Psychologist - Fire & EMS

Overview

Under administrative direction, is responsible for performing in-house psychological services to SAFD officers, supervisors, administration, and families. Assesses the suitability of applicants to the Department. Assists high level Fire management in developing organizational and stress management systems for Fire personnel. Consults in crisis intervention incidents requiring psychological services. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment. Subject to work in a highly stressful environment, under intense life‑threatening conditions. Work includes exposure to dangerous persons, firearms, bodily fluids, and noise. Exercises direction and indirect functional supervision over assigned staff.

Work Location

215 S. San Saba, San Antonio, TX 78207

Work Hours

7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

Responsibilities

• Administers and participates in the evaluation of psychological examinations for entry level public safety personnel.
• Develops stress management programs for public safety personnel and their families, to include Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, and supervisory and management personnel.
• Makes referrals and conducts follow-up evaluations on individuals identified as needing long-term therapy.
• Conducts counseling and interviews on a short-term basis to gain insight into personal problems.
• Collects data about individuals through the use of interviews, case history, observation techniques, and testing.
• Evaluates data to identify causes of problems of individuals and to determine advisability of counseling or referral to other specialists.
• Follows-up results of counseling to determine reliability and validity of treatment used.
• Conducts training for new public safety personnel, supervisors, and managers.
• Coordinates peer counseling program.
• Administers alcohol and drug prevention and referral programs.
• Visits public safety facilities to observe and make recommendations for reducing stress.
• Works with the Chief, training staff, supervisors, managers, and committees to develop a comprehensive stress management program for the department.
• Develops and coordinates other programs related to an effective stress management program (i.e. working with Fire Department Trauma Debriefing Programs).
• May do research to develop and improve diagnostic and counseling techniques.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Psychology.
• Two (2) years of experience in clinical psychology.
• No substitution for education allowed.
• Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License.
• License or licencable as a Psychologist under the Texas State Licensing Law.
• Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.

Preferred Qualifications

• EMDR certification or other trauma therapy certification.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of organizational psychology.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of research methods and design.
• Knowledge of procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a stress management program.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to stress management.
• Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of standard program evaluation methods and report writing procedures.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software programs.
• Skill in operating a police radio.
• Skill in operating hostage communication equipment.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to assess individual needs and design, develop, and implement a program or course of action suited to that of the individual's needs.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public, to include Firefighters, supervisors, administrators, association members, and their families.
• Ability to interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.