AMENDEMENT  –  Chief, Psychological Health and Safety & Chief, Operational Psychology

Important

Do not discuss your application with others (including on social media) besides your partner, or close family members - who should also be reminded about the need to be discreet.

Closing Date 2025-04-28
Reference Number 25-968-10-003
Job Category Subject Matter Expert
Who Can Apply Canadian Citizens
Location

Ottawa, Ontario

Salary Range $126,377 - $152,175  *
Status Indeterminate (permanent) 
Language Requirement Bilingual Imperative (CBC/CBC)

* These positions are eligible for the Terminable Allowance. Successful candidate must have obtained an education level at the masters or doctoral in Psychology from a recognized university in Canada (or equivalent). Doctorial level psychologists are to receive an annual amount of $12,000 paid biweekly and Master’s level psychologists are to receive an annual amount of $6,000 paid biweekly. 

Job Summary

Stream 1

The Chief, Psychological Health & Safety is responsible for managing articulating and the delivery of the Service's mental health strategy in support of the psychological health, safety and wellness programs of the organization.

The Chief will play a key role in shaping programs, which will support organizational transformation and culture change within a complex and multi-disciplinary team environment.

The incumbent will also be responsible to develop mental health strategies that align with GoC workplace priorities.

Major Responsibilities:

  • Develop program vision and oversee its implementation; manage the section's budget; direct subordinates and evaluate work performance.
  • Formulate, develop and recommend strategies, plans, options and methodologies for the design and delivery of policies, programs and projects; provide leadership in the delivery of operational standards for the Service's Psychological Health and Safety program; evaluate and monitor performance of program and develop corrective actions/address gaps.
  • Develop, negotiate, foster and manage collaborative agreements/arrangements and partnerships; liaise with stakeholders to anticipate and analyze trends to solicit cooperation and joint participation in projects.
  • Lead the facilitation and high-level coordination of mental health and wellness awareness campaigns planning, program events/activities and training initiatives.
  • Develop and ensure best practices models in the area of mental health and wellness are in place; ensure legislative requirements are met. 
  • Manage HR and financial resources: Policies, procedures, service and operational standards, performance measurement.
  • Provide expert advice and direction related to program and policies to senior management and internal/external foreign and domestic key partners.
  • Represent the program in external fora on strategic policy and/or program-related issues and initiatives. 

Stream 2

The Chief, Operational Psychologist is responsible for managing the activities of the section.

Major Responsibilities 

  • Manage the activities of the section by developing, monitoring, revising plans/objectives of each program; directing, counselling, instructing subordinates and evaluating work performance, monitor the ethical and practice standards of the licensed professional.
  • Develop relationships with the international network of operational Psychologists via bi-lateral exchanges and projects as well as continued active participation in specific international groups.
  • Advise the DG HES on the Service's countermeasures program by keeping current of the latest developments in the field to make recommendations for the implementation of countermeasures within the organization.
  • Manage the operational psychology reports to verify and establish that they are prepared in accordance with approved methodology.
  • Manage the CSIS annual Psychology-Operations Conference by identifying areas of operational interest, by developing and recruiting national and international key note speakers, by organizing the logistical activities related to the conference and by promoting the expertise of operational psychology within the Service.
  • Develop and manage the HES IO assessment process for Foreign Collection Officers by ensuring objective and quality assessments are delivered in a timely manner and follow a systematic process and methodology which meet the organization's standards.
  • Manage the consultation services offered to operational branches/regions/Legal Services by maximizing and optimizing the operational resources and by rendering direct and indirect services.
  • Manage and implement operational psychology training modules including providing support to Tradecraft, Foreign Collection and Cover courses.
  • Plan and manage the research, studies or implementation of projects to support operational activities and develop the Service's essential operational psychology expertise and transfer this knowledge to others.
  • Coordinate health reviews as assigned while ensuring they meet policy requirements as well as legislated requirements.
  • Develop, recommend and implement operational psychology policies, ensuring their integration and compliance with Service operational policy.
  • Contribute to the overall management of Health Services and manage the Operational Psychology Section's budget by preparing forecasts and monitoring/controlling all of the expenses.
  • Develop and implement an operational psychology tracking system to meet management requirements, including those related to performance management. 

Please indicate clearly in your application which position(s) you are applying to. You may apply to both streams.

Education

  • Master’s Degree in Psychology and (five) 5 years of relevant experience*

It must be obtained from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada. If you completed a program outside of Canada you will be required to obtain proof of a Canadian equivalency at your expense from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada.

Experience

Stream 1

*Working in a mental health program as a Clinical, Operational or Organizational Psychologist.

Candidates must also possess:  

  • Two (2) years experience managing a mental health and wellness program within a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Experience writing policies, guidelines, and procedures.

Stream 2

  •  A proven track record of applying behavioural and human science in one of the following contexts: mental health, forensic settings, behaviour change contexts, or high performance environments.

Streams 1 & 2

  •  Supervisory experience**

**Formal supervision entails the day-to-day planning, organizing, directing, controlling and performance of the work of others (team) in achieving / attaining results within an organization. These skills may have been acquired through work experiences within the Service or outside. 

Tasks include:  

  • Developing strategies to support activities within the organisation and helping the team understand the goals / objectives.
  • Encouraging participation, developing talent, setting objectives and providing performance feedback to employee.
  • Identifying issues and resolving workplace problems such as absenteeism, conflict.
  • Scheduling work hours.

Competencies

Streams 1 & 2

  • Uphold Integrity and Respect
  • Promote Innovation and Guide Change
  • Create vision and strategy
  • Mobilize people
  • Achieve Results
  • Collaborate with partners and stakeholders

Assets

An asset qualification is a qualification which can enhance the ability to perform the work based on current and future business requirements, but which is not strictly required.  Assets can help determine right fit in certain circumstances.

Streams 1  & 2

  • Experience conducting suitability and fitness for duty evaluations.
  • Experience providing management coaching.
  • Experience developing and delivering training to employees.
  • Experience in clinical supervision.

Stream 2

  • A doctorate would be considered an asset

Conditions of Employment

Candidates must be registered for independent practice as a psychologist in one Canadian province. 

Upon appointment, an employee shall remain in the Branch or Region for a period of one (1) year before any lateral movement outside of the Branch or Region. This does not prohibit employees from applying for promotional opportunities or the Foreign Officer process and accepting an offer if successful.

Notes

While we continue to explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, the majority of work in our organization must be done in the office and cannot be performed at home.

If you need accommodations during the recruitment process, please mention it to the HR representative.

Employment Equity Gaps have been identified among Persons with Disabilities and Racialized Group for this position. You are invited to voluntary self-declare if you belong to any of these groups in your cover letter, as this information will be considered in the selection process.

There may be need to work overtime on occasion and to travel for work.

Reference Links

Security Requirements

Candidates must be eligible to receive an Enhanced Top Secret security clearance. The process involves a security interview, a polygraph, and a background investigation that includes credit and financial verifications. The use of illegal drugs is a criminal offense. Drug use is an important factor considered in your reliability and suitability assessment during the selection process. Therefore it is important not to use any illegal drugs from the time you submit your application.

Others

Important

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet each Education and Experience criteria. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the career opportunity.

CSIS is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). CSIS has its own classification, compensation system, and a different staffing regime. As such, we use a different staffing process and terminology.

CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying. 

Should you require accommodation in relation to a disability, please tell us at the beginning of the selection process. This information will be kept confidential. 

CSIS Offices in Canada are located on various ancestral and traditional lands.  In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge all Indigenous People across Canada and their connection to these lands.

The personal information provided in your application is protected under the Privacy Act and will be held in Personal Information Bank SIS/P-PU-025.

We thank all applicants for their interest in CSIS. However, only those who are selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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