Forensic Psychologist - Georgia

State of Georgia • Columbus, GA

309d

About The Position

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. We have nearly 5,000 employees whose work is structured in three divisions by disability area: Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases. DBHDD operates five regional state hospitals and provides and oversees community-based services across the state. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Forensic Psychologist - Community based and Inpatient for the following hospitals: Georgia Regional Hospital Atlanta, located in Decatur, GA; Georgia Regional Hospital Savannah, located in Savannah, GA; West Central Georgia Regional Hospital, located in Columbus, GA; Central State Hospital, located in Milledgeville, GA.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in clinical or counseling psychology from an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited college or university.
• Current Georgia license to practice psychology.
• One year of experience at the lower level Psychologist 1 (HCP140) or equivalent.
• Knowledge of abnormal psychology, pertinent statutes and case law related to the practice of forensic psychology, malingering assessment tools, intellectual testing, personality assessment, best practices in mental health treatment, and ethical/professional guidelines for the practice of forensic psychology.

Nice To Haves

• License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent.
• License eligible if able to obtain within a reasonable time (i.e. relocation from another state).

Responsibilities

• Conducts court-ordered pretrial forensic psychological evaluations to answer questions of competency to stand trial and/or criminal responsibility as a neutral friend of the court.
• Completes assessments on individuals admitted to a State Forensic Psychiatric Unit.
• Conducts forensic risk assessments and other psychological testing.
• Conducts groups and psycho-educational interventions.
• Participates on the recovery planning (treatment) team.
• Facilitates group treatment.
• Participates in the development of individualized recovery (treatment) plans.
• Documents treatment progress.
• Completes face-to-face forensic mental health evaluations to determine competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and violence risk.
• Prepares reports.
• Provides expert testimony.
• Engages in behavioral programming.
• Provides clinical supervision of mental health counselors.
• Completes the state's Competency to Stand Trial Certification process within one year of hire.

Benefits

• Exceptional vacation leave plan: 15 days each year for first 5 years of service, 18 days each year from 5-10 years of service, and 21 days each year for 10 + years of service.
• 13 paid state holidays, and 1 educational leave day.
• Sick leave accrual at a rate of 10 hours per month or 15 days each year.
• 3 weeks of paid paternity leave.
• Choice from healthcare plan options for you and your family, including support in the activation of a healthcare savings account.
• Dental, vision, life, dependent life, legal, and disability insurance program options.
• Healthcare and childcare spending accounts.
• Wellness incentive program.
• DBHDD is a Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
• Retirement Pension.
• 401(K) with company match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees