The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.  

This position is located at:  Thomasville, GA

(NOTE:  This is a telework position but the base address for all correspondence is SW Campus in Thomasville, GA)

Job Description

Job Title:  Forensic Psychologist – Community Forensic Services (Outpatient) - South Georgia (Savannah, GA Region)

Pay Grade:  N

Job Summary:

This posting is for a field psychologist position tele-working in South Georgia primarily in - Savannah/Chatham Co and surrounding counties:  Ogeechee, Eastern, Atlantic, Brunswick, Waycross and surrounding geographic area. Office of Forensic Services Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Outpatient Forensic Psychologist.  Under supervision of the Community Forensic Director, the successful candidates float within assigned sections of the state and will be responsible for assisting outpatient evaluation teams and inpatient forensic hospitals in the completion of forensic evaluations.

Knowledge of abnormal psychology, developmental 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.

Job duties include the completion of face-to-face forensic mental health evaluations to determine competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and violence risk; report preparation; expert testimony; data collection and analysis; supervision; and related work as assigned.  Juvenile forensic (competency, waiver, etc.) evaluations may also be assigned.  The work requires travel to various areas of the state.  Completion of the state’s Competency to Stand Trial Certification process within one year of hire is required for continued employment.  Other duties as assigned.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF 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 One year of experience at the lower-level Psychologist 1 (HCP140) or equivalent. Note: License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience working as an inpatient psychologist.
• Completion of a predoctoral internship or postdoctoral fellowship, or both with a focus on the practice of criminal forensic psychology.
• Five years of post-licensure experience conducting competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility evaluations.
• Experience testifying in criminal forensic mental health matters on at least 10 occasions.
• Experience completing at least five violence risk assessments using the HCR-20 and PCL-R.
• Experience supervising psychology graduate students, predoctoral interns, postdoctoral fellows, or licensed psychologists.

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.

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

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.

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