Psychologist

Job Summary

Under administrative direction, the employee is responsible for providing in‑house psychological services to SAFD officers, supervisors, administration, and families. The employee assesses the suitability of applicants to the Department, assists high‑level Police and Fire management in developing organizational and stress‑management systems, and consults in crisis intervention incidents requiring psychological services. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment, though the position demands exposure to dangerous persons, firearms, bodily fluids, and noise.

215 S. San Saba, San Antonio, TX (78207)

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

• Administers and participates in the evaluation of psychological examinations for entry‑level public safety personnel (e.g., Police and Firefighter applicants).
• Develops stress‑management programs for public safety personnel and their families.
• Makes referrals and conducts follow‑up evaluations on individuals needing long‑term therapy.
• Conducts counseling and interviews on a short‑term basis to gain insight into personal problems.
• Collects data through interviews, case history, observation techniques, and testing.
• Evaluates data to identify causes of problems and determines advisability of counseling or referral to other specialists.
• Follows up results of counseling to assess 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 (e.g., training officers in hostage situations, trauma debriefing).
• May conduct research to develop and improve diagnostic and counseling techniques.
• Performs related duties as required.

• 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 must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint‑based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

• Experience working with first responders.
• Experience in pre‑employment psychological testing.
• Experience working with children.

• Knowledge of organizational psychology, crisis intervention, statistical analysis, research methods and design, and stress‑management program planning.
• Knowledge of recent developments and literature related to stress management, interviewing and counseling techniques, and standard program evaluation methods.
• Skills in utilizing a personal computer, operating a police radio, and hostages communication equipment.
• Ability to assess individual needs, design, develop, and implement effective programs.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternatives, project consequences, and implement recommendations.
• Effective communication, supervision, and staff training capabilities.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.
• Ability to interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position.

The City of San Antonio offers a competitive compensation and benefit package, including subsidized health‑care benefits for active and retired employees, paid disability benefits, paid life insurance, and automatic participation in a pension program (matched 2:1). For more detailed information, see the City’s benefits portal.

The City of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. It 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. If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources Department at 210‑207‑8705 or 210‑207‑2285.