GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the First Responder Prevention program is to 1) increase access to peer support and mental health awareness and intervention training for first responders and their families; 2) Reduce the incidence of deaths by suicide among the first responder community by supporting evidence-based interventions, specifically lethal means safety and related training and supports. The First Responder Education Specialist will be the primary point person to recruit and engage first responders and their families in training and resources to reduce the stigma of mental health, identify risk factors, and implement safety factors. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedule, coordinate, and arrange logistics for outreach, training, and community events
• Implement free Mental Health First Aid Training, Lethal Means Safety Training, Embedded Peer Support Training, and additional evidence-based curricula as directed by the funder.
• Conduct outreach to market and coordinate training within the First Responder communities targeting first responders themselves, their friends and families, retired first responders, and other stakeholders who interact with First Responders such as union representatives
• Provide Embedded Peer Support Training and other strategies to decrease stigma against people with mental health illnesses and substance use problems while increasing knowledge of suicide risk factors and warning signs
• Provide tools for trainees to help with early identification, intervention, and referral to appropriate professional help.
• Collect data on activities conducted and submit data entry and maintenance of in-person and virtual training or information sessions on recognizing and responding to signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
• Assist in the development of promotional and marketing materials to recruit trainees and increase broader community awareness of the need for suicide prevention among first responders
• Responsible for all administrative duties and requirements to the program, including but not limited to, reporting requirements, documentation of activities, submission of all required paperwork, preparing purchase orders, etc.
• Participate in community network meetings, agency, and funder-required meetings and training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

Education:

• High School education required; Associate’s Degree preferred.
• Certification in MHFA, Lethal Means Training preferred

Experience:

• The ideal candidate is a former First Responder or someone with experience working directly within the First Responder community
• A minimum of 2 years of experience with training and community engagement

Other:

• Sensitivity to cultural diversity is required. Ability to communicate and cooperate with diverse families, various professionals, and community groups.
• Outstanding communication, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Great integrity and a proven ability to operate as a team player.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees or the organization.
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in executing tasks.
• Must demonstrate the ability to establish helping relationships with families of varying educational, experiential, and socio-economic backgrounds and handle emergency and crisis situations.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Competent in Microsoft Office tools and inputting services in an online database.
• The schedule may be flexible and may include some evenings and weekends.
• Reliable transportation.
• Valid Driver’s License and Automobile Insurance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to remain stationary 50% of the time.
• Must be able to frequently move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.
• At times may be required to lift up to 25 lbs. for various training and events needs.
• Frequently moves in outdoor weather conditions.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time; this description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

This job description is subject to change at any time.