Police Psychologist

Job Overview

Under administrative direction, the psychologist provides in‑house psychological services to SAPD officers, supervisors, administration, and families. The psychologist assesses applicant suitability, assists high‑level police management in developing organizational and stress‑management systems, consults during crisis‑intervention incidents, and supports therapy, training, and research to promote officer wellbeing.

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

7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. On‑call and after‑hours as needed.

• Administer and participate in the evaluation of psychological examinations for entry‑level public safety personnel.
• Develop stress‑management programs for public safety personnel and their families.
• Make referrals and conduct follow‑up evaluations on individuals identified as needing long‑term therapy.
• Conduct counseling and interviews on a short‑term basis.
• Collect data through interviews, case history, observation techniques, and testing.
• Evaluate data to identify causes of problems and determine advisability of counseling or referral to other specialists.
• Follow‑up results of counseling to determine reliability and validity of treatment.
• Conduct training for new public safety personnel, supervisors, and managers.
• Coordinate peer counseling program.
• Administer alcohol and drug prevention and referral programs.
• Visit public safety facilities to observe and make recommendations for reducing stress.
• Work with department leadership to develop a comprehensive stress‑management program.
• Develop and coordinate other programs related to effective stress management, including training officers in hostage situations and trauma debriefing programs.
• Use research to develop and improve diagnostic and counseling techniques.
• Perform related duties and fulfill responsibilities as required.

• Ph.D. in Psychology from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years of experience in clinical psychology.
• No substitution for education allowed.
• Valid Class C Texas Driver's License.
• License or licensed to practice psychology under Texas State Licensing Law.
• Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint‑based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Disqualification for felony convictions, felony deferred adjudication, Class A & B misdemeanor deferred adjudication, Class B misdemeanor convictions, open arrest for any criminal offense, and family violence convictions.

• Experience working with law enforcement.
• Experience working with children.
• Experience in pre‑employment psychological testing.

• 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 and 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 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, including police officers, firefighters, supervisors, administrators, association members, and families.
• Ability to interpret and apply city and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.