Aviation Psychologist

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Aviation Psychologist to join our team and play a vital role in optimizing the performance and well-being of our pilots.

**Job Description**:
You will be responsible for providing performance counselling, addressing human safety factors, contributing to rostering and flight operations, and conducting surveys to assess pilot sentiment and its impact on performance. This is a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and make a significant contribution to the safety and success of our aviation operations.

**Responsibilities**:
Performance Counselling
- Conduct individual and group counselling sessions with pilots who are struggling in training or experiencing performance issues.
- Analyse performance data and identify potential obstacles to optimal performance.
- Develop and implement individualized intervention plans to improve pilot performance and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Human Safety Factors & Well-being:

- Collaborate with the rostering and flight operations team to identify and address human factors that may contribute to safety risks.
- Provide training and education to pilots on topics such as fatigue management, stress management, alcohol management and decision-making skills.
- Develop, implement and drive programs to promote pilot well-being and resilience e.g., peer supporter group.

Pilot Sentiment & Engagement:

- Partner in the design and support in the conduct of surveys and focus groups to assess pilot sentiment towards various aspects of their work environment and operational procedures. This includes fatigue management, rostering, crew resource management, communication, scheduling, and leadership.
- Analyse survey and focus group data using quantitative and qualitative methods. Identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
- Develop and propose evidence-based interventions to address identified issues and improve pilot sentiment and engagement.
- Present findings and recommendations to leadership and collaborate on implementing solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to implement solutions.

Critical Stress Incident Management (CISM):

- Establish and maintain a CISM program for pilots involved in critical incidents, such as accidents, near misses, or challenging weather events.
- Provide immediate and ongoing psychological support to pilots or cabin crew experiencing stress, anxiety, or other emotional responses following a critical incident.
- Facilitate group debriefings and peer support sessions to promote emotional processing and recovery.
- Collaborate with management and other professionals to ensure appropriate follow-up care and resource referrals.
- Track and analyse CISM program data to identify trends and improve program effectiveness.

Additional Responsibilities:

- Support pilot recruitment and selection and promotion using psychometrics.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in aviation psychology and human performance.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of company-wide safety and well-being initiatives.
- Participate in accident/incident investigations and provide psychological support to crew members involved.

Qualifications:

- Minimum Bachelor's degree in Psychology (with Honours) and preference to minimum 8 years of experience in I/O psychology with experience in psychological practice and/or counselling
- Strong expertise in performance counselling, human factors analysis, and program development, preferably in the aviation field (understanding of aviation regulations and safety procedures)
- Proven experience in designing and conducting surveys and focus groups, with expertise in data analysis and reporting.
- Preferred to have CISM certification or equivalent training in crisis intervention.
- Preferred to be trained in psychometrics and/or Hogan-certified.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
- Proficient in programme development, data analysis and reporting.
- Commitment to promoting a positive and supportive work environment for pilots.

Skills: