What are the responsibilities and job description for the Psychologist II - Forensic Evaluator (Part Time) @ North Texas State Hospital - Vernon Campus position at Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)?
The Psychologist II (Forensic Evaluator) performs advanced and / or managerial (senior-level) psychological work. 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. The Forensic Evaluator provides consultation and training for staff providing forensic education services on competency restoration commitments. Supervises the work of others and graduate psychology trainees as requested. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.
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Essential Job Functions (EJFs) :
- Develops, supports, and coordinates forensic psychological activities and programs.
- Conducts evaluations of forensic patients on 46B / 46C / Chapter 55 commitments in accordance with the HHSC State Hospital Forensic Operating Procedure and uses standardized psychological instruments to complete formal psychological testing when indicated.
- In collaboration with the psychology director and superintendent consults, evaluates, and guides the forensic treatment process for the inpatient psychiatric population.
- Provides hospital administration and recovery teams with consultation, training, and guidance on the appropriate application of forensic evaluations on competency restoration commitments and safe community discharge planning. Provides additional training on communicating with courts in a manner that facilitates discharge to the community.
- Provides consultation and guidance on the appropriate application of forensic-educational activities based on existing best practices and current peer-reviewed research.
- Provides effective expert testimony to courts regarding forensic psychological evaluations.
- Effectively works within defined role to reduce the use of restraint and seclusion through the implementation of strategies put forth through mission, vision, values, and training. Models interactions that reflect trauma-informed care and empower individuals to actively participate in their treatment.
- Works effectively as a member of the psychology management team, in consultation with the psychology director and superintendent. Provides consultation to teams around criteria for competency in 46B and discharge in 46C populations.
- Provides case outreach, training, education, and consultation to other disciplines, relevant courts, and other community stakeholders on forensic services through continuing education programs and other outreach efforts.
- Provides clinical and / or administrative supervision of others as assigned.
- Actively supports hospital and agency safety (including patient safety) risk management, and infection control programs.
- Serves on various hospital committees and workgroups as assigned.
- Participates in the hospital quality assessment performance improvement activities, auditing records, evaluating performance indicators, and developing plans of correction.
- Effectively works within defined role to provide patients with recovery-focused care, including an emphasis on reducing use of restraints when possible. Demonstrates support for and participation in performance improvement efforts toward implementation of a recovery / trauma-informed care (TIC) treatment / recovery planning environment. Applies recovery / TIC principles to all interactions with other staff and treatment team members and supports the team in the ongoing implementation of best practices related to recovery. Specifically supports peer support team and peer support concepts.
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