SOS Program Coordinator

Note: This position could also be available part-time, 2 to 4 days a week. The scope of the position would be adapted accordingly.

Company Background / Culture

Elyssa’s Mission is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that provides resources to help prevent teen suicide.

Elyssa’s Mission provides hands-on support to area public and private schools to educate students, staff and parents on how to recognize and assist those teens most at risk. Elyssa’s Mission implements the SOS Signs of Suicide prevention program in partnership with MindWise Innovations (the developers of the SOS program). They currently partner with approximately 300 middle and high schools in 20 counties and over 120 suburbs.

Elyssa’s Mission is the premier suicide prevention educator in Illinois.
For more information visit elyssasmission.org.

Overview

Elyssa’s Mission is looking for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and/or a school social worker/counselor who is passionate about suicide prevention and is willing to help further their mission: expanding SOS and “never turning a school in need away”.

This team member will become proficient in the SOS program. They will assist with all components of the program including planning, teaching, training, data collection and follow-up.

The individual will be willing to travel to schools throughout the Chicagoland area. This position is intended for someone who is in the office or out in the field.

Job Description

This team member will assist with managing the SOS program before and after the implementation of the program. They will provide hands on support on SOS days. They will aid school mental health staff to provide follow-up assessments with all students “flagged” by the SOS screening component. They will consult with school mental health staff on how to manage difficult/critical situations that arise following the student assessments.

This individual will train staff, students, and parents in suicide prevention education. They will also represent Elyssa’s Mission in the community when relevant opportunities arise and/or upon request from community-​based organizations: serving on community-based panels and facilitating or cofacilitating sessions at mental health conferences/trainings.

This individual will work collaboratively with all team members, and most importantly with the Director of the SOS Signs of Suicide Program.

Additional Responsibilities

This individual will assist with the Grief Group Program for students, a program that is brought into schools after a student’s death by suicide. The program is intended for those students directly impacted by the death and allows for group discussion and processing.

This team member will be willing to assist with all areas that directly impact the Mission’s work.

Job Responsibilities include:

• Provide consultation to schools before and after SOS program days
• Assist with implementing SOS at designated schools that includes planning, training, teaching and follow-up
• Provide follow-up assessment to students identified by the SOS screener: Brief Screening for Adolescent Depression (BSAD)
• Help maintain relationships with schools that are currently using and/or have previously implemented SOS: Returning School Partners
• Lead trainings on suicide prevention in community settings
• Attend trainings, conferences and workshops related to suicide prevention
• Collaborate with the Director of SOS Programming
• Work closely with team members and willing to take on any task
• Lead projects related to suicide prevention when asked

Professional Experience Qualification

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and/or a school social worker/counselor with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience
• A background in suicide prevention preferred
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Excellent written communication skills
• Experience in trainings preferred
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, highly organized
• A high level of computer literacy required, including Excel and PowerPoint
• Must possess a positive attitude and can work flexibly both independently and within teams
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work requirements with minimal supervision

Compensation

This position offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Please send resume to Joanne Meyers, President of Elyssa’s Mission at [email protected] with subject line: SOS Program Coordinator.