Pilot Assistance Specialist

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l.•Tysons, VA

About The Position

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Pilot Assistance Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Pilot Assistance Specialist is a key member of the Engineering & Air Safety (E&AS) Department, providing staff support, coordination, and subject-matter expertise 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. The Specialist 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 helps ensure that the Pilot Assistance group is in the best possible position to provide ALPA members with access to trusted resources during times of stress, crisis, conflict, or personal need, by maintaining a strong, coordinated support infrastructure across both U.S. and Canadian operations. The Specialist plays a key integration role engaging as necessary with the other three Air Safety Organization (ASO) ALPA pillars—Safety, Security, and Jumpseat—working with internal staff and ASO pilots and leadership whose contributions 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 and human-centered principles are reflected in safety programs, training environments, policy development, and broader ASO activities. This role continually looks for opportunities to strengthen ALPA Pilot Assistance programs and ensures that pilot well-being remains a foundational element of the Association’s overall approach to aviation safety. The Specialist also supports the implementation of Pilot Assistance initiatives and priorities established by pilot leadership and E&AS management.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Benefits

401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment. No employee contribution required! Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period
Generous health care benefits on day one – Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan
15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year
Generous sick and bereavement leave
Competitive parental leave
Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment
Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts
Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement
Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses
Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available)
Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service