Psychologist III - Forensic Psychologist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Danville, VA

3d•$126,321 - $166,723•Onsite

About The Position

Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute (SVMHI), a 72-bed state psychiatric hospital in Danville, Virginia, is seeking a forensic psychologist to support patient recovery and respond to mental health questions from courts and jails. Most of the patient population is forensic. The psychologist works with individuals acquitted not guilty by reason of insanity, defendants ordered to competency restoration, and inmates ordered for pre- and post-trial treatment. The role also answers referral questions and provides treatment update reports to jails, attorneys, and courts. The position offers exposure to forensic assessments across a wide range of legal codes, diagnoses, and patient presentations, along with access to didactic training, webinars, and expert consultation. The psychologist works as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team and applies clinical and forensic skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and legal settings.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in psychology (e.g., Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from an American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited program or an equivalent accrediting body recognized by the Virginia licensing board, as required for licensure eligibility.
Completion of a predoctoral internship accredited by the APA or an equivalent accrediting body, as required for licensure eligibility under Code of Virginia Regulation 18VAC125-20-54E.
Experience as a doctoral-level psychologist working with forensically involved individuals with mental illness.
Must currently hold or be able to obtain a Virginia Department of Health Professions Licensed Clinical Psychologist license within 12 months of hire and maintain the license throughout employment.
Must currently hold or be able to complete DBHDS forensic certification through the Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy (ILPPP) within 12 months of hire.
Comprehensive knowledge of psychological principles, practices, and ethical standards, evidenced by rigorous, accredited training.
Strong skills in diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and psychotherapy.
Proficiency in administering and scoring basic psychological testing instruments.
Proficiency in assessing and treating individuals with a variety of clinical presentations.
Familiarity with psychosocial rehabilitation and the recovery model.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to analyze behavior patterns and develop behavioral assistance plans.
Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Strong crisis management skills.
Ability to present and testify well in court.
Basic computer skills, including word processing and computerized test scoring.
Adherence to high standards of professional practice, supported by training in programs meeting national psychology accreditation standards.

Nice To Haves

Forensic certification by Virginia’s Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy.
Board certification in forensic psychology.
Veteran status or National Service experience.

Responsibilities

Support the recovery of patients with forensic involvement and mental illness.
Conduct forensic psychological assessments and respond to referral questions from courts and jails.
Work with individuals acquitted not guilty by reason of insanity, defendants ordered to competency restoration, and inmates ordered for pre- and post-trial treatment.
Provide treatment update reports to jails, attorneys, and courts.
Assess and diagnose patients, develop treatment plans, and provide psychotherapy.
Administer and score basic psychological testing instruments.
Assess and treat individuals with a variety of clinical presentations.
Analyze behavior patterns and develop behavioral assistance plans.
Work effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Present and testify in court when required.

Benefits

$8,000 sign-on bonus for candidates new to state service who remain employed at the facility for one year.
13 paid holidays per year.
12 or more paid vacation days per year.
8 paid sick days per year.
4 or more paid family personal days per year.
Family Medical Leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Low-cost, comprehensive Anthem or AETNA health insurance.
Group life and optional life insurance.
Flexible reimbursement accounts.
Referral bonuses.
Virginia 529 College Savings Plan may be available for this role.
State employee discounts.