Job Vacancy Announcement- Law Enforcement Peer Counselor (5 positions)
Job Vacancy Announcement- Law Enforcement Peer Counselor (5 positions)
Location: Headquarters – Atlanta (Fulton County)
Job Code: PSP210
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 17, 2019
The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the day-to-day operation of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Capitol Police and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD). We are seeking five (5) public safety peer counselors in the Office of Public Safety Support. This newly created office is responsible for providing peer counselors and critical incident support services to State of Georgia public safety officers
This is a challenging and meaningful opportunity to assist in the development of a ground-breaking program to provide critical support to Georgia public safety officers in need. This position is perfect for candidates who are able to normalize common stress reactions through shared experiences to make a difference in the lives of the members of the Georgia public safety community (sworn troopers, agents, rangers, officers, deputies, dispatchers, firefighters, medics, corrections officers, and others). Being able to relate to others’ situations because of shared experiences, and assist others, is the essence of peer support. This work is rewarding and altruistic. This position reports to the Director of the Office of Public Safety Support.
The selected candidates will maintain their primary office at the DPS Headquarters complex located in Atlanta, Georgia, but will also have an office placed regionally, elsewhere. Telecommuting will be available when appropriate. Extensive travel, primarily in Georgia, will be required. A departmental vehicle will be provided.
The selected candidates’ experience level will be evaluated to place them in the appropriate level in the career path.
Key responsibilities:
- Acts as an advocate for public safety personnel who may be in crisis, providing psychological first aid.
- Aids public safety personnel in lessening emotional, cognitive, behavioral and physical reactions experienced after a critical incident, utilizing best practices.
- Facilitates and coordinates interventions to lessen emotional, cognitive, behavioral and physical reactions after traumatic, critical incidents.
- Counsels public safety personnel after a critical incident, or because of cumulative stress to help them overcome possible maladaptive behaviors and return them to a more favorable level of functioning.
- Assists with and/or develops and implements modalities of training to compliment therapeutic techniques afforded by mental health professionals.
- Assists with and/or trains other public safety personnel in Critical Incident Stress Management.
- Refers public safety clients to other public safety peers and/or licensed mental health professionals.
- Assists with and/or monitors and evaluates client progress after establishing goals that are attainable, realistic and measureable.
- May evaluate physical and mental health conditions, based on client information and affect, and establish best courses of action.
Required Personal Characteristics:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- High integrity and honesty.
- Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion.
- Positive attitude and high-levels of personal commitment.
- Ability to perform responsibilities in stressful situations.
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND certification as a law enforcement officer, firefighter or medic AND Four years of public safety experience as sworn law enforcement officer, firefighter or medic OR certification as a law enforcement officer, firefighter or medic AND Seven years of public safety experience as a sworn law enforcement officer, firefighter or medic.
Up to FOUR years honorable military time may be substituted for years of public safety experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Personal experience(s) with a critical incident(s) or sudden and traumatic loss. Critical incidents may be on or off duty.
Training in the area of critical incident stress management, stress, grief and loss, suicide or post-traumatic stress.
Instructions to apply for this position:
If you have any questions or problems, please contact Human Resources at 404-624-7553 or email [email protected].
Only applicants chosen for interview will be contacted. This is an unclassified position unless filled by a classified employee.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees and applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, natural origin, age, disability or genetic information.