Licensed Psychologist

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital•Bakersfield, CA

About The Position

The Director of the Competency Restoration Program is a licensed doctoral-level psychologist responsible for the clinical leadership, program oversight, and regulatory compliance of the hospital’s court-ordered competency restoration services. This role ensures the delivery of evidence-based, trauma-informed, legally defensible treatment for individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial under California Penal Code §1370 and related statutes. The Director provides clinical supervision, program development, quality oversight, and interdisciplinary leadership, while serving as a subject matter expert in forensic psychology, competency restoration, and court interface. This position balances direct clinical authority with administrative, operational, and strategic leadership.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Psychology from an APA-accredited program
Active, unrestricted Psychologist license in the State of California
CPR and Handle-With-Care Certification prior to completion of orientation.
Minimum 2 years of post-licensure clinical experience as a psychologist
Expert knowledge of competency to stand trial, forensic psychology, and California legal standards
Strong understanding of severe mental illness, restoration methodologies, and structured psychoeducational models
Ability to lead within high-acuity, high-risk forensic environments
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including court-related documentation
Demonstrated ability to balance clinical integrity with operational realities
Strong leadership presence, judgment, and ethical decision-making
Ability to work in a secure inpatient psychiatric setting
May require participation in court hearings (in person or remote)
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and engage in clinical and administrative activities throughout the day

Nice To Haves

Formal training or specialization in Forensic Psychology
Experience serving as an expert witness or providing court testimony
Prior leadership or program management experience in a competency restoration or forensic setting
Experience in inpatient psychiatric or state hospital environments

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee all clinical, operational, and administrative aspects of the Competency Restoration Program
Ensure the program meets all California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) standards, Title 22, CMS, and Joint Commission requirements
Lead program planning, census management, and capacity optimization in collaboration with hospital leadership
Develop and maintain program policies, procedures, curricula, and treatment protocols
Provide clinical oversight of competency restoration treatment plans, psychoeducation, and therapeutic interventions
Ensure competency restoration services are evidence-based, legally appropriate, and individualized
Review and approve forensic reports, treatment summaries, and restoration determinations
Serve as a clinical resource for complex cases involving malingering, severe mental illness, or legal complications
Interface with courts, public defenders, district attorneys, probation, and state agencies as required
Provide clinical supervision to psychologists, psychology interns, LCSWs, LMFTs, and other staff as applicable
Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management of team members
Foster a culture of ethical practice, accountability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and staff wellness
Ensure compliance with ethical standards, patient rights, confidentiality, and forensic documentation requirements
Lead quality improvement initiatives, audits, and outcome tracking related to restoration timelines and success rates
Participate in surveys, audits, and corrective action plans related to competency services
Identify and mitigate clinical and legal risk associated with forensic populations
Collaborate with executive leadership on program expansion, funding, staffing models, and sustainability
Participate in hospital committees, leadership meetings, and strategic planning efforts
Support data reporting, grant participation (if applicable), and state reporting requirements
Serve as the hospital’s clinical authority and spokesperson for competency restoration services