Introduction
GRADE
20
LOCATION OF POSITION
MDH Behavioral Health Administration
Prevention and Promotion Division
55 Wade Avenue
Catonsville MD 21228
Main Purpose of Job
The Director of Suicide Prevention is responsible for the planning, management, oversight and performance of the Office of Suicide Prevention. This position directs the overall activities of this statewide program, including the supervision of professional and administrative staff and supervisors of administrative staff; who implement and manage projects focused on reducing the prevalence of suicide in the state. Using data from the violence database, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, treatment system, and other data sources, develops and implements a statewide suicide prevention plan that seeks to raise suicide prevention awareness within the general population and reduce identified risk factors and enhance protective factors within populations at increased risk for suicide.
The Director of Suicide Prevention is also responsible for developing and implementing the statewide Mental Health Promotion Plan. Analyzing data from mental health indicators in the general population needs assessment information from stakeholders and incorporating best practices develop and implement a statewide mental health promotion plan that addresses the goals of promotion of mental health in the general population, improving the mental health of “at risk” populations, reducing the incidence of mental illness in the population, and minimizing the impact of mental health problems in communities.
This position serves as the Department’s liaison with other state agencies and external partners on matters related to Suicide Prevention in Maryland. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic plan for the Office, managing an annual budget of approximately 1.3 million dollars, and analyzing program data. The Director develops and promotes new and revised legislation, develops and implements activities designed to raise awareness of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion, identifies and applies for additional funding and other resources, and works to integrate suicide prevention and mental illness prevention activities into other settings for early identification and referral.
This position is responsible for implementing and operating the legislatively mandated State Suicide Fatality Review Committee, including appointments, staffing, data repository/case management systems design and vendor selection, creating by-laws and other operational procedures, supervising data and operational staff for this Committee, and obtaining funding for and overseeing the budget for this Committee. This position represents the Secretary of the Department of Health on this Committee.
This position oversees a process of coordination and review of suicide-specific planning on a local level, including the selection and awarding of Mental Health Block Grant funding to local jurisdictions.
This position creates a plan and supervises the implementation of training for health and human service professionals and other community stakeholders, including an annual statewide suicide prevention conference.
This position represents the Behavioral Health Administration as a Commissioner in the Governor’s Commission on Suicide Prevention. This position is the team lead for the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Suicide Mortality Review Committee Policy Academy.
Responsible for a budget of approximately $1,335,020 in FY24 and oversees a unit of 7 staff.
This position is eligible for telework which is subject to change as necessitated by operations and customer-focused demands.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Sociology, Public Policy, or a related field. Candidate must possess 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in public health, mental health, suicide prevention, or related fields, including at least five years in a leadership or managerial role.
In lieu of a Master's degree, may substitute at least 5-10 years of leadership experience in mental health, suicide prevention, or related fields.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The desired candidate should have a proven track record in planning, managing, and evaluating large-scale public health programs, with expertise in data analysis to inform strategic planning and program development. The candidate should demonstrate strong leadership skills, experience supervising diverse teams, and the ability to collaborate with government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to implement statewide initiatives. In-depth knowledge of suicide prevention and mental health promotion best practices, proficiency in budget management, securing funding, and the ability to adapt strategies to meet culturally responsive needs are essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, along with the capability to represent the agency at state and national levels, engage in legislative processes, and participate in policy development. The candidate should also be adept at making data-driven decisions and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
SELECTION PROCESS
This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. A Resume must be uploaded to the application.
Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).
Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.
Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.
If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.
If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.
Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
