Forensic Psychologist

Overview The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an experienced Forensic Psychologist who will provide forensic services and evaluation to individuals with mental illness and substance abuse who become involved with the courts and the criminal justice system; or who present with need for a risk assessment. The incumbent will conduct court‑ordered evaluations and risk assessments for individuals at court or in community settings, including pre‑trial and post‑adjudication defendants such as competence to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and aid in sentencing. The incumbent will also conduct statutory evaluations pertaining to involuntary commitment to psychiatric or substance use disorder inpatient systems, assess mental status, answer dispositional questions, and provide the court with other non‑statutory evaluations and clinical consultation. The Psychologist also provides consultation to inpatient and community‑based staff on forensic issues, participates in forensic education and training activities, and performs related work as required. This position is assigned through Central Office and primarily works at Brockton District and Superior Court and Stoughton District Court in the Southeast Area. The Forensic Psychologist may cover cases in other courts within the Southeast Area or outside of the Area as assigned and may also participate in statewide remote services. Responsibilities Provides timely court, community and hospital‑based evaluations for competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility, pursuant to MGL c.123, Sec. 15(a), (b) and Sec. 15(f); aid in sentencing under Sec. 15(e); persons detained on Warrants of Apprehension for commitment of a mentally ill person under Sec. 12(e); commitment for observation and evaluation under Sec. 16(a); Commitment under 16(b/c); hospitalizations of mentally ill prisoners under Sec. 18; determination of mental condition of parties or witnesses under Sec. 19; and evaluations of the commitment of an alcoholic under Sec. 35. Conducts forensic risk assessments as requested by the DMH Forensic Mental Health Services at DMH inpatient facilities or in community settings. This may involve meeting with patients and their treatment teams, reviewing patient records and making recommendations concerning inpatient privileges and/or community or inpatient treatment planning to the treatment providers. Provides testimony as requested by the court, in the role of expert witness and in conjunction with evaluations conducted as mentioned in #2, for the purpose of providing assessment and evaluation concerning a client facing judicial proceedings. Provides consultation to the court and probation staff as well as to community providers who are involved with forensic clients (mental health agencies, DCF, DYS, DDS, schools, residential programs, etc.) through either referral from the court or probation staff or as a result of a request from a community provider or resulting from an evaluation on a client now being serviced by the community provider with the purpose of providing assessment and evaluation regarding mental status and/or dispositional questions. Establishes and maintains good working relationships with these sources and must be very knowledgeable about DMH priority populations and available services by maintaining regular contact with these agencies through regular meetings and training for the purpose of maintaining an effective job performance. Conducts psychological evaluations and psychological testing of individuals when clinically indicated, using assessment instruments that are generally accepted as reliable and valid in the field of psychology. Completes data collection forms as required by the Department of Mental Health. Maintains a current working knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in the general mental health treatment system and in the provision of substance abuse services to persons involved in the civil and criminal justice system through training offered by Forensic Services and through regular and required continuing education as necessary to maintain a current license. Responsible for maintaining current level of expertise through obtaining CEUs and other training. Provides clinical consultation on problematic cases being followed by other team staff, when requested, as an expectation of a collegial team relationship. Provides review and feedback on other team members’ evaluations, when requested, as an expectation of a collegial team relationship. Participates on committees, training and supervision as requested. Required Qualifications Considerable knowledge of types and symptoms of mental, emotional and substance abuse disorders. Ability to (a) recognize symptoms of mental, emotional and substance abuse disorders; (b) interact with people who are experiencing varying levels of distress and dysfunction; and (c) analyze psychological data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations. Knowledge of behavioral techniques; familiarity with theories of psychotherapy and counseling, and an understanding of current treatment approaches available for individuals with serious mental illnesses, including severe personality disorders. Ability to complete high quality written forensic reports and evaluations. Preferred Qualifications Ability to work under considerable time pressure, to work on multiple tasks at one time, and to produce high quality reports according to applicable standards and guidelines. Appointment as a designated forensic psychologist or eligibility to become a designated forensic psychologist within one year of date of hire. Knowledge of human services and criminal justice systems. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of constituents. Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel and Outlook. Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency. Minimum Entrance Requirements Applicants must have a Doctorate in Psychology from a school accredited by the American Psychological Association. Applicants must also have at least three years of full‑time, or equivalent part‑time, professional experience as a Licensed Psychologist in the application of psychological principles and techniques in a recognized agency providing psychological services or treatment, of which at least one year must have included supervision over Post‑doctoral Psychologists‑in‑training and/or Psychological Assistants. Special Requirements Current and valid registration as a Psychologist by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Psychology. Based on assignment, must meet the eligibility requirements for Designated Forensic Psychologist in 104 CMR 33.04(3)(b). Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state. Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. Equal Opportunity An Equal Opportunity / Aff… employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. #J-18808-Ljbffr