DBHDD operates five hospitals, located in Augusta, Columbus, Decatur, Milledgeville, and Savannah. The hospitals are a vital part of DBHDD’s continuum of care, offering inpatient adult mental health and forensic services.

People in adult mental health services receive comprehensive psychiatric and psychosocial assessments from which an individual recovery plan is developed. Treatments include supportive psychotherapy, a comprehensive array of group therapies, and medication for the treatment of mental health conditions. When an individual is ready for discharge, hospital staff work with the individual’s support network and DBHDD’s network of community-based providers to facilitate continuity of care.

Individuals in forensic programs have been referred by the courts for inpatient psychiatric assessment and treatment because they have been found either incompetent to stand trial (IST) or not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) due to a mental illness. DBHDD’s role with individuals who have been found IST is to treat their mental illness and attempt to restore them to legal competence, so that they can continue with their legal proceedings. For those individuals who cannot be restored to competence or who have been adjudicated NGRI, the courts mandate them to the custody of DBHDD for long-term treatment. The courts decide if and when an individual in forensic services is eligible to be released from DBHDD’s care.

Central State Hospital (CSH) in Milledgeville, GA is the home of Georgia’s maximum secure forensic hospital, operated in the Payton B. Cook building. CSH serves individuals who are referred by the criminal justice system for pre-trial psychiatric evaluation and/or inpatient treatment; those who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of commission of a crime or mentally incompetent to stand trial; and those who are admitted on hold orders from jails for psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and stabilization.

We are seeking a Director of Psychology.  

Job Description:

·       Plans and assists to develop and implement related policies and procedures.

·       Assists to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the delivery of health services.

·       Monitors and evaluates healthcare programs.

·       Directs subordinate managers and staff. Assures that community health care services are adequate, appropriate, and accessible.

·       Develop long and short-term goals for the health agency and participates in the agency's strategic and operational planning.

·       Interviews, hires, directs, trains, evaluates the performance of, and when necessary, disciplines and discharges health care employees.

·       Maintains awareness of advances in medicine, computerized diagnostic and treatment equipment, data processing technology, government regulations, health insurance charges, and financing options.

·       Manages human resources and directs administrative activities for health care employees. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of services and programs.

·       Oversees the planning, development, scheduling, and implementation of health care programs and activities.

·       Participates in the development and administration of budgets.

·       Performs community assessments and develops policies and plans based on data collection, activity reports, planning documents, program plans and objectives.

·       Plans and organizes program structure and policies to meet organizational and programmatic objectives.

·       Plans, organizes, and directs the work of the unit(s) to provide continuous active treatment to the patients served.

·       Set priorities and implements goals and objectives to meet or resolve identified health problems.

* Preferred Qualifications *

Doctorate in an applied psychology degree and license to practice psychology in the State of Georgia.  Degree in Forensic Psychology or other training and experience in forensic psychology. 5 years of experience in the field of forensic psychology and 5 years of experience in management of psychological or forensic psychological services. 

Forensic experience required.

Benefits: 

Vacation: 15 days each year up to 5 years of service; 18 days each year from 5-10 years of service; 21 days each year for 10 + years of service

Sick Leave: accrual at a rate of 10 hours per month (15 days each year)

Holidays:  the state of Georgia recognizes 13 paid holidays

Retirement: 401(k) plan with a matching employer contribution and a Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Available Insurance: Health; Dental; Vision; Legal; Disability; Life & dependent life insurance

Tax Deferred Spending Accounts: Healthcare; Childcare

We are a Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.   

Any given position will close when we determine an adequate candidate pool has been received.

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

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