Sr Pilot Support Program Manager

Department:

Flight Operations

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description:

The focus of The Sr Pilot Support Program Manager role is the joint oversight and guidance of Flight Operations FAA Medical HIMS Program and the Flight Operations Pilot Specific Benefit Programs. This position will be called upon for interdepartmental liaison between Flight Operations, Inflight, Technical Operations, People, Supply Chain, and the SWA Executive Office. This position will be the Company representative to the FAA and industry for medical issues and programs, along with industry related activities.

Additional details

• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.   

• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. 

Responsibilities

• FAA Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) and Pilot Medical Licensing Programs
• Functions as the Company representative and intermediary to the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine for Pilot Medical licensing and the HIMS Program managed by the Medical Specialties Division, in both Washington, D.C. and Oklahoma City, OK. Additionally works with FAA Aviation Regional and Local Medical Examiners (AME's) on the HIMS Program and licensing issues
• Along with Leadership, provides guidance to the Vice President Flight Operations, System Chief Pilot and Contract Administration Team on proper medical disqualification criteria, impact and personnel management for Pilots involved in any fitness for certification and potential causes for flight disqualification
• Directly works with physicians on program management, support, and treatment options
• Provides guidance, coordination and counsel to Base Chief Pilots, SWAPA counter-parts, the Company Drug & Alcohol Team and Pilots participating in the HIMS Program and all licensing issues during HIMS Program enrollment and any eventual licensing recertification to return to work
• Provides assistance to Base Chief Pilots and Pilots for all medical, DUI, and arrest issues that can affect a Pilot's FAA Medical License
• Directly works with Pilots to navigate the assessment and treatment process and return-to-work protocols
• Evaluates, with the Pilot's Association, all HIMS treatment facilities nationwide to ensure program standards are met
• Directly negotiates and administers contracts for program participation with treatment centers
• On occasion will be called upon to assist in direct program Pilot interventions and family assistance for care and rehabilitation on Pilot medical issues
• Serves as the Subject Matter Expert to other Southwest Departments and labor unions for individual Employee Drug and Alcohol Treatment Plans and matters for Pilots
• Provides inter-carrier support and networking for Drug and Alcohol, and HIMS related issues
• Serves as the Flight Operations Representative in the SWA Drug and Alcohol Program; this includes education, impact analysis on program modifications from the FAA, labor union work and contract issues that arise from this program
• Flight Ops Liaison to SWA Drug and Alcohol Team for all events involving a Flight Operations Employees- Pilots, Simulator Instructors, Simulator Technicians, and non-contract staff
• Serves as the Flight Operations representative to the Company for all Pilot medical, fitness for duty, medical license, and recertification issues
• Responsible for the medical oversight of Pilots who are on Inactive Status through Extended Sick Leave or on Long-term Medical Leaves of Absence to the Base Chief Pilots
• Assists as required by the Contract Administration Team or Contract Negotiation Teams in establishing and evaluating benefits for the LOL and LTD Programs