Program Implementation Expert - Forensic Psychology Specialist

Salary Range: $75-$192.50 per hour

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, serves as a Program Implementation Expert (PIE) - Forensic Psychology Specialist providing clinical training and guidance in forensic grave disability assessments, determinations related to present dangerousness and clinical court testimony. 

Positions allocable to this class typically report to program management and independently provide the full range of professional psychological consulting services relating to clinical determinations and recommendations around grave disability, current dangerousness, and providing clinical evidence as to the suitability for LPS Conservatorship.  Incumbents are responsible for assisting in the development and plan for implementation of the clinical operation within the Public Guardian’s Office.  They will collaboratively assist in the training of newly onboarded clinical psychologist responsible for completing assessments for justice involved clients who were found to be incompetent to stand trial and were ordered by the competency and criminal courts to be investigated for suitability of LPS and Murphy Conservatorship. They will provide training as to the review of available medical records as provided by the court, Department of State Hospitals and Correctional Health Services. They will also train program clinicians in clinical documentation and completion of the required legal declarations of grave disability for court filings. The PIE – Forensic Psychology Specialist will in addition, provide ongoing consultation and training around clinical legal testimony and how to prepare as the expert witness in both bench trials and jury trails.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides training and consultation in the area of forensic grave disability assessments and in the completion of application and petitions (grave disability/LPS and/or Murphy) primarily for clients return to the jail from the state hospital, and who have been referred for investigations by the Mental Health Court, criminal courts, or Diversion Courts
• Provides training and consultation to newly hired clinical staff in providing expert witness testimony in court regarding LPS and Murphy conservatorship criteria.
• Provides training and consultation in conducting thorough history review based upon clients’ clinical documentation, electronic medical records, state hospital records, and court/legal records.
• Provides training in navigating the various correctional facilities where face to face assessments are conducted
• Provides training in managing and updating ongoing list of pending referrals and tracking critical court dates and report deadlines.
• Participates in a consultant role with a multidisciplinary team (administrative staff, management, psychiatry/clinical staff, legal staff, and custody/sheriff staff) to gather data and make referrals regarding appropriate client discharge plans in the event client does not meet conservatorship criteria.
• Conducts clinical assessments and provides clinical testimony for overflow cases.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participation in County, DMH Management, staff meetings and additional meetings as assigned.
• Maneuvers light physical effort required for the job-related functions that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit, as well as bending, stooping, squatting, and/or considerable walking, particularly in carceral environments.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• A Doctorate from an accredited college or university in psychology, educational psychology, education with the field of specialization in counseling psychology, or in a discipline deemed equivalent by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychology.
• Working knowledge of forensic services, settings, court reports and testimony, DMH and contracted community-based treatment programs, and court processes which intersect with mental health topics and laws.
• Experience working with persons experiencing severe and persistent mental illness.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• A license to practice as a psychologist issued by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychology.  
• A valid California Class C Driver License. – must be willing to drive own vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided) or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Successful clearance through Los Angeles County’s Live Scan process.
• Be at least 2-5 years post-graduation for purposes of court testimony as an expert witness 

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Experience working effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to be flexible with program changes and work duties.
• Strong interpersonal skills with effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to independently problem solve.
• Has previous practical work experience in the area of conducting grave disability assessments within the various county correctional settings.
• Is knowledgeable in using Power/Orchid Medical Charts
• Strong organizational skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand: Frequently

Walk: Frequently

Sit: Frequently

Handling: Occasionally

Reach Outward: Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally

Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 10 lbs

Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 15 lbs

See: Constantly

Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions

Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly = (5 hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General Office Setting, Correctional Housing Units, Court Settings.

EEOC STATEMENT
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Salary : $75 - $193