Psychologist III - Forensic Evaluator

Psychologist III - Forensic Evaluator Posting ID: 17370 Agency: Health & Human Services Commission Department: Administration, Acute Care, Psychology Direct Care Location: San Antonio State Hospital, San Antonio, TX 78225 Benefits 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. Responsibilities The Psychologist III (Forensic Evaluator) performs advanced and/or managerial (senior‑level) psychological work under the direction of the State Hospital Medical Director. The Forensic Evaluator is responsible for conducting the 46B and Chapter 55 competency evaluations, as well as violence risk assessments under 46C. Responsibilities include developing, supporting, coordinating forensic psychological activities and programs, and conducting forensic psychological assessments and psycho‑legal evaluations of patients’ competency to stand trial. Oversight of forensic programs is performed in collaboration with other relevant disciplines, including competency restoration, trial competency evaluation, and evaluation and treatment of individuals acquitted as not guilty by reason of insanity. The role supervises the work of others and graduate psychology trainees as requested and works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Other duties may include participation in disaster response or continuity of operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern and/or location. Essential Job Functions Provide hospital administration and recovery teams with consultation, training, and guidance on the appropriate application of forensic evaluations related to competency restoration commitments and safe community discharge planning. Deliver training on court communication to facilitate discharge to the community. Design, conduct, and coordinate forensic activities and programs. Conduct evaluations of psychological patients on 46B/46C/Chapter 55 commitments, utilizing evidence‑based standardized instruments. Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plans, provide expert consultation and testimony in legal proceedings, maintain thorough documentation, and contribute to ongoing program development, training, and quality improvement initiatives. Oversee forensic programs in collaboration with other disciplines, develop and implement procedures for completion, documentation, and communication of evaluations, and ensure professional competency of forensic evaluators through coaching and training. Provide specialized forensic psychological services: conduct mental disorder assessments, suicide risk assessments, and COPSD assessments; perform forensic trial competency evaluations, violence risk assessments, and psychotherapy in individual, group, or family formats. Offer debriefing services following incidents involving restraint or seclusion. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of forensic psychological assessment and treatment of 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 (e.g., MMPI, HCR‑20, VRAG, TOMM, MFAST, 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. 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 including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18‑25 must be registered 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, and the position may require overtime and/or extended hours. Compliance with HHS immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. Vaccination against hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and influenza is mandatory; non‑vaccinated employees must wear a mask and use other protective measures when necessary. Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans Military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but are not limited to those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. 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. Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify. Applicants must bring I‑9 documentation on their first day of work. Telework Disclaimer This position is not eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY