Psychologist III-Forensic Evaluator

Psychologist III-Forensic Evaluator Job Details | TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

The Psychologist III (Forensic Evaluator) performs advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) psychological work under the direction of the State Hospital Medical Director. 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.

Oversees forensic programs in collaboration with other relevant disciplines including but not limited to competency restoration, trial competency evaluation, and evaluation and treatment of individuals acquitted as not guilty by reason of insanity.

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.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

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 the implementations and communicating with courts in a manner that facilitates discharge to the community.

Designs, conducts, and coordinates forensic activities and programs. Conducts evaluations of psychological patients on 46B/46C/Chapter 55 commitments in accordance with the HHSC State Hospital Forensic Operatic Procedure and utilizes evidence-based and standardized instruments to ensure accurate assessments. Coordinates with interdisciplinary teams, including medical, legal, and administrative staff, to develop comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plans. Provides expert consultation and testimony as needed in legal proceedings.

Maintains thorough documentation and compliance with regulatory standards while contributing to ongoing program development, training, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance forensic services.

Oversees forensic programs in collaboration with other relevant disciplines competency restoration, trial competency evaluation, and evaluation and treatment of individuals acquitted as not guilty by reason of insanity. Develops and implements procedures to ensure that forensic evaluations are completed, documented, and communicated to the relevant courts or other entities in accordance with applicable statutes, standards, and policies. Evaluates and ensures the professional competency of forensic evaluators through coaching and training as needed.

Collaborates with other disciplines to develop forensic policies and procedures.

Provides specialized forensic psychological services tailored to legal and clinical settings, which encompass a range of assessments and interventions designed to assess and manage mental health and behavioral concerns. Conducts psychological evaluations to determine the presence of mental disorders, performing suicide risk assessments to identify individuals at risk of self-harm, and administers COPSD (Co-occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders) assessments to evaluate the interplay of mental health and substance use disorders.

Responsible for conducting…