(12/06/2024)
St. John Vianney Center
Downingtown, PA

Saint John Vianney Center Program Manager for Suicide Prevention and Awareness

Job Summary

The Program Manager for Suicide Prevention and Awareness will be responsible for developing and implementing initiatives that raise awareness around suicide prevention within the Catholic Church. Under the direction of the President/CEO, the Program Manager will work closely with dioceses and religious communities to provide education, resources, and support to those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or who have been impacted by suicide.

This position reports to the President/CEO and will work closely with other staff members, and the leadership of dioceses, religious communities, and outside partners to achieve the goals of Saint John Vianney Center (SJVC). Candidates with a passion for suicide prevention and a desire to support the Catholic Church are encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and implement initiatives that raise awareness about suicide prevention for the leadership of dioceses and religious communities.

  • Collaborate with Catholic organizations to provide education, resources, and support to those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or who have been impacted by suicide.
  • Provide training to clergy and religious on suicide prevention and intervention.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with mental health professionals, crisis centers, and other organizations that provide suicide prevention resources and support.
  • Organize and facilitate events that promote suicide awareness and prevention, such as conferences, seminars, and workshops.
  • Develop and maintain a database of resources and support services for those impacted by suicide.
  • Stay up to date on the latest research and best practices related to suicide prevention and intervention.
  • Develop and implement strategies for measuring the effectiveness of suicide prevention initiatives.
  • Create and manage a budget for suicide prevention initiatives.
  • Provide written reports detailing project outcomes.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, nursing or a related field
  • Master’s degree in a related field preferred
  • Experience in suicide prevention or crisis intervention
  • Knowledge and understanding of Catholic teachings and anthropology
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management software
  • Demonstrated competency and proficiency with presentations and public speaking

Competitive Salary & Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, SJVC provides a comprehensive health and welfare program to eligible full-time employees and their family members. Our benefit programs include medical, dental, prescription drug, preventative care, employer sponsored life insurance, an employee assistance program and retirement plan. In addition, SJVC offers voluntary/employee paid supplemental vision, life, and accident coverage.

External candidates, please apply online at www.sjvcenter.org or submit your cover letter and resume to:

Saint John Vianney Center, Human Resources Department
151 Woodbine Rd.
Downingtown, PA 19335
E-mail: LRava@sjvcenter.org
Equal Employment Opportunity

Saint John Vianney Center

National Suicide Prevention and Awareness program for clergy and consecrated religious

Saint John Vianney Center (SJVC) is creating a three-year initiative that will invite the participation of every diocese and religious community in the United States to train their leadership on how to identify and address members of their community who are having suicidal ideations. SJVC will hire a full-time manager responsible for creating print materials, online resources, and videos and conducting in-person and virtual training. After the three-year initiative, the new program will provide a support network and become a staple among SJVC’s resources for new and emerging leaders nationwide.

Project Goals

  • The program’s collective impact will improve mental well-being and reduce suicide rates.
  • Diocesan and Religious Leadership are equipped to make informed decisions when individuals are in crisis, taking appropriate actions that prioritize their well-being and safety.
  • We anticipate reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and suicide within dioceses and religious communities, leading to open conversations and increased help-seeking behavior.
  • Individuals in crisis are seamlessly connected to SJVC through the referral pathway established by trained leadership.
  • Leaders now possess advanced skills in crisis intervention, enabling them to provide immediate assistance to individuals in crises.
  • A culture of mental health awareness is established within dioceses and religious communities, with leadership actively promoting conversations about mental well-being and crisis prevention.
  • Collaborations between religious institutions, mental health professionals, and SJVC result in enduring partnerships that collectively address mental health challenges.

Project Implementation Plan

After hiring a full-time Program Manager for Suicide Prevention and Awareness to oversee this new initiative, the manager will finalize the program curriculum and begin to be introduced to leadership around the country. This pivotal year centers around the creation of a robust curriculum that empowers clergy and men and women religious leaders to identify signs of crisis and provide immediate aid with the assistance of the Saint John Vianney Center (SJVC).

The second year marks a transformative phase while we are fully immersed in the first series of educational workshops, both in person and virtually. Our focus intensifies on refining the skills of leaders who have attended the first workshop, broadening accessibility to resources, and fostering a robust support network through collaboration with mental health professionals.

In the third year, we conclude our first round of workshops nationwide and focus on sustainability, evaluation, and incorporating this program into our ongoing stable of education resources at Saint John Vianney Center. The program’s impact becomes woven into the fabric of dioceses and religious communities as we continue to nurture a culture of support, awareness, and unity. A potential mentorship program could emerge, where seasoned leaders offer their guidance to newcomers, fostering a sense of community.