Forensic Psychologist

Optima Forensic Psychological Services is a private forensic psychology practice located in The Woodlands, Texas, which works closely with the legal system to provide court ordered and recommended evaluations and treatment for individuals involved in family, civil and criminal legal proceedings. 

Forensic Psychologist duties

·       Conduct the following forensic evaluations:

-In-depth psychological evaluations of individuals for legal proceedings

-Custody evaluations in child custody disputes

-Competency Evaluations

-Insanity Defense Evaluations

-Evaluations for Personal Injury cases

       Psychologists without training in any of the above evaluations can receive training and supervision from our on staff Forensic Psychologist.

·       Produce comprehensive and meticulously crafted reports within a specified time frame, documenting observations, and evaluation findings, providing recommendations with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and professionalism. 

·       Provide expert and fact testimony in court proceedings to report evaluation findings and make recommendations and offer expertise opinions based on psychological principles and best practices.

·       Provide court mandated therapy and treatment progress reports. 

·       Adhere to ethical guidelines and standards of practice established by professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and follow the standards of the Texas Family Code. 

·       Provide back-up assessment and treatment services to our mental health outpatient assessment and treatment programs at the same location.   

Qualifications 

·       Successful completion of a Ph.D. or Psy. D. from an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited program and an APA approved clinical psychology internship. 

·       Successful completion of a Forensic Psychologist Training APA accredited program or experience in conducting forensic evaluations with individuals involved in family law, personal injury or criminal courts.

·       Psychologists interested in working in Forensic Psychology or completing the required training to independently provide custody and other forensic evaluations can work under the supervision of our Forensic Psychologist.

·       Licensed to practice Psychology in Texas by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.  

·       Qualifications as an expert as indicated by Article 46B of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.  

Skills required

·       Competence in administration, scoring, and interpretation of a broad range of psychological tests (especially those intended for forensic use). 

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills appropriate for the completion of court ordered forensic evaluation reports and expert testimony in civil and criminal legal proceedings. 

·       Have the ability to collaborate with other members of a Forensic Evaluation and Treatment Team to provide a multidisciplinary coordinated approach.

·       Must be able to effectively and professionally collaborate with attorneys, social workers, judges, and other professionals involved in cases to ensure that all relevant information is considered.

·       Strong skills conducting neuropsychological evaluations in addition to forensic evaluations is a plus.

Hours 

·       Flexible working hours available- we are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 8 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm, which allows clinicians to choose their own schedule with 25-30 hours available preferred.

·       Part-time, full-time and virtual-only will be considered.

To be considered for this position, please email cover letter and CV to Alejandra Cadena, Forensic Coordinator at acadena@optimaforensic.com.