Junior Trainer

Job Summary

As a Junior Trainer supporting the VA's Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) under the Elevated Risk Care Management initiative, you will plan, develop, and deliver training programs and educational courses designed to equip VA healthcare staff with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and support Veterans at elevated risk. Working within a federal healthcare environment, you will contribute to a mission-critical program that directly impacts Veteran lives by ensuring clinical and non-clinical personnel are prepared to implement evidence-based suicide prevention protocols. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, empathetic training professional who thrives in a structured federal contracting environment, can translate complex clinical and procedural content into accessible learning experiences, and is comfortable delivering training both in-person and through web-based platforms.

Primary Responsibilities

Plan, design, and execute instructor-led and web-based training courses aligned with VA Office of Suicide Prevention care management protocols and program objectives. Conduct training needs assessments to analyze communication gaps and skill deficiencies among VA clinical and administrative staff, translating findings into targeted workshop and remedial training modules. Develop, revise, and maintain training workbooks, job aids, facilitator guides, and learner materials to ensure content accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current VA policy and clinical guidelines. Administer and manage training activities within a Learning Management System (LMS), including course enrollment, tracking learner progress, generating completion reports, and maintaining training records in compliance with federal documentation standards. Conduct evaluations of training effectiveness using assessments, surveys, and feedback mechanisms, then analyze results to recommend continuous improvements to course content and delivery methods. Perform training-related administrative tasks including scheduling sessions, coordinating logistics for face-to-face and virtual training events, communicating with stakeholders, and supporting the onboarding of new VA staff into program-specific learning pathways.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of experience in training development, instructional design, or a related learning and development role, preferably within a healthcare, public health, or government setting. Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Education, Instructional Design, Public Health, Psychology, Healthcare Administration, or a closely related field required. Prior experience working with a federal agency, VA, or other government healthcare client is strongly preferred; demonstrated familiarity with federal training standards and compliance requirements is a plus. Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential and pass a background investigation commensurate with VA access requirements. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future. Demonstrated proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and virtual training delivery platforms (e.g., Adobe Connect, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for Government); strong written and verbal communication skills required.

Desired Qualifications

• Professional clinical background or direct experience in behavioral health, mental health, or suicide prevention programming within a healthcare delivery environment. • Familiarity with VA systems, policies, and veteran-centered care frameworks, including knowledge of the VA's National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide. • Experience developing Section 508-compliant training materials and/or SCORM-conformant e-learning content for federal audiences. • Knowledge of adult learning principles (e.g., ADDIE or SAM instructional design models) and experience applying them in a regulated healthcare or federal contracting context. • Certification or coursework in Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), or similar evidence-based suicide prevention training programs.

About Aptive

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.