Psychologist - Fire & EMS

Job Summary

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.

This position is an "unclassified" position and has no disciplinary appeal rights to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. This position is likewise subject to at-will employment status and can be terminated at any time for any reason.

Work Location 215 S. San Saba, San Antonio, TX 78207

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

Essential Job Functions

• 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.

Job 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 licensable 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. Applicant Information

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.

• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks.  If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing.  Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Benefits Information The City of San Antonio (CoSA) strives to provide a competitive compensation and benefit package to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce.  To accomplish this, CoSA offers subsidized health care benefits for active and retired employees, paid disability benefits, paid life insurance, as well as automatic participation in a pension program which is currently matched two to one.

For more detailed information, please click on the following link to view Benefits offered by the City of San Antonio: http://www.sanantonio.gov/hr/employee_information/benefits/index.asp

Note: - Part-Time, Temporary, and non-City positions are not eligible for CoSA Benefits. - Holiday and Leave benefits for Pre-K 4 SA positions may be different than what is listed at the above link.

Additional Information The City Of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. This means that the City does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex (gender), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. All individuals are encouraged to apply and compete for jobs with the City of San Antonio.

If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources Department so that accommodations may be made to meet your needs. Our telephone number is 210-207-8705 and our fax number is 210-207-2285.