Fire Service

Fire Service

Within the fire service, the focus for a psychological exam is somewhat different.  Compared to other professions within public safety, fire fighters perform a unique array of critical tasks.  In addition to screening out psychologically unfit candidates, Dr. Jordan can help a fire department build a strong, cohesive team.

Here are a few of the reasons Dr. Jordan is the one to call when hiring firefighters, EMT’s and paramedics:

  • The ability to work as part of a team is an important characteristic for any candidate in the fire service.  Dr. Jordan can assess a candidate for his or her suitability to work as part of a team.
  • Proprietary methods developed exclusively for use in the fire service.
  • Hundreds of psychological assessments completed each and every year.
  • Results typically returned within three working days.
  • Only industry-accepted,  standardized tests and assessment methods are used.
  • Methods are reliable, valid, ADA and GINA compliant.
  • Complete and thorough clinical interviews are conducted with each candidate.
  • Quick turnaround time and phone consultations if necessary.

II. The typical psychological assessment for work in the public safety field consists of the following components:

  • A test that screens for overall psychological health.  Sometimes referred to as a ” measure of adjustment” testing helps identify psychopathology, personality problems, stress tolerance and overall psychological resilience.
  • Personality Inventory – A multidimensional measure of everyday personality traits.  The California Psychological Inventory (CPI) is well-suited for fire service applicants due to both the extensive validation data for public safety, and the fact it directly assesses traits critical for success. The CPI is particularly useful for firefighters and paramedical personnel because it taps important domains such as teamwork orientation, compassion for others and ability to follow procedure.
  • Intellectual ability measure – most departments use at least one measure, some departments prefer two.
  • Writing sample – A direct measure of writing ability and an excellent adjunct measure for communication skills and intellectual ability.
  • Personal History Questionnaire – A proprietary biographical questionnaire surveying education, work history, life events, legal history, financial history, driving history, self-insight and preparation for work in the fire service.
  • In-depth clinical interview to address developmental experiences, psychological history, prior history of treatment, level of adjustment and self-presentation.
  • Thorough report addressing relevant findings.

 

Dr. Jordan is a board-certified psychologist who specializes in Police and Public Safety Psychology.  He practices throughout Colorado and the metro Denver area providing testing and assessment work for police departments, sheriff’s offices, fire departments and a wide range of private entities.  Dr. Jordan’s primary area of expertise is  pre-employment testing for public safety applicants and Fitness for Duty assessments both for public safety and other organizations.