Making a Difference: Become a Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our nation. A critical component of this mission is the Suicide Prevention Program. We are currently seeking a highly skilled Social Worker to serve as a Program Coordinator in the Black Hills of South Dakota. If you are a licensed social worker passionate about public health, crisis intervention, and community outreach, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead life-saving initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

As a Suicide Prevention Coordinator, you will serve as a clinical and administrative leader. Your core responsibilities will include:

Program Implementation: Developing and overseeing suicide prevention strategies using public health approaches.
Risk Management: Monitoring high-risk patients and managing Patient Record Flags to ensure consistent follow-up.
Outreach & Education: Training staff and community partners on suicide prevention best practices.
Data Analysis: Reporting on suicide prevention outcomes to the Office of Suicide Prevention.
Crisis Response: Managing referrals from the Veterans Crisis Line and supporting clinicians in intensifying care for high-risk patients.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Licensure: Must hold an active, independent clinical license to practice social work.
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, demonstrating advanced clinical judgment.

Comparison: GS-12 Role vs. Typical Social Work Roles

Feature	Suicide Prevention Coordinator (GS-12)	Standard Clinical Social Worker
Scope	Programmatic & Clinical	Patient-Centered Care
Administrative Load	High (Policy & Oversight)	Moderate (Documentation)
Leadership	Yes (Coordination/Training)	Usually Independent Practitioner
Focus	Systemic Prevention	Individual Treatment

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $91,756 to $119,285 per year, commensurate with experience and subject to federal pay scales.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package:

EDRP: Access to student loan reimbursement up to $200,000.
Leave: Ample annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401k (TSP) with agency matching.
Insurance: Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
Parental Leave: Paid time off for new parents.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Always use the VA Clinical Resume template provided on the job site.
Highlight KSAs: Write a separate document explicitly addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities mentioned in the announcement.
Be Detailed: Do not leave gaps in your resume; describe your paid and volunteer experience clearly.

Serving as a Suicide Prevention Coordinator is more than a job; it is a commitment to the safety and well-being of our nation's heroes. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and join a team that truly values your clinical expertise.

Why This Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention Job Matters

Make a life-saving impact as a Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator with the VA in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota.

Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to serve as a Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator in Hot Springs, South Dakota. This pivotal role involves implementing public health-based suicide prevention strategies, managing high-risk patient lists, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure Veterans receive the highest standard of compassionate, proactive mental health support.

Requirements for Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention

U.S. Citizenship
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
State licensure to independently practice social work at the master’s level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Completion of a pre-employment physical examination
Valid driver’s license
Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
Ability to pass a background/security investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention

Advanced practice-level licensure with the ability to provide supervision
Experience in program administration, policy development, and clinical consultation
Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary staff and complex administrative workflows
Strong skills in public health outreach and community partnership development

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
✓Traditional federal pension plan and 401k-style TSP with employer matching
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✓Child care subsidy program for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement and prepare your resume and documentation.
Download and complete the required Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA career link.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documents, including your license, transcript, and KSA narrative.
Submit your application package before the closing date of July 27, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough in your resume; the agency will not make assumptions about your experience.
Submit a document addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the announcement.
Ensure your transcript is attached if using education to qualify.
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid disqualification.
Verify your license meets the requirements for the specific state of practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualifying loans.

What is the work schedule for this role?

This is a full-time, permanent position with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation assistance is not authorized for this position.*

What is the trial period?

*A: New federal employees are typically subject to a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate fitness for the role.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Black Hills Health Care System (VA BHHCS) provides comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, and surgical services across multiple campuses in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Nestled in the beautiful Black Hills, the region offers an exceptional quality of life with endless outdoor activities and a community-focused environment. Joining the VA means becoming part of a mission-driven team dedicated to the "Whole Health" of every Veteran.