Forensic Evaluator- Utah State Hospital

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Provo, UT

2d•$40 - $68•Hybrid

About The Position

The Psychologist - Forensic Evaluator at the Utah State Hospital primarily conducts forensic evaluations throughout Utah in coordination with the Utah State Hospital, the Division of Services for People With Disabilities, the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services Competency Program, and District and Juvenile Courts requesting evaluations. The work may also include contributions to training, inter-agency communication, service coordination, research, and outcome evaluation. The role involves evaluating issues such as competence to proceed, guilty with a mental condition, diminished capacity, malingering, and juvenile competency to proceed. Evaluators select, administer, and interpret psychological assessments; prepare formal reports; provide expert testimony and recommendations; and consult with cross-disciplinary teams. The position includes travel to correctional facilities around the state. The schedule can be very flexible, and state vehicles are available; approved mileage is reimbursable when a personal vehicle is used. Professional growth opportunities include specialized didactic sessions led by licensed forensic psychologists, an annual forensic evaluator training conference, a weekly case law journal club, and an annual mock trial experience. The team can support research on forensic evaluation and treatment topics. The role may also provide clinical supervision and instruction in predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship programs. The position is full-time and hybrid, based at the Utah State Hospital in Provo, Utah. It is eligible for a full benefits package. Applicants must pass criminal history and routine background checks. The hospital is a smoke-free environment, and tobacco and e-cigarette use are not allowed on campus.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and graduation from an APA-accredited clinical psychology program.
Licensed as a psychologist in Utah or eligible to practice in Utah.
At least one year of experience conducting forensic evaluations, gained in graduate school, a predoctoral internship, or postdoctoral fellowship or training.
Training in adolescent brain development, intellectual disability, and related conditions such as autism and traumatic brain injury.
Training or experience communicating orally and in writing with legal personnel, such as attorneys and judges.
Training or experience providing courtroom testimony.
Knowledge of human behavior and performance, mental processes, psychological research or assessment methods, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Must successfully pass a criminal history check and routine background checks.

Nice To Haves

Licensed for two years or more.
Board certified, board eligible, or have a clear path toward board certification in Forensic Psychology.

Responsibilities

Assess and provide opinions and reports on competence to proceed, guilty with a mental condition, diminished capacity, malingering, and juvenile competency to proceed.
Select, administer, and interpret psychological tests and assessments.
Prepare formal written reports of results, findings, and recommendations.
Serve as an expert witness and provide testimony or recommendations in court cases and hearings.
Consult with cross-disciplinary team members about client or patient cases, including new or unusual situations, findings, options, and recommendations.
Travel to correctional facilities throughout Utah to conduct evaluations.
Contribute as appropriate to training, inter-agency communication, service coordination, research, and outcome evaluation.

Benefits

Full benefits package.
Multiple medical plan options, including a High-Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account; an opt-out cash benefit is available.
Multiple dental and vision plan options.
Accrual of 4 hours of annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave per pay period, with accrual rates increasing with state longevity.
12 paid holidays per year.
10% employer contribution to a Utah Retirement Systems Tier II account, with a Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or Defined Contribution Plan option.
Access to a UTA Bus Pass.
On-site cafeteria with meals, snacks, and drinks available for purchase.
Access to the Utah State Hospital Disc Golf Course.
Access to comfort rooms on campus and other mental wellness benefits.
Professional growth opportunities, including specialized didactic sessions, an annual forensic evaluator training conference, a weekly case law journal club, and an annual mock trial experience.