Crisis Response and Lethal Means Safety Program and Policy Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Vistra is seeking a Crisis Response/Lethal Means Safety Program and Policy Specialist to provide dedicated program and administrative support for the Crisis Response and Lethal Means Safety portfolios. Although this is primarily a remote role, candidates in the DC Metro Area are preferred.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide analytical and subject matter expertise to support the review of and response to new and existing policies and legislation impacting the DSPO mission.

• Bachelors' degree in public health, behavioral science, or related field and at least five years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in Crisis Response and Lethal Means Safety, including familiarity with best practices, emerging issues, and operational frameworks.
• Strong policy understanding, with the ability to review, interpret, and assess new and existing policies or legislation affecting DSPO mission areas.
• Proven ability to provide program and administrative support, including tracking actions, coordinating requirements, and supporting portfolio execution.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues, anticipate impacts, and provide forward-leaning recommendations.
• Experience functioning as a liaison with diverse stakeholders, ensuring coordinated information flow and alignment across internal and external partners.
• Familiarity with suicide prevention, postvention, or related behavioral health programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to support development of analyses, summaries, and policy response materials. Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities within an evolving mission environment.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a military environment or with military personnel.
• Experience interacting with interagency partners, senior leaders and executives.
• Understanding of crisis response systems, processes, and relevant industry knowledge (e.g., public health, behavioral health, emergency response, DoD systems).
• Prior experience supporting policy development, legislative review, or regulatory impact assessment.