Police Psychologist

Job Summary

Under administrative direction, is responsible for performing in-house psychological services to SAPD officers, supervisors, administration, and families. Assesses the suitability of applicants to the Department. Assists high level Police management in developing organizational and stress management systems for Police 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

Police Training Academy - 12200 SE Loop 410, San Antonio, TX (78221)

Work Hours

7:45 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. On-Call and after hours based on business needs.

Essential Job Functions

* Administers and participates in the evaluation of psychological examinations for entry level public safety personnel (i.e. Police and Fire applicants).

* Develops stress management programs for public safety personnel and their families, to include Firefighters, Police Officers, 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 (i.e. Fire Stations, Police Substations) 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 SWAT to train officers in hostage situations, 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

* Experience working with law enforcement.

* Experience working with children.

* Experience in pre-employment psychological testing.

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…