Suicide Prevention and Postvention Subject Matter Expert at Vistra Communications

Washington, District of Columbia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

14 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

17 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Suicide Prevention, Postvention, Evidence-Based Practices, Lethal Means Safety, Training Design, Curriculum Development, Adult Learning Principles, Trauma-Informed Instructional Design, Postvention Communication, Stigma Reduction, Grief Counseling, Trauma Response, Military Protocols, Facilitation, Executive-Level Communication, Cultural Responsiveness

Industry

Public Relations and Communications Services

Description

Description 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 Additional Preferred Qualifications 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. 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.

Responsibilities

The Subject Matter Expert will consult on evidence-based practices for suicide prevention and response, supporting the design of lethal means safety training for military leaders and units. This role also involves providing guidance on prevention and postvention communication, awareness campaigns, and resources to promote healing and reduce stigma.