SUICIDE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Date: Jun 1, 2026

Req ID: 56169

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72205

Category: AR DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Anticipated Starting Salary: 52,137.07

Arkansas Department of Health

4815 W Markham Street

Little Rock, AR 72205

Position Number: 22181832

County: Pulaski City: Little Rock

Posting End Date: 06/12/26

Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07

Division of Health Protection – Substance Misuse and Injury Prevention

*CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*

Additional Preferences:

This position will work in a twenty-four (24) hour communications center as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. The office will be located in Little Rock.

Shift work is required at all times, including holidays, weekends, and inclement weather.

The Supervisor has the right to change any or all shifts as needed to maintain coverage.

Must be a Peer in Training (PIT) or a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS).

Hiring Official: A. Milligan

The mission of the Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

Position Information

Job Series: Counseling and Mental Health – Career Path

Classification: Suicide Prevention Specialist

Class Code: SCM11P

Pay Grade: SGS06

Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163

Job Summary

The Suicide Prevention Specialist plays a vital role in implementing statewide and regional suicide prevention programs. This position is responsible for providing direct support for suicide prevention strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct suicide risk screenings and support safety planning across populations including youth, veterans, justice-involved individuals, and rural or underserved communities. Collaborate with schools, health systems, law enforcement, and community organizations to coordinate prevention and intervention efforts. Facilitate referral pathways to crisis services, behavioral health treatment, or peer support networks. Support postvention planning in response to suicide deaths, including grief support and organizational recovery. Collect and report data related to suicide-related behaviors. Maintain knowledge of national best practices, trauma-informed approaches, and culturally responsive care models.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of principles of suicide prevention, risk assessment, safety planning, and trauma-informed care. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations and crisis response techniques. Ability to keep accurate and detailed records and support individuals experiencing distress or crisis while maintaining boundaries and professionalism. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, follow protocols, and identify client needs. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.

Minimum Qualifications

At least one (1) year of experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, or a related field.

Licensure/Certifications: .

None

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

None OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.