Peer Intervention Trainer & Senior Trainer
Hybrid, Full-time | Expected to travel and provide training in multiple locations across the country.
ABOUT US
The Overwatch Project is an initiative of FORGE, the only national nonprofit exclusively focused on working from within the firearms community on transformative, non-political initiatives to end gun suicide and gun homicide. Through the Overwatch Project, we have built the equivalent of the “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk” campaign for veterans and service members, but instead of talking about alcohol and vehicles, we’re focused on guns and suicide. Our flagship program uses an evidence-based peer-intervention approach to save lives by transforming conversations about firearms and suicide prevention. We save lives through comprehensive training, education and community engagement initiatives crafted in a blunt, authentic voice. We expect to train 30,000+ veterans and service members in the next year and reach tens of thousands more through outreach and communications campaigns. Learn more at www.overwatchproject.org
THE ROLE
Come help us save lives! We’re seeking Peer Intervention Trainers for the Overwatch Project, our military and veteran suicide prevention initiative. Our trainers are on the front line of our suicide prevention work, and are our most direct connection to the people we serve. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a veteran who is looking for a profound sense of purpose and the ability to have a direct and immediate impact on the lives of thousands of service members and veterans.
JOB DESCRIPTION
We’re looking to fill multiple full-time Peer Intervention Trainer positions to deliver our firearms suicide prevention training to service members and veterans across the nation.
Location: Hybrid — this role requires up to 45% travel, typically involving two training events per month, each lasting approximately 3–7 days. Training locations depend on partner needs, with common training sites in states that include Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and California.
Salary and Role Definition:
Trainer: $77–85k | Senior Trainer: $85–95k
Full-time benefits include generous holiday and PTO package, medical insurance (QSEHRA). All Trainers begin at a baseline level. Advancement to Senior Trainer is merit-based and depends on demonstrated excellence in judgement, creativity, and leadership skills. The pace of advancement depends on the individual trainer; for candidates that join the team with significant experience in priority areas, quick advancement is possible.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Peer Intervention Trainer, all roles encompass the following responsibilities:
Training Delivery (65–85%)
Deliver peer intervention training presentations on firearms and suicide prevention for veterans, service members, family members and others connected to the military and veteran community
Deliver trainings to audiences ranging from 30–250+
Manage training schedules and travel logistics
All training positions require regular travel, with locations dependent on unit and partner schedules
Management and Administration (5–10%)
Schedule and coordinate suicide prevention trainings with military units and organizations
Independently manage training schedules and coordination with multiple partners
Prioritize projects effectively and maintain time management skills
Write summaries and provide reports of training
Training Partner Development & Community Engagement (5–20%)
Cultivate relationships with military, veteran, nonprofit, business and firearms community organizations
Serve as point of contact for community members engaging with the Overwatch Project
Contribute to ongoing refinement and expansion of training programs, systems and SOPs
Contribute to creation of higher-level briefing materials and reports for partners
Personnel Management (0–10%)
Supervisory role in a regional and/or national capacity depending on location
Provide training, feedback, and support to improve presentation skills of team members
Help onboard and develop new trainers, with the oversight of the Training Director
Training Partner Development & Community Engagement (5–20%)
Training partnership development that increases our educational reach into communities of interest
Work directly with units and/or entities within their area to schedule and execute training
Lead development and maintenance of community-facing training and engagement materials
QUALIFICATIONS
Military experience and familiarity with military and veteran communities required
Familiarity with firearms and firearms culture required
Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
Dynamic, interactive training style
Comfort presenting in various environments including non-classroom settings
Training development experience
Familiarity with peer intervention and suicide-specific content or previous experience delivering mental health/suicide prevention trainings
Experience collaborating with diverse partners
Experience in consultative, coaching, or supervisory roles
PERSONALITY TRAITS
Purpose-driven and passionate about meaningful work
Strong communication abilities
Ability to respond authentically to complex questions
Optimistic approach to challenging topics
Resilient to challenging material (e.g. descriptions of self-harm ideation)
Adaptability in presentation style based on audience needs
Strong organizational skills
Uncompromising ethics and mission-driven values
WHAT MAKES THIS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY
By joining FORGE, you will be part of a groundbreaking nonprofit enterprise, currently helping a wide range of Americans help each other prevent firearm suicide and other gun deaths. You will be a key member of our team as we drive and measure the impact of our innovative, nationally-recognized, award-winning work.
Team Responsibilities (5–10%)
Attend staff meetings, retreats, workgroups and relevant meetings
Support team with other initiatives, including contributions to new program and project development
SENIOR TRAINER — ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to all Trainer responsibilities, Senior Trainer responsibilities expand to include: