Pilot Assistance Specialist

Pilot Assistance Specialist

Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) is the largest airline pilot union in the world, representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. ALPA seeks an experienced Pilot Assistance Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Specialist plays a key integration role across ALPA’s Pilot Assistance programs—including Pilot Peer Support (PPS), the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP), Professional Standards, HIMS/substance‑misuse assistance, Aeromedical, and Canadian Pilot Assistance—and ensures these programs remain pilot‑focused, confidential, and aligned with evolving best practices in mental health, crisis response, peer support, conflict resolution, and medical/occupational well‑being.

The Specialist engages with the other three Air Safety Organization (ASO) pillars—Safety, Security, and Jumpseat—working with internal staff and ASO pilots and leadership to strengthen safety culture and operational resilience. This includes direct engagement with safety‑management efforts, training and human‑factors initiatives, the Safety and Training Councils, and Canadian occupational health and safety programs to ensure that pilot well‑being is reflected in safety programs, training environments, policy development, and broader ASO activities.

The Specialist continually seeks opportunities to strengthen ALPA Pilot Assistance programs and supports the implementation of initiatives and priorities established by pilot leadership and E&AS management.

15‑20% local and national travel, could be as much as 25%.

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace.
We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, public health, organizational behavior, aviation, or a related field, from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that includes familiarity with aviation operations and/or pilot working environments.
• Three (3) or more years of experience providing program coordination and support in pilot assistance, peer‑support, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) functions, mental‑health, aeromedical, safety/wellness, crisis‑response, and/or aviation‑related volunteer programs.
• Working knowledge of the aviation industry; specifically, Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) related to pilot medical certification, fitness for duty, and safety/certification reporting; and familiarity with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) related to pilot medical standards and occupational health is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare guidance, training materials, policy summaries, and program documentation for pilot leadership use.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, support sensitive volunteer work, and navigate issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs, volunteer groups, schedules, and information flows across U.S. and Canadian operations.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and respond proactively to emerging needs or time‑sensitive program issues.
• Must possess strong time‑management skills; be able to work in a fast‑paced, multi‑tasking environment; and transition easily between projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel) and the ability to quickly learn new platforms or organizational systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including supporting volunteer coordination during incidents or time‑critical events when needed.