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 the Counseling Service Unit (CSU) at various office locations (Lafayette, Fort Totten), as needed. Reporting directly to the Clinical Director, 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 using the DSM V Multiaxial Assessment classification for assessment and determination of appropriate intervention(s) and referrals. Offer group, family, couple and individual treatment modalities. Maintain caseload of approximately 25 client visits per week. Demonstrate effective and timely documentation of services. Assist with outreach efforts, as needed. Assessment classification for assessment and determination of appropriate intervention(s) and referrals.

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.

-Master’s degree in a Human Services is preferred, including Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or Public Health credits. -One year or more years in a health or mental health setting. -Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. -Effective verbal and written skills. -NYS Licensure preferred

NOTE: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program.

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.

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.