Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•San Antonio, TX

13d•$8,184 - $11,864•Hybrid

About The Position

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below. The Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator performs advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) psychological work under the Director of Forensic Evaluation Services in the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination. The Forensic Evaluator is responsible for conducting trial competency evaluations under CCP 46B, fitness to proceed evaluations under Texas Family Code Chapter 55, and violence risk assessments under CCP 46C across the Health and Specialty Care System. Responsibilities include developing, supporting, coordinating forensic psychological activities and programs, and conducting virtual and in-person forensic psychological assessments with individuals in state hospitals, state supported living centers, and/or county jails. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Requirements

Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in psychology
One year of supervised experience by a licensed psychologist in the field of psychological services; the year of supervised experience may be interpreted as an academic year of full-time supervised internship in an approved clinical program.
One year of experience conducting both forensic evaluations and standard psychological assessments and writing reports with forensic populations in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
Knowledge of forensic psychological assessment and treatment of the seriously mentally ill forensic populations
Knowledge of psychotherapy and CBT, DBT, behavior therapy, and other empirically-supported psychotherapeutic modalities
Skills in the use of psychological instruments to evaluate personality, neurocognition, adaptive functioning, suicide risk, and malingering (i.e. MMPI, HCR-20, VRAG, TOMM, MFAST, and SIRS)
Ability to conduct forensic and psychological assessments and write clear, concise reports
Ability to provide expert testimony to courts regarding forensic and psychological assessments
Ability to provide direct services in accordance with accepted professional standards
Ability to function as a member of the psychology management team
Ability to provide individual and family education regarding serious mental illness
Ability to complete treatment documentation in electronic medical record using computer
Ability to communicate assessment data and treatment/discharge implications to team members, courts, and patients where appropriate
Ability to educate staff in correct implementation of individual and group therapy programs as well as Individualized Intervention programs as needed
Ability to operate a computer and applicable software
Ability to train and supervise the work of others

Responsibilities

Designs, conducts, and coordinates forensic activities and programs.
Conducts evaluations of individuals on 46B/46C/Chapter 55 commitments in accordance with the HHSC State Hospital Forensic Operatic Procedure and utilizes evidence-based and standardized instruments to ensure accurate assessments.
Provides expert consultation and testimony as needed in legal proceedings.
Maintains thorough documentation and compliance with regulatory standards while contributing to ongoing program development, training, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance forensic services.
Provides consultation, training, and guidance to state hospital and state supported living center staff on the appropriate use of forensic evaluations and provides technical assistance in communicating with the courts to facilitate safe discharges.
Oversees forensic programs in collaboration with other relevant disciplines competency restoration, trial competency evaluation, and evaluation and treatment of individuals acquitted as not guilty by reason of insanity.
Develops and implements procedures to ensure that forensic evaluations are completed, documented, and communicated to the relevant courts or other entities in accordance with applicable statutes, standards, and policies.
Evaluates and ensures the professional competency of forensic evaluators through coaching and training as needed.
Collaborates with other disciplines to develop forensic policies and procedures.
Provides specialized forensic psychological services tailored to legal and clinical settings, which encompass a range of assessments and interventions designed to assess and manage mental health and behavioral concerns.
Assists with and participates in performance improvement efforts toward implementation of a recovery/trauma-informed care (TIC) treatment/recovery planning environment.
Provides consultation and guidance on the appropriate application of forensic-educational activities based on existing best practices and current peer-reviewed research.
Provides case outreach, training, education, and expert consultation to multidisciplinary teams, relevant courts, and community stakeholders on forensic services. This is achieved through comprehensive continuing education programs, tailored outreach initiatives, and collaborative efforts designed to enhance awareness, improve inter-agency coordination, and promote best practices in forensic care and intervention.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned including actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern, assignment, and/or location.