Mental Health field preferred.
• Proven success and experience working independently and reaching organizational objectives/outreach targets.

 

 Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Needed to Perform Effectively in the Position                                    

 

• The ability to demonstrate compassion while maintaining appropriate professional conduct boundaries.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA and NYS Confidentiality Laws.
• Ability to work well independently.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Ability to exhibit passion and support for the Clear Path for Veterans mission.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
• The ability to network and form and maintain positive relationships within the community.
• The ability to analyze issues and suggest resolutions.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills; attention to detail.
• Writing skills are sufficient to draft letters, memos and other professional correspondence.
• Basic computer literacy and proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and willingness to learn how to use new software programs as needed.
• Deep understanding of military and post military life and culture.

 Additional Requirements                                                                                                                    

 

• Valid New York State driver’s license and must have use of a reliable vehicle
• Required to travel within New York State during all times of the year.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be comfortable with dogs in the workplace.

 Job-related Physical Abilities Needed in Order to Perform the Job in a Satisfactory Manner               

 

Must be able to lift a maximum of thirty-five (35) pounds. Ability to drive and travel in all types of weather conditions. May sit or stand for long periods of time. Manual dexterity sufficient for constant use of computer keyboards and other office equipment. Vision sufficient for frequent use of computer monitor; to read and develop paperwork.

 

• All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

 

 Expectations                                                                                                                                       

 

• All Clear Path for Veterans employees are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner towards others to include but not limited to; veterans, military family members, volunteers, visitors and other Clear Path employees.
• Ensure that veterans, military family members, volunteers, employees, donors and visitors have a positive experience with Clear Path employees.
• Supports and promotes the Clear Path mission.
• Adheres to Clear Path for Veterans policies and procedures.
• Promotes teamwork amongst coworkers.
• Meets or exceeds expected performance standards, including consistently reporting to work on time prepared to perform the duties of the position.