Zero Suicide Program Director

Texas Health Resources•Arlington, TX

13h•Onsite

About The Position

This opportunity is a grant funded role that will lead and advance a system-wide suicide prevention initiative through implementation of the Zero Suicide framework. This role provides strategic oversight of clinical programs, SAMHSA grant compliance, workforce education, quality improvement, and data-driven outcomes while partnering with leaders across the health system to enhance patient safety and behavioral health care. Ideal candidates bring behavioral health leadership experience, expertise in suicide prevention, and a passion for driving meaningful organizational impact.

Requirements

Master's Degree Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Public Health, Nursing, or a Closely Related Field required
3 Years Progressively responsible experience in behavioral health program management, including supervisory and/or team leadership responsibilities, with demonstrated experience in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, or related clinical programming required
Experience managing federally funded grants, including familiarity with SAMHSA grant requirements, federal reporting standards, and 2 CFR Part 200 compliance required
Strong data literacy, including experience developing and monitoring program metrics and using data to drive quality improvement required
Current licensure as a clinical social worker, professional counselor, psychologist, or registered nurse (as applicable) in the state of Texas Upon Hire Preferred

Nice To Haves

Other Doctoral degree in a related field preferred
Prior experience implementing the Zero Suicide framework in a hospital or integrated health system setting preferred
Familiarity with the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention, and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation curriculum preferred
Experience with the EPIC electronic health record (EHR) system and clinical data reporting tools preferred
Established relationships with local or state-level suicide prevention coalitions or behavioral health authorities preferred

Responsibilities

Provide vision and strategic direction for all Zero Suicide framework implementation activities across the health system, including emergency, inpatient, and outpatient behavioral health settings.
Lead the development, execution, and ongoing refinement of a comprehensive Zero Suicide implementation plan aligned with SAMHSA-approved work plans, timelines, and performance benchmarks.
Serve as the organizational champion for the Zero Suicide framework, advancing a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement at all levels of the institution.
Represent the Zero Suicide initiative in senior leadership meetings, quality and safety committees, and relevant external forums.
Coordinate with hospital leadership and clinical department heads to ensure organization-wide buy-in, resource alignment, and sustained commitment to Zero Suicide principles.
Oversee the adoption and fidelity of all core Zero Suicide clinical components, including but not limited to: Universal screening using validated tools (e.g., Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale [C-SSRS], Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) across all relevant points of care; Comprehensive suicide risk assessment protocols integrated into clinical workflows; Safety planning using evidence-based tools (e.g., Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention) for all patients identified at elevated risk; Lethal means counseling provided to patients and caregivers as a standard component of risk management; Care transition protocols to ensure continuity and safety at discharge, transfer, and step-down points; Follow-up and post-discharge contact processes, including outreach to high-risk patients within 24-72 hours of discharge; and Crisis response pathways that ensure timely, appropriate intervention for patients in acute distress.
Ensure clinical protocols are evidence-based, regularly reviewed, and consistently applied across all service lines and provider types.
Collaborate with clinical leadership to identify and address gaps in care delivery, workflow barriers, and opportunities for protocol refinement.
Support an interdisciplinary Zero Suicide implementation team, which may include clinical coordinators, quality improvement specialists, peer support staff, data analysts, and training coordinators.
Lead the design and delivery of a comprehensive Zero Suicide workforce training program, including foundational training (e.g., Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training [ASIST], safeTALK), role-specific clinical competency development, and ongoing continuing education.
Monitor staff training completion rates and competency attainment; identify and address gaps in training coverage across departments.
Foster a psychologically safe team environment that supports open discussion of near-misses, sentinel events, and opportunities for improvement without stigma or blame.
Serve as the primary point of accountability for all SAMHSA grant deliverables, ensuring activities are executed in accordance with the approved grant scope, timeline, and budget.
Oversee the preparation and timely submission of all required federal reports, including semi-annual progress reports, annual performance reports, and any other compliance documentation required by SAMHSA.
Maintain current knowledge of SAMHSA reporting requirements, federal grants management regulations (including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance), and applicable programmatic standards.
Coordinate with the organization's finance and grants management offices to monitor expenditures, ensure appropriate use of funds, and support audit readiness.
Serve as the primary organizational contact for the assigned SAMHSA Government Project Officer (GPO), maintaining proactive and transparent communication regarding program progress, challenges, and modifications.
Identify and communicate any changes in program scope, staffing, or budget that may require prior approval or formal amendment.
Lead the development and implementation of a robust performance monitoring framework, including the identification of key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with SAMHSA-required performance measures and organizational goals.
Oversee data collection, validation, and analysis processes to track program outcomes, including screening rates, safety plan completion, follow-up contact rates, care transition fidelity, and suicide attempt and death rates.
Facilitate regular quality improvement cycles using data-driven methodologies (e.g., Plan-Do-Study-Act) to identify trends, address root causes, and implement evidence-informed improvements.
Prepare and present data summaries, dashboards, and program updates for internal stakeholders, governing bodies, and SAMHSA as required.
Ensure data privacy and security in all program-related data collection and reporting activities in compliance with HIPAA and applicable federal and state regulations.
Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships with community-based organizations, crisis services, peer support networks, primary care providers, and other entities that support continuity of care for individuals at risk of suicide.
Engage individuals with lived experience and family members in program design, evaluation, and quality improvement activities where appropriate.
Represent the health system in local, regional, and state-level suicide prevention coalitions, task forces, and learning collaboratives.
Support public awareness and stigma-reduction efforts related to suicide prevention, mental health, and help-seeking.