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.

FDNY seeks a full-time DIRECTOR OF THE COUNSELING SERVICE UNIT (CSU) in the Bureau of Health Services. Reporting directly to the Chief Medical Officer or his/her Designee, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent initiative and judgment, the successful candidate will: Manage the operations of an occupational counseling service/employee assistance program for the FDNY first responders. Supervise and support the care team, consisting of mental health clinicians providing services to employees, resources and referrals to the first responders and their families including assessment and treatment services funded through the WTC Health Program. Perform counseling assessments, assign clients to clinical staff for screening and assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, and conduct client case management reviews with clinicians, referrals of clients to appropriate resources for care and crises intervention. Supervise the CSU counselor’s processes that support the FDNY Psychiatric Medical Officer’s evaluation of FDNY candidates and first responders referred for duty determination. Serve as the administrative liaison for a variety of mental health related programs; facilitate track and report results. Participate in mental health related research project and health initiative that provide preventive medicine. Manage clinical and administrative staff at multiple sites located throughout NYS including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Brentwood and Middletown. Oversee unit’s budget. Respond to emergencies when requested by the FDNY Incident Commander/Chief or Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the assessment of members at the scene of an emergency, hospital or FDNY facility to assist stress-affected FDNY responders with assessment/counseling and to provide situational awareness to the Incident Commander, CMO or Deputy CMO. This position may require evenings and weekends if emergencies warrant.

We offer great benefits and programs!

Health Benefits at no or low cost with an array of health plans
Defined Pension Plans
401(k) and 457(k) Retirement Savings
Programs Dental and Vision Coverage
Prescription Drug Program Flexible Spending Program
Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave
Training and Professional Development
Opportunity for Scholarship
College Savings Program
Commuter Benefits
Employee Assistance Programs
Workplace Wellness Programs
Student Loan Forgiveness
Municipal Credit Union

*Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four years of progressively responsible experience, in a large governmental agency, business firm, civic or community organization operating in the area of social services, including one year at the administrative or managerial level; or

2. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. Graduate education or a license may substitute for up to a maximum of three years of experience in the area of social services, but not for the one year of experience at the administrative or managerial level as described in "1" above, as follows:

(A) A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business, child welfare, counseling, economics, education, finance, human resources, labor relations, management, management science, nursing, operations research, organizational behavior, personnel or public administration, political science, psychology, sociology, social work, statistics, and/or urban studies may substitute for two years of experience; and/or

(B) Graduate education beyond the baccalaureate degree may be substituted at the rate of 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university in the area(s) listed in “2(A)” above for each year of experience up to a maximum of three years; or

(C) A valid New York State Registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) may substitute for three years of experience.

However, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and one year of experience at the administrative or management level as described in "1" above.

*** THIS POSTING IS OPEN TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE PERMANENT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TITLE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES, OR EQUIVALENT TITLE *** - A doctorate degree in psychology or social work from an accredited college or a registered Nurse with a master’s degree or nurse-practitioner degree AND five years of full-time, satisfactory professional psychological experience in a recognized hospital, law enforcement agency, fire department, EMS department, clinic, social agency, school, or other approved organization, of which at least eighteen months must have been in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or in supervision of mental health professionals performing duties in any of the settings described immediately above and a valid license as Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Registered Nurse or Nurse-Practitioner issued by the New York State Department of Education or A valid license to practice medicine in the State of New York, and possession of a valid Board Certification issued by the American Specialty Board in the area of Psychiatry, and two years of full-time, satisfactory, professional psychological or psychiatric experience in a recognized hospital, clinic, law enforcement agency, fire department, EMS department, social agency, school, or other approved organization, of which at least eighteen months must have been in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or in supervision of mental health professionals performing duties in any of the settings immediately described above - Experience in a multi-disciplinary treatment environment, providing mental health assessment, treatment, consultation, clinical supervision and training. - Experience leading and supporting a team of mental health professionals - Ability to quickly respond to Department emergencies if needed and assess psychological needs of first responders - Experience leading mental health program initiatives for a large client base

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

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/.

New York City Residency is not required for this position

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.