Suicide Postvention Training Specialist

Description

Vistra is seeking a Senior Specialist to support Department of War clients. The Suicide Postvention Training Specialist will support the design, development, and delivery of trauma-informed training programs that equip military leaders and units to respond effectively following a suicide. They will also support leader education on post-suicide communication, unit readiness, and stigma reduction, ensuring training meets the needs of diverse audiences across the force. This position develops solutions to a variety of problems of high scope and complexity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop instructional content rooted in evidence-based postvention practices
• Facilitate in-person and virtual trainings
• Advise on curriculum strategies that address grief, trauma, shame, and organizational healing
• Engage directly with survivors, behavioral health experts, and military stakeholders to ensure content is culturally competent, emotionally responsive, and aligned with military protocols

Requirements

•  Master’s or PhD degree in instructional design, education, psychology, social work, public health, or a related behavioral or social science field and 10 years of experience, with 5 years of directly related experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience designing and delivering training programs or curricula, with demonstrated expertise in adult learning principles and trauma-informed instructional design
• Familiarity with Department policies, guidance, and resources related to suicide response and prevention
• Experience conducting training needs assessments and incorporating feedback to refine curriculum content and delivery
• Working knowledge of postvention concepts and terminology, including trauma, grief, loss, shame, and suicide bereavement
• Experience engaging with survivors of suicide loss in a professional or clinical setting, with sensitivity and emotional intelligence
• Prior experience working within or in support of military communities, with fluency in military structure, culture, and language
• Strong facilitation skills, including the ability to train and equip leaders on appropriate actions and communication following a suicide
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver complex content clearly and empathetically to varied audiences
• Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (e.g., psychology, education, public health, social work)
• 5 years of experience supporting postvention, behavioral health, or suicide prevention programs, including direct experience with military or high-risk populations
• Experience developing leader-focused curricula or guidance on post-suicide response protocols (e.g., notification, memorialization, unit support, survivor outreach) 
• Certification or advanced training in relevant frameworks such as Psychological First Aid, TAPS Postvention Model, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience developing or evaluating culturally competent training content tailored to Service members, families, and leadership
• Familiarity with Department policies, guidance, and resources related to suicide response and prevention
• Experience conducting training needs assessments and incorporating feedback to refine curriculum content and delivery  

About Vistra:  Vistra Communications, doing business as Vistra and Vistra Federal Solutions, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Tampa, FL with an office in Alexandria, VA providing professional support serviced to Defense, Federal, and Civilian Agencies.  Approximately 25% of our “team member” employees work in the National Capital Region, providing communications, outreach, and organizational transformation services to our public sector customers.  Vistra provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, Paid Time Off, Parental and Bereavement Leave, and Professional Development, among other benefits. 

US Citizenship Required: Due to the requirements of the federal contract that this position supports, U.S. citizenship is required. Citizenship will be confirmed via I-9/E-Verify at the start of employment.