Forensic Psychiatrist

Job Summary

The Forensic Psychiatrist with the Philadelphia DOC is responsible for conducting independent psychiatric evaluations and providing expert psychiatric opinions in legal, correctional, civil, and administrative matters. This role applies specialized psychiatric knowledge to answer medical-legal questions regarding competency, criminal responsibility, risk assessment, civil capacities, fitness for duty, and other forensic issues. The Forensic Psychiatrist prepares objective reports, provides expert testimony when required, and collaborates with legal professionals, courts, correctional institutions, and other stakeholders while maintaining strict ethical and professional standards. Per Diem position

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive forensic psychiatric evaluations through clinical interviews, mental status examinations, and psychological assessment review.
• Assess competency to stand trial and an individual's ability to understand legal proceedings and assist counsel.
• Evaluate criminal responsibility, including assessments related to insanity defenses and mental state at the time of an alleged offense.
• Perform risk and dangerousness assessments to evaluate the likelihood of future violence, self-harm, or recidivism.
• Conduct civil competency evaluations related to medical decision-making, guardianship, contractual capacity, testamentary capacity, and other legal capacities.
• Assess psychiatric injuries and damages in personal injury, disability, and workers' compensation cases.
• Conduct fitness-for-duty evaluations to determine an individual's ability to safely and effectively perform occupational responsibilities.
• Participate in child custody and parental fitness evaluations when requested.
• Review and analyze collateral information, including medical records, psychiatric records, legal documents, police reports, witness statements, correctional records, and other relevant materials.
• Evaluate for malingering, symptom exaggeration, and feigned psychiatric illness utilizing appropriate clinical methods and assessment tools.
• Prepare thorough, objective, and defensible forensic reports that clearly communicate findings, opinions, and supporting rationale.
• Provide expert testimony in court proceedings, depositions, administrative hearings, and other legal settings.
• Collaborate with attorneys, judges, correctional staff, healthcare providers, and other professionals while maintaining professional neutrality.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
• Stay current with developments in forensic psychiatry, mental health law, and evidence-based assessment practices.
• Participate in peer review, quality assurance, and continuing medical education activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of an accredited Psychiatry Residency Program.
• Completion of an accredited Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program preferred.
• Board Certification in Psychiatry required.
• Board Certification or Board Eligibility in Forensic Psychiatry preferred.
• Current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the applicable state(s).
• DEA registration and controlled substance licensure, where applicable.
• Demonstrated experience conducting forensic psychiatric evaluations and preparing medico-legal reports.
• Knowledge of criminal, civil, correctional, and administrative legal processes.
• Strong analytical, assessment, and diagnostic skills.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to prepare comprehensive forensic reports.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to provide expert testimony and communicate complex psychiatric concepts to legal audiences.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and professional neutrality.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and standard computer applications.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases simultaneously.

Functional Demands

• Ability to pass all required health, credentialing, and security screening requirements.
• May be required to travel between facilities, courts, hospitals, and other evaluation sites.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• Ability to maintain all required licenses, certifications, and credentials.
• Must maintain security clearance for assigned facilities and legal settings.

Organizational Expectations

• Provides a positive and professional representation of CFG Health Systems, LLC.
• Maintains competency and knowledge of current standards, trends, and developments related to forensic psychiatry and mental health law.
• Participates in ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
• Adheres to company policies and procedures.
• Upholds confidentiality and privacy standards.
• Maintains compliance with HIPAA, PREA, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Punctual and dependable for assigned work schedules.
• Performs duties in a professional, ethical, and collaborative manner.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and objectivity in all forensic evaluations and legal proceedings.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• May regularly be required to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, and use office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal communication.
• Must be able to use a computer and standard office equipment for prolonged periods.
• May be required to travel to courts, correctional facilities, hospitals, and other evaluation locations.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer: The essential duties listed are representative of the major duties of this position. Specific responsibilities may vary based on departmental needs, facility assignment, and legal requirements. Additional duties may be assigned consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role.

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