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State Suicide Prevention Director

Date Posted:  Jul 8, 2025
Requisition ID:  462211
Location: 

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204

 

Work for Indiana

 

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

 

About the Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA):

The Division of Mental Health and Addiction within the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) sets care standards for the provision of mental health and addiction services to Hoosiers. DMHA is committed to ensuring that clients have access to quality services that promote individual, family and community resiliency and recovery.

The division also certifies all community mental health centers and addiction treatment services providers. DMHA operates six psychiatric hospitals (NeuroDiagnostic Institute, Evansville Psychiatric Children’s Center, Evansville State Hospital, Logansport State Hospital, Madison State Hospital and Richmond State Hospital). DMHA provides funding support for mental health and addiction services to target populations with financial need and administers federal funds earmarked for substance abuse prevention projects.

 

Role Overview

The State Suicide Prevention Director is a legislatively mandated position per IC 12-21-1-3. The incumbent will implement and maintain a statewide program for suicide prevention in partnership with Indiana communities and stakeholders. The incumbent will be a primary resource for evidence-based suicide prevention strategies and best practices.

 

The State Suicide Prevention Director serves as the focal point within the Family and Social Services Administration's (FSSA) Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) for all issues and activities related to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.

 


Salary Statement

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

 

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

  • Establish and monitor program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
  • Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, or to increase productivity.
  • Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
  • Recommend and implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.
  • Prepare reports for approval, including those for funding or implementation of services.
  • Direct or coordinate the financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency in the specified program.
  • Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.
  • Develop, train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
  • Coordinate and deliver communication plans and communications.
  • Serve on boards of directors and management committees.
  • Serve on management committees or other governing boards.
  • Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
  • Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees.  Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures. 

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either  

  • a Master’s Degree with 3+ years of experience, or  
  • a Bachelor’s Degree with 5+ years of experience, or  
  • a Associate’s Degree with 7+ years of experience, or 
  • at least 9+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role. 

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

  • Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education. 
  • Extensive knowledge of provider agencies and their programs and services.
  • Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
  • Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications.
  • Ability to present to both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
  • Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
  • Ability to prepare monthly finance and accounting reports to maintain program budget and grants.
  • Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
  • Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

 

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

     

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

 

 

Current Employee? Click here to apply.


Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis