Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator

Career Opportunities: Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator (17402) Posting ID 17402 | Posted: Health & Human Services Comm | Residential Care Supervisor J | Healthcare Support | Vernon State Hospital | Not Eligible for Telework | Salary: $9,098.26 - $11,864.50 per month | Closing Date: 08/26/2026 Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and help make a positive impact on people’s lives through specialized forensic mental health care. Functional Title: Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator Job Title: Psychologist III Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Residential Care Supervisor J Posting Number: 17402 Occupational Category: Healthcare Support Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27 Shift: Day Travel: Up to 10% Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Vernon State Hospital Job Location City: VERNON Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR MOS Codes: 230X, 42PX, 71F, 73B Brief Job Description The Psychologist III (Forensic Evaluator) performs advanced and/or managerial psychological work under the direction of the State Hospital Medical Director. The role includes conducting competency evaluations (46B, Chapter 55), violence risk assessments (46C), and providing forensic psychological services to assess and manage mental health and behavioral concerns within a forensic setting. Responsibilities The Psychologist III (Forensic Evaluator) is responsible for developing, supporting, coordinating forensic psychological activities and programs, and conducting forensic psychological assessments and psycho‑legal evaluations of patients’ competency to stand trial. The position also oversees forensic programs in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, provides supervision and training to others, and maintains thorough documentation in compliance with regulatory standards. Additional duties include participating in disaster response or continuity of operations (COOP) activities, providing professional consultation and testimony in legal proceedings, and contributing to program development, training, and quality improvement initiatives. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Attends work regularly and may be required to work specific shift schedules, rotating or extended shifts, and overtime. Provides consultation, training, and guidance on the application of forensic evaluations for competency restoration and safe community discharge planning. Designs, conducts, and coordinates forensic activities, including evaluations on 46B/46C/Chapter 55 commitments. Coordinates with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plans. Oversees forensic programs and develops policies and procedures, evaluates the competency of forensic evaluators, and collaborates across disciplines to enhance forensic services. Provides specialized forensic psychological services, including suicide risk assessments, COPSD assessments, and psychotherapy in various formats. Supports recovery‑focused care, implements recovery/trauma‑informed care, and provides peer‑support facilitation. Consults with multidisciplinary teams, courts, and community stakeholders through continuing education, outreach, and collaborative efforts. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) 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 using psychological instruments (MMPI, HCR‑20, VRAG, TOMM, MFAST, SIRS) to evaluate personality, neurocognition, adaptive functioning, suicide risk, and malingering 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 Ability to operate a computer and applicable software Ability to train and supervise the work of others Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state. Initial Screening Criteria 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 (academic year of full‑time supervised internship in an approved clinical program) One year of experience conducting forensic evaluations and standard psychological assessments with forensic populations in an inpatient psychiatric setting One year of experience conducting individual and group psychotherapy with forensic populations in an inpatient psychiatric setting Additional Information Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, LEIE). Males 18‑25 must register with the Selective Service. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state‑operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age. Flexibility in work hours may be required. The position may require overtime and/or extended hours. Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state‑hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement HHSC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages application from a diverse workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring and selection process. #J-18808-Ljbffr