Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator
Job Title: Psychologist III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: HSCS Forensic Coordination
Posting Number: 20620
Closing Date: 09/09/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $8,184.00- $11,864.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 20%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO
Job Location Address: 6711 S NEW BRAUNFELS
Other Locations: Austin
MOS Codes: 230X,42PX,71F,73B

Brief Job Description:

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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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. (70%)

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. (5%)

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. (5%)

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. (5%)

Assists with and participates in performance improvement efforts toward implementation of a recovery/trauma-informed care (TIC) treatment/recovery planning environment. (5%)

Provides consultation and guidance on the appropriate application of forensic-educational activities based on existing best practices and current peer-reviewed research. (5%)

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. (3%)

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. (2%)

Knowledge, Skills and 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 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

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; 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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.