Adult Suicide Prevention (ASP) Project Director

Adult Suicide Prevention (ASP) Project Director

Salary

$67,891.20 - $74,963.20 Annually

Location

Health Department- 215 W. Mendenhall, Bozeman, MT

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

00888

Department

Health

Opening Date

09/25/2026

• Description
• Benefits

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is supported through SAMHSA grant funding. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by November 1, 2026. Applications received after this date will continue to be accepted and may be considered until the position is filled. Although the grant budget currently outlines an anticipated start date in March 2027, current funding projections indicate that an earlier start date is highly likely. Final hiring is contingent upon SAMHSA's approval, as required by the terms of the grant.

The Project Director leads implementation, partnership coordination, and grant compliance for the Adult Suicide Prevention (ASP) program. Responsibilities include establishing and convening the Gallatin County Community Suicide Prevention Task Force; leading development and implementation of the upstream community-based suicide prevention strategic plan; overseeing all required program activities (Task Force development, strategic plan implementation, lethal means safety promotion, and evidence-based care transition support); maintaining partnerships with Task Force members and statewide partners; supervising the Health Promotion Specialist and the Evaluator; and ensuring all SAMHSA programmatic and fiscal reporting requirements are met, including annual Programmatic Progress Reports, the cumulative Final Progress Report, and required GPRA/SPARS performance data.

Each duty listed below makes up at least 20% of the job, and all other functions are included in Other Duties as Assigned. All duties below are essential functions unless otherwise indicated.

A. BUDGET FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT

• Assists with determining and prioritizing the budget needs of the Adult Suicide Prevention (ASP) program in coordination with the Director of Prevention Services and other appropriate Health Department staff.
• Provides day-to-day management and oversight of the Adult Suicide Prevention (ASP) program budget and ensures grant funds are administered in accordance with applicable federal, state, County, and SAMHSA requirements.
• Ensures compliance with SAMHSA grant requirements, approved program activities, performance expectations, timelines, and deliverables.
• Oversees and coordinates contracts, agreements, and other funded partnerships necessary to implement ASP program activities.
• Monitors program expenditures and works with appropriate fiscal and grants staff to ensure expenditures are allowable, appropriately documented, and consistent with the approved grant budget.
• Ensures timely completion of required SAMHSA programmatic and fiscal reporting requirements, including Programmatic Progress Reports, the cumulative Final Progress Report, and required GPRA/SPARS performance data.

B. LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING

• Provides overall leadership and day-to-day direction for implementation of the Adult Suicide Prevention program.
• Directly supervises the Health Promotion Specialist and Evaluator, including establishing work priorities, monitoring performance, supporting professional development, and ensuring assigned activities advance program goals and grant requirements.
• Coordinates the work of ASP program staff, contractors, partners, and other contributors to ensure effective and timely implementation of program activities.
• Leads the establishment, development, and ongoing convening of the Gallatin County Community Suicide Prevention Task Force and supports meaningful participation by community partners and individuals with lived experience.
• Leads development and implementation of the upstream, community-based suicide prevention strategic plan, including establishing shared priorities, roles, implementation activities, and performance measures.
• Provides direction, consultation, and support to ASP staff regarding program implementation, policies and procedures, priorities, grant requirements, and emerging program needs.
• Facilitates collaboration among ASP staff and community partners and supports a coordinated, community-led approach to adult suicide prevention.
• Promotes continuous learning and improvement by using program data, evaluation findings, partner feedback, and emerging evidence to inform program implementation.

C. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

• Oversees implementation of all required ASP program activities and ensures program operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, grant requirements, County policies, and professional standards.
• Leads and coordinates implementation of the ASP program's upstream, community-based suicide prevention strategies, including Task Force development, strategic planning, community and workplace gatekeeper training, safe messaging and public awareness, voluntary lethal-means safety activities, and strengthened care transitions following suicide-related crises.
• Oversees implementation of voluntary lethal-means safety strategies in collaboration with community partners, including the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, firearm retailers, ranges and clubs, pharmacies, and other appropriate organizations.
• Coordinates efforts to strengthen follow-up and care transitions following suicide-related crises, including collaboration with the Help Center/988, Connections Health Solutions, Bozeman Health, and other relevant partners.
• Works with the Evaluator to oversee program data collection, performance measurement, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement, including required GPRA/SPARS measures and other indicators of program implementation and outcomes.
• Ensures appropriate protection of participant information and adherence to applicable confidentiality, privacy, consent, and data-sharing requirements in ASP-supported activities.
• Maintains current knowledge of suicide prevention principles, risk and protective factors, evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention approaches, federal grant requirements, and Montana's behavioral health and crisis systems.
• Identifies implementation barriers, emerging community needs, and opportunities for program improvement and works with staff and partners to develop appropriate solutions

D. COLLABORATION WITH OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, AGENCIES, AND THE PUBLIC

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with ASP partners across public health, healthcare, behavioral health, crisis response, employers, veteran-serving organizations, higher education, law enforcement, firearm retailers, pharmacies, community-based organizations, and other sectors involved in adult suicide prevention.
• Serves as a primary point of coordination for the Gallatin County Community Suicide Prevention Task Force and maintains effective partnerships with Task Force members and statewide partners.
• Works closely with the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition and Mental Health Local Advisory Council to coordinate suicide prevention activities, strengthen community partnerships, and reduce duplication of services.
• Coordinates with the Help Center/988, Connections Health Solutions, Bozeman Health, and other behavioral health and crisis-system partners to strengthen care transitions and follow-up following suicide-related crises.
• Coordinates with Montana DPHHS and other state and regional partners to support alignment with statewide behavioral health and suicide prevention initiatives, including the statewide 988 and crisis system and other relevant initiatives.
• Represents the ASP program at community meetings, coalitions, Task Force meetings, trainings, and other public or professional forums.
• Promotes community understanding of suicide prevention, protective factors, early identification and connection to care, safe messaging, and voluntary lethal-means safety practices.
• Supports development and maintenance of cross-sector partnerships necessary to sustain adult suicide prevention efforts beyond individual grant-funded activities

E. OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by the Director of Prevention Services, including participating in special projects, meetings, trainings, departmental initiatives, and other functions necessary to support the Adult Suicide Prevention program and the Health Department.
• Participates in required local and out-of-area travel associated with ASP program implementation, including partner meetings, Task Force convenings, community events, trainings, and SAMHSA-required activities.
• May occasionally work evening or weekend hours to support Task Force meetings, community events, trainings, or other program activities.
• In the event of a public health emergency or locally declared emergency, performs duties as assigned in accordance with Health Department and County emergency policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing public health; principles and practices of public health; principles of management including supervision, quality improvement practices, and budgeting; and requires knowledge of various computer and software systems (Word, Excel, Access and specialized programs). Position must have the ability to use quality improvement practices and program planning skills to set clear goals, measure progress toward those goals, and make adjustments based on progress. Position must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing and be able to maintain the integrity of sensitive and highly confidential information; exercise courtesy and tact in dealing with the public and staff and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Knowledge of suicide prevention principles and risk/protective factors; experience managing federal or state grants, including compliance and reporting; strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to facilitate multi-sector coalitions; proficiency with data collection and basic program evaluation; familiarity with Montanas crisis and behavioral health system preferred.

Competencies/Knowledge-Skills-Abilities (KSA's)

Public Health Tier: 3 Senior Management/ Executive Level

Organizational Competencies

All GCCHD employees are expected to ensure that Gallatin County is protected from disease and other public health threats, and to empower others to live healthier, safer lives. In addition, all GCCHD employees are expected to meet specified competencies in the following areas including the guiding principles, mission, and vision of the most current strategic plan.

• Continuous Quality Improvement - Actively participates, accepts, and engages in the pursuit of departmental and programmatic improvement in everyday activities as well as quality improvement projects independently and as instructed by supervisor.
• Inclusion - Effectively interacts with all clients, customers, partners, and co-workers with conscious regard for equality, equity, cultural sensitivity, and respect.
• Team Building - Works effectively with other employees, maintains a positive attitude and contributes to the overall success of the department.
• Communication - Communicates openly and honestly. Is willing to share information and ideas. Helps to define goals and objectives. Is cordial in dealing with others.
• Reliability - Is dependable and completes assignments on time and within established quality standards. Arrives at work on time and is ready to perform their duties.
• Organization - Manages workload effectively and can prioritize assignments appropriately as well as to plan for future demands.
• Integrity - Is honest and trustworthy in dealing with others and providing value as a public servant.
• Motivation - Strives for excellence seeks growth as an employee and maintains an interest in continuous improvement.
• Productivity - Maintains a workload that is at or above acceptable standards for his/her position and delivers work products of good quality.
• Purpose - Works towards achieving the department's Mission and Vision through the conscious consideration and utilization of the guiding principles as detailed within the current Strategic Plan.

Job Specific Competencies

Descriptions of each competency can be found at:

http://www.phf.org/resourcestools/Pages/Competency_Assessments_For_Public_Health_Professionals.aspx

A. Analytical/Assessment Skills

• T3 1.6.1 Describes public health applications of data.
• T3 1.6.6 Uses data to inform plans and operations.

B. Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

• T3 2.4.4 Implements quality improvement methods and tools to improve policies, programs, services, and organizational performance
• T3: 2.6.3. Implements organizational strategic plan

C. Communication Skills

• T3: 3.1.2. Determines public health data and information that need to be disseminated
• T3: 3.2.1. Communicates with linguistic and cultural proficiency
• T3: 3.2.3. Seeks input from internal and external audiences
• T3: 3.4.2 Fosters communication (e.g., building trust, engaging in active listening)

D. Health Equity Skills

• T3: 4.1.1. Applies principles of ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in designing, implementing, evaluating, and improving policies, programs, and services.
• T3: 4.6.1. Identifies opportunities for achieving and sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and competent public health workforce.

E. Community Partnership Skills

• T3: 5.2.3. Builds relationships to improve community health and resilience
• 3: 5.4.6. Collaborates with community members and organizations to improve policies, programs, and services

F. Public Health Sciences Skills

• T3: 6.2.3.Ensures public health sciences are applied in the delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.
• T3: 6.3.5. Ensures evidence is applied in developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving policies, programs, and services.
• T3: 6.3.7. Maintains partnerships that increase use of evidence in public health practice.

G. Management and Financial Skills

• T3: 7.2.1. Determines human resources needed for organizational infrastructure, programs, and services
• T3: 7.3.10. Fosters a healthy work environment
• T3: 7.4.4. Supports individuals and teams in engaging in professional development
• T3: 7.5.3. Determines priorities for organizational budgets
• T3: 7.8.4. Ensures adjustment of work plans for continuous improvement
• T3: 7.11.7. Engages teams to achieve program and organizational goals (e.g., identifying when to bring a team into a project, recognizing when to lead and when to follow, leading a team).
• T3: 7.13.2. Describes performance management principles (e.g., identifying performance standards and measures, reporting on progress, using data to improve programs, engaging leadership in supporting performance management)

H. Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills

• T3: 8.4.1. Identifies opportunities for creativity and innovation
• T3: 8.5.1. Identifies emerging needs

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree in public health, social work, health administration, or related field required; Master's degree preferred. Minimum three years of program coordination, community health, or behavioral health experience. Demonstrated coalition-building and cross-sector partnership experience required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Supervision Exercised

The Project Director reports to the Prevention Services Director. The Project Director directly supervises the Health Promotion Specialist and the Evaluator.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Work is performed in a wide variety of settings with clients and patients. Contact with the public in health care situations requires the incumbent to exercise universal precautions to prevent or minimize exposure to illness and disease. The work requires moderate physical effort or exertion when carrying equipment or educational materials.

Amount of Travel and Special Conditions

Regular local travel within Gallatin County required for partner meetings, Task Force convenings, and community events; valid Montana drivers license required. Travel to Washington, D.C. required in Year 2 for a SAMHSA grantee meeting (up to 3 attendees, approximately 3 days). Position is contingent upon continued SAMHSA grant funding.

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal and driving background check.

To apply for this position please be prepared to attach the following required documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three (3) Work References

Gallatin County does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

• Individual health benefits premium is paid at 100% for full-time employees and pro-rated based on hours worked for part-time employees
• Includes limited vision and dental coverage (Dental is provided by MetLife and includes a dental buy-up option)
• Dependent health benefits premium is offered at very low costs
• Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
• Talkspace: In-Network behavioral health support through virtual counseling & psychiatry
• Optional Supplemental Coverage is offered through Mutual of Omaha including Voluntary Accident Policy, Voluntary Critical Illness Policy and Voluntary Life Insurance Policy (also available for dependents)
• FREE unlimited access and care to PMR Clinic East. This is a private Clinic and is available to all employees and family members who are enrolled in our health benefits.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Optional pre-tax, out-of-pocket medical expenses & day care expenses

COUNTY PAID LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 Group Life Insurance Policy (eligible employees only) (age reductions apply)

COUNTY PAID LONG TERM DISABLITY INSURANCE: Eligible employees only, benefit duration shortens once a specific age is reached

RETIREMENT:

• County employees are covered by the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS)
• County Deputies and Detention Officers are covered by the Sheriff's Retirement System (SRS)
• An optional supplemental 457 deferred compensation plan/ROTH is available through Empower and Nationwide

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:

• Eligible employees are offered a maximum of six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave for the bonding and care of a newborn child or adoption of a child

SICK AND VACATION LEAVE:

• Employees accrue 12 sick days and 3 weeks of vacation per year, depending on years of service. (Hours are pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Leave starts accruing on an employee's date of hire and can be used as soon as time is in the books.

HOLIDAYS:

• The County observes 11 legal holidays in even numbered years (Federal Election Day) and 10 legal holidays in odd numbered years.
• A Floating Holiday is available to eligible employees after six months.

HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Discounted rates are offered at participating clubs with payroll deduction.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

• Offers a confidential counseling hotline and up to six sessions with a Licensed Professional Counselor at no cost to the employee. This program is also available to dependents.

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL EMERGENCY PROGRAM AND WILL & LEGAL PREPARATION SERVICES:

• Limited 24/7 services anywhere in the world
• Will and limited legal service

TUITION ASSISTANCE:

• The County offers partial reimbursement of qualifying tuition expenses

BILINGUAL PAY:

• Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.

Employer Gallatin County

Address 311 W. Main

Room 303

Bozeman, Montana, 59715

Phone 406-582-3045

Website http://www.gallatin.mt.gov