DSHS BHA Psychologist - Forensic Evaluator

DSHS BHA Forensic Psychologist 

Curious about how psychology and the law work together? Want to help courts understand behavioral health? Join our team and make a difference!
 
The Office of Forensic Mental Health Services (OFMHS) within the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) oversee the state’s adult forensic behavioral health system. 
 
Our team helps the justice system by doing behavioral health evaluations for adults involved in legal cases.

In this role, you will conduct competency to stand trial evaluations, write reports, testify in court, work with a well-trained, friendly team, and have opportunities to continue to remain up-to-date on best practices.

Benefits of working in this role:

Fully remote or Hybrid work environment (being able to work from office/home).

Although this job is overtime exempt, forensic evaluators may choose to earn additional compensation (extra duty pay) for completing evaluations outside of normal work hours. 

At DSHS, we offer you outstanding compensation with a flexible work schedule. Comprehensive medical and dental benefits package. Paid holidays-vacation/sick time earned monthly. Retirement and pension plans. And, challenging career opportunities, with chances to learn, grow, and enjoy your work. 
 
Interested? Click the "APPLY" button to get started now.
 
Our team is looking forward to hearing from you.

Who should apply? 

• A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)
• Licensed or eligible to obtain a license in Washington to practice psychology
• Strong clinical skills in interviewing, diagnostic clarification, and report writing

• Experience in conducting competency to stand trial evaluations

• Knowledge and experience with psychometric testing, instruments used to assess feigning, competency, and risk assessment measures
• Interest in writing evidence based, concise evaluations and providing expert testimony
• Ability to establish collegial relationships with internal and external partners

When applying, we ask that you please provide a redacted forensic evaluation. This should include a referral source and question, the background of the patient/client, diagnostic formulation, and an opinion/recommendation section.

Some of what you will do.

• Complete forensic evaluations focused on competency to stand trial, with opportunities to testify
• Work, consult, and collaborate with forensic evaluators across the state of Washington
• Participate in educational trainings for staff, outside partners (e.g., attorneys)

We want team players who love working in behavioral health. You ought to have a strong work ethic and good judgement. The ideal candidate is adaptable, proactive, and seeking continued job related growth and development. You ought to understand hearing procedures, policies, and how groups and individuals behave. Be a self-starter and problem solver with great communication skills. You'll handle multiple tasks, people, and priorities every day.
 
If this is your area of expertise and interest, we encourage you to apply! 

Questions? Contact kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02773

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle
 
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.



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Salary : $108,252 - $144,536