Suicide Prevention and Postvention Subject Matter Expert

Vistra Communications • Washington, DC

4d

About The Position

Vistra is looking for a Suicide Prevention and Postvention Expert Subject Matter Expert (SME) to serve as a consultant providing expertise on evidence-based practices to support the organization’s suicide prevention and response efforts. The SME will support the design and development of lethal means safety training that equips military leaders and units and related professionals to identify enabling factors or to respond effectively following a suicide. In addition to training/curriculum development, the SME will provide overall guidance to the project on prevention and postvention communication and messaging, awareness campaigns, event materials, and other resources that promote appropriate post-suicide response, stigma reduction, and organizational healing. The role advises on content and strategies addressing grief, trauma, shame, and unit readiness, ensuring materials and activities are culturally responsive and aligned with military protocols, and responsive to the needs of various audiences across the force.

Requirements

• Master’s or PhD degree and 10+ years of related experience
• Master’s degree in education, counseling, psychology, social work, or a related mental health or social science field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience designing and delivering training programs or curricula, with demonstrated expertise in adult learning principles and trauma-informed instructional design
• Working knowledge of lethal means safety concepts and terminology, including means access, safe storage practices, temporary transfer or off-site storage, time–distance–barriers, and risk reduction strategies during periods of elevated suicide risk.
• Working knowledge of postvention concepts and terminology, including trauma, grief, loss, shame, and suicide bereavement
• Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) policies, guidance, and resources related to suicide response and prevention.
• Experience working in Headquarter-level offices, including working knowledge of executive-level communication and governance processes.
• 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, if the opportunity arises
• 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
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (e.g., psychology, education, public health, social work)
• Familiarity with instructional design, public health frameworks, and military culture.
• 12-15+ years of experience supporting postvention, mental health, or suicide prevention programs, including direct experience with military or high-risk populations and/or communication awareness campaigns
• Certification or advanced training in relevant frameworks such as Psychological First Aid, TAPS Postvention Model, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Safety Planning Intervention (SPI), Cognitive Behavior Therapy-Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), or equivalent
• Certification or advanced training in lethal means safety frameworks such as Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidology (CAMS), Zero Suicide, or comparable suicide prevention and means safety training.
• Demonstrated experience developing or evaluating culturally responsive curriculum and training content tailored to Service members, families, leadership and multiple military career fields.
• Experience conducting training needs assessments and incorporating feedback to refine curriculum content and delivery.
• Experience engaging with survivors of suicide loss in a professional or clinical setting, with sensitivity and emotional intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a consultant providing expertise on evidence-based practices to support the organization’s suicide prevention and response efforts.
• Support the design and development of lethal means safety training that equips military leaders and units and related professionals to identify enabling factors or to respond effectively following a suicide.
• Provide overall guidance to the project on prevention and postvention communication and messaging, awareness campaigns, event materials, and other resources that promote appropriate post-suicide response, stigma reduction, and organizational healing.
• Advise on content and strategies addressing grief, trauma, shame, and unit readiness, ensuring materials and activities are culturally responsive and aligned with military protocols, and responsive to the needs of various audiences across the force.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees