DSHS BHHA Psychologist- Forensic Evaluator

State of Washington • Spokane, WA

47d

About The Position

Are you interested in the intersection of psychology and the law? Be part of our team that provides answers to psycho-legal questions from the courts in Washington state! Applicants must be willing to relocate commuting distance to the Spokane area of Washington. The Office of Forensic Mental Health Services (OFMHS) within the Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) oversee the state's adult forensic mental health system. This work supports the mission to transform forensic mental health throughout Washington state by partnering with community stakeholders to provide support to individuals struggling with mental illnesses and have become involved in the criminal justice system. In this role, you will work in a collegial environment that fosters a collaborative, supportive team that specializes in the application of psychological knowledge and expertise within the court system. You will become an integral member of a dedicated team committed to completing various forensic evaluations, including a focus on competency to stand trial evaluations and will receive tremendous support from the team. Your daily tasks involve completing evaluations for the court that range in degrees of complexity, providing court testimony, and collaborating with fellow staff members. Come join the team by becoming a behavioral health advocate and help shape the future of forensic mental health services. Why DSHS? As a Psychologist - Forensic Evaluator at OFMHS, you will receive ongoing supervision and training to ensure your professional development and success in this role. You will have potential opportunities to participate in and contribute to the practicum training program, APA-accredited internship and forensic fellowship program that provides hands-on experience and mentorship under the guidance of our seasoned team of experts. The agency, through the internship and fellowship structure, provides opportunities for continuing education for licensed psychologists with a wide variety of topics salient to our clinical and forensic practice. OFMHS is committed to fostering the growth of emerging professionals in the field of forensic psychology and allowing applicants at different career stages to contribute and advance their careers. Washington state is unparalleled in natural beauty, including ready access to the coastline, mountains, and lush forests. There are miles of hiking trails, large and small concert venues, and amazing food, and major metropolitan areas of Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane cities provide region-wide opportunities to engage in arts and culture. We offer outstanding compensation with a flexible work schedule, comprehensive medical, vision, & dental benefits package, paid holidays, vacation/sick time earned monthly, retirement and pension plans, amazing and challenging career opportunities, and exciting chances to learn, grow, and enjoy the work. Forensic evaluators may choose to earn additional compensation (extra duty pay) for completing additional evaluations outside of normal work hours.

Requirements

• A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)
• Licensed or able to obtain a license to practice psychology in Washington prior to start.
• Strong clinical skills in interviewing, diagnostic clarification, and report writing.
• Experience in conducting competency to stand trial evaluations.
• Knowledge and experience with psychometric testing, instruments used to assess feigning and response validity, competency, and risk assessment measures.
• Interest in writing evidence-based, concise evaluations and providing expert testimony.
• Ability to establish collegial relationships with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Complete forensic evaluations mostly focused on competency to stand trial but also evaluations related to mental state at the time of the offense.
• Work, consult, and collaborate with forensic evaluators across the state of Washington.
• Prepare for and provide expert witness testimony regarding the forensic evaluations as requested or subpoenaed by the courts.
• Submit forensic evaluation reports to the court, which include analysis of relevant data and facts, and formulation of psycholegal opinions regarding the questions posed in the court order.

Benefits

• flexible work schedule
• comprehensive medical, vision, & dental benefits package
• paid holidays
• vacation/sick time earned monthly
• retirement and pension plans
• amazing and challenging career opportunities
• exciting chances to learn, grow, and enjoy the work
• Forensic evaluators may choose to earn additional compensation (extra duty pay) for completing additional evaluations outside of normal work hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Economic Programs
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees