MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEWER

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values.

The Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY), seeks a full-time Employee Assistance Specialist in the Bureau of Health Services within Annual Medicals in Brooklyn and the Counseling Service Unit (CSU) at the Manhattan location. Reporting to the direct supervisor, the successful candidate will: be responsible for conducting time-limited mental health screenings with active and retired FDNY first responders during medical exams. Discuss results of computerized mental health questionnaire and conduct further clinical assessment when needed. Provide psycho-education, referrals, and follow-up as clinically indicated. Additional projects within the Bureau of Health Services and World Trade Center Health Program as assigned. Additionally, the successful candidate will provide clinical skills as a counselor to FDNY Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) members and their families with a variety of needs, including social, emotional, family, physical and job performance problems, as well as substance abuse disorders. Perform intake interviews, complete assessments, and determine DSM-diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans. Offer group, family, couple and individual treatment modalities. Maintain caseload of approximately 10 client visits per week. Demonstrate effective and timely documentation of services. Complete outreach, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with a major in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field plus two years of full-time experience in counseling, substance abuse counseling, casework or employee assistance; or

A four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent plus three years of full-time experience as described in “1” above; or

Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least a four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and one year of counseling experience as described in “1” above.

Preferred Skills

Master’s degree in a Human Services is preferred, including Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or Public Health credits. Two years or more in a health or mental health setting. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Effective verbal and written skills. Candidates with New York State license or license-eligible preferred

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.