Office of Forensic Services

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Office of Forensic Services is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Adult Outpatient Forensic Psychologist. DBHDD Office of Forensic Services provides forensic evaluation and treatment for individuals who are under the jurisdiction of the Superior, State, and Juvenile courts of Georgia. Services include inpatient treatment for individuals adjudicated incompetent to stand trial (IST) or not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) who meet the criteria for inpatient treatment.

Adult Outpatient Forensic Psychologist for Community Forensic Services—North

Job Title: Forensic Psychologist - Adult Outpatient – North

Pay Grade: N

Description

This posting is for multiple field psychologist positions that can be located in the upper metro Atlanta and North Georgia geographic area.

In the community DBHDD provides outpatient competency restoration services and monitoring of individuals on conditional release (NGRI acquittees) and outpatient civil commitment (IST non-restorable). It is also in the community that the Adult Outpatient Forensic Psychologist under supervision of the Community Forensic Director, completes court-ordered forensic psychological evaluations to answer questions of competency to proceed, criminal responsibility, and need for involuntary commitment as a neutral friend of the Court. Evaluators are expected to provide timely reports of their findings and provide expert testimony, as commanded.

This Adult Outpatient Forensic Psychologist position is for the Community Forensic Services – North team. The area covered by this team is north Georgia, including from metro Atlanta to the Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina state lines. It is 29 counties and includes Cobb, Douglas, Gwinnett, Hall, Whitfield, and Rabun County, to name a few.

The successful candidate will travel to points in this area as needed to conduct primarily face-to-face interviews of defendants but can work from home to complete the written reports.

Knowledge of abnormal psychology, pertinent statutes and case law related to the practice of forensic psychology, malingering assessment tools, intellectual testing, personality assessment, best practices in mental health treatment, and ethical/professional guidelines for the practice of forensic psychology is required.

Completion of the state’s Competency to Stand Trial Certification process within one year of hire is required for continued employment.

Qualifications

Doctorate degree in clinical or counseling psychology from an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited college or university AND current Georgia license to practice psychology AND Two years of experience at the lower-level Psychologist 2 (HCP141) or equivalent. Note: License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent.

• Doctorate in psychology (Required)
• Licensed Psychologist in the State of Georgia (required)

Preferred Qualifications

Licensed psychologist with a moderate level of experience with conducting criminal responsibility and competency to stand trial evaluations. Knowledgeable about the criminal justice system, court proceedings, and forensic statutes.

• Strong writing skills
• Knowledge of conducting competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility evaluation.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently

Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

• Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

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