Sr Pilot Support Program Manager

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.

• 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
• Responsible for evaluating medical service providers for Southwest Airlines for domestic and international operations, establishing and meeting operational medical needs, and assisting in negotiating contracts with medical providers
• Coordinates and assists the Base Chief Pilot or NOC Chief Pilot with medically related issues
• Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions and time constraints
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and high emotional intelligence in various situations dealing with both customers and fellow employees
• Ability to work under pressure of tight deadlines with a sense of urgency
• Ability to stay organized and deliver high quality work, paying close attention to details
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to initiate tasks, perform duties, and respond to inquiries without direction or supervision
• Ability to meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary, and sensitive Company information
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments
• Ability to articulate information in a clear and concise manner to a variety of audiences
• Ability to exercise good judgement and ethical standards in a variety of situations
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

• Expert level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in:
  • case management in a substance abuse and/or social crisis program
  • working in regulatory compliance environment
  • DOT/FAA drug & alcohol related regulations

• n/a

• Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
• Ability to be on call to provide 24-hour service and assistance to internal Customers including some holidays and weekends, as needed

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $95,700.00 per year to $106,400.00 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the Company.

Benefits you'll love:

* Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)

* Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution of up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**

* Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan-when Southwest profits, you profit***

* Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents

* Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.

* Explore more benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount doesn't guarantee employment for any particular period.

**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.

*** Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.