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. This position is located at Georgia Regional Hospital Atlanta (GRHA). Located on 174 Acres in DeKalb County, GRHA operates 300 licensed, accredited inpatient beds in three major program areas : Adult Mental Health, Forensic Services, and Developmental Disabilities. This position falls within Forensic Services. Under supervision of the hospital’s Forensic Director, successful candidates will be responsible for the completion of criminal forensic evaluations and the treatment of criminal defendants. Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards Conducts face-to-face forensic mental health evaluations to answer questions of competency to stand trial and / or criminal responsibility. Conducts forensic risk assessments and other psychological testing on individuals admitted to an inpatient forensic unit. Completes comprehensive annual reviews and develops opinions regarding the need for civil commitment. Provides expert witness testimony as a neutral friend to the court. Participation with the recovery planning (treatment) team including participation in the development of individualized recovery (treatment) plans. Facilitation of group treatment, psycho-educational interventions, and other individualized therapies. Creation and implementation of behavioral plans. Documentation of treatment progress. Clinical supervision of master’s level mental health counselors as well as doctoral trainees. GRHA trains practicum students, interns in our APA-accredited internship program, and postdoctoral trainees. Related work as assigned. 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. License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent. Applicants may also be "license eligible,” if able to obtain licensure within a reasonable time (i.e. relocation from another state). Note : Completion of the state's Competency to Stand Trial Certification process within one year of hire is required for continued employment. Successful candidates should also possess knowledge of abnormal psychology, pertinent legal statutes and case law related to the practice of forensic psychology, malingering assessment tools, intellectual testing, personality assessment, experience providing group therapy, experience on an interdisciplinary team, best practices in mental health treatment, and ethical / professional guidelines for the practice of forensic psychology. Minimum 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 Two years of experience at the lower-level Psychologist 2 (HCP141) or equivalent. Note : License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent. Benefits We are inspired by the dedication and passion of our teams and take seriously our responsibility to ensure teammates feel supported, prepared, and encouraged to contribute to our mission and vision. As a team member you will receive : Exceptional vacation leave plan 15 days each year for first 5 years of service, 18 days each year from 5-10 years of service, and 21 days each year for 10 + years of service. 13 paid state holidays, and 1 educational leave day. Sick leave accrual at a rate of 10 hours per month or 15 days each year. 3 weeks of paid paternity leave. Your choice from our healthcare plan options for you and your family, including support in the activation of a healthcare savings account. Dental, vision, life, dependent life, legal, and disability insurance program options. Healthcare and childcare spending accounts Wellness incentive program. DBHDD is a Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer. Retirement Pension. 401(K) with company match. DBHDD is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Other Employment Requirements For this type of employment, state law requires a national and state background check as a condition of employment. Also, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations and / or vaccinations. The following is a list of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees :
Forensic Psychologist • Atlanta, Georgia, United States