Operational Psychologist – Law Enforcement Training

Job Overview

The Texas Department of Public Safety seeks experienced Clinical or Counseling Psychologists to serve as Operational Psychologist II and III. Salaries range from $9,000 to $9,583.34 per month.

• Administer and interpret psychological tests and conduct assessments for law enforcement applicants and other specialized roles.
• Assess the fitness of prospective officers focusing on emotional stability, judgment, resilience, and job performance.
• Plan, develop, and implement training on stress management, work performance, basic psychology, crisis intervention, and employee motivation.
• Develop training materials and provide input for best practice guidelines.
• Provide confidential short‑term counseling for Trooper trainees and refer for longer‑term care.
• Participate in debriefings after critical incidents.
• Consult on work groups and special projects requiring psychological expertise.
• Consult with agency management regarding the pre‑employment assessment process and candidate suitability.
• Conduct program design and procedures for pre‑employment testing, wellness, and behavioral health services.
• Participate in field visits and observe training to provide feedback on mental health and wellness.
• Travel locally and within the state as required, including overnight trips.
• Observe agency attendance policies, including flexibility for additional or non‑traditional hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.
• Completed internship in clinical or counseling psychology with supervised experience in assessments, individual therapy, suicide assessment, and crisis intervention.
• Experience with pre‑employment psychological evaluations, training large groups, and trauma counseling preferred.
• Licensed psychologist in Texas (or obtain within three months if out of state).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of Texas regulations, ADA requirements, and law enforcement pre‑employment screening.

• Administer and interpret psychological tests for law enforcement applicants, promotional candidates, and specialized roles.
• Plan, develop, and implement training on stress management, work performance, basic psychology, crisis intervention, and employee motivation.
• Develop training materials and guide best practice for employee support services.
• Provide confidential short‑term counseling for agency employees and families, with referrals and follow‑up.
• Facilitate debriefings after critical incidents.
• Oversee professional regional behavioral health counseling staff and Victim & Employee Support Services.
• Provide consultation to VESS counselors for routine and crisis situations.
• Oversee preparation of regional productivity reports.
• Consult with agency management on personnel conflicts and other workplace issues.
• Coordinate fitness for duty evaluations as ordered by the director.
• Design and develop procedures for pre‑employment testing, wellness, and behavioral health services.
• Observe training field visits and provide feedback on mental health and safety.
• Travel locally and statewide, including overnight trips.
• Observe attendance policies with possible on‑call scheduling.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.
• At least one year of full‑time experience as a licensed psychologist providing crisis intervention, trauma counseling, and behavioral interventions.
• Experience with pre‑employment psychological evaluations and law enforcement culture preferred.
• Licensed psychologist in Texas (or obtain within three months if out of state).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficient knowledge of Texas regulations, ADA, and law enforcement screening.

The role requires office and field work, walking, standing, and occasional lifting of up to ten pounds. Travel for short trips up to twice a month may be required.

State of Texas benefits and retirement information can be found at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to budgetary restrictions. Current DPS employees may be transferred with or without salary adjustment as described.