Psychologist, Ottawa Fire Services

JOB SUMMARY

An integral member of the Emergency & Protective Services (EPS) department, you are responsible for operationalizing the department’s Mental Health and Wellness Strategies within Ottawa Fire Services; defining, driving forward and managing psychological wellbeing programs and services; and providing immediate clinical assessments, psychological intervention/services, and staff training programs. As a registered and licensed Psychologist, you lead the consultation, planning, development, and implementation of evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies, programs, initiatives, and supports to promote the psychological health and wellness of staff.

Programs and services include but are not limited to:

Wellness Fitness Initiative (WFI): Joint initiative between the members of the Ottawa Professional Fire Fighter’s Association and Ottawa Fire Services to implement and maintain a fitness program that will strive to better the physical, behavioural and mental health of all uniformed personnel of Ottawa Fire Services.

Peer Support Programs include peer supporters in Ottawa Fire Services who are available 24/7 to provide colleagues with emotional support following critical incidents and for work and life stressors in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Recruitment Program Support: Ensuring suitability of firefighter candidates by supporting the candidate assessment process.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, or a recognized equivalent, from an accredited university. Completion of a CPA/APA accredited internship/residency in clinical psychology (or equivalent).

Minimum 5 years of post-graduate clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of trauma and stress related disorders, anxiety-, depressive-, and substance use-related disorders using evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy dialectic behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, polyvagal informed therapy and/or emotion-focused therapy, including a minimum of 3 years experience providing support to first responders or other public safety personnel in traditional and non-traditional environments following potentially psychologically traumatic events and other related occupational stressors.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENCES

Registration in good standing as a psychologist authorized for autonomous practice by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Authorized area of practice in Clinical Psychology is essential. Authorized client population with adults is essential. Competency with older adults, family and/or couples an asset.

Valid Class G Driver’s License and/or ability to travel as required.

KNOWLEDGE

• Must be familiar with employee psychological health and safety practices.
• Principles, practices, procedures, techniques, laws and regulations pertaining to the Service’s functions, programs, services and operations.
• Knowledge of health care and public health systems.
• Knowledge of effective health promotion strategies.
• Knowledge and understanding of evidence-based therapies for trauma- and stress-related disorders, such as prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and/or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is essential.
• Knowledge of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and Long-Term Disability processes to support the recovery of employees is an asset.
• Must be familiar with applicable health and safety legislation, have knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the work place, and have knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken in order to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation and City policies and procedures.
  

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Core Behaviours
Core behaviours define the City's expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work. They are reflective of the City's culture and values and guide all our present and future activities. Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody, and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours.

Leadership Competencies
The City has defined key competencies that leaders are expected to embody and demonstrate to successfully move the organization towards achieving its strategic objectives and create an organizational culture that supports and empowers employees to excel, grow and reach their full potential. These leadership competencies and associated behaviours are expected to be demonstrated by leaders at all levels of the organization.

Review the Leadership Competencies.