Suicide Postvention Training Specialist

Vistra is seeking a Senior Specialist to support Department of Defense 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.

This is a remote position, with periodic in-office meetings and participation at the Mark Center and Pentagon.

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

• 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
• Minimum of 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 of Defense (DoD) 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

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.