Forensic Psychologist

Job Summary

The Forensic Psychologist will primarily conduct in-person forensic evaluations, write reports addressing identified psychological questions, and testify as an expert witness in court hearings.

The Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Diagnostic Clinic performs forensic mental health evaluations to assist jurists in balancing concerns for juvenile rehabilitation and public safety. The Juvenile Court is committed to prevention and diversion for low-risk youth and to top-quality intervention for high-risk offenders.

Insurance:
Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, Life and an Employee Assistance Program. Supplemental Life may be purchased at group rates.

Paid Time Off:
Twelve (12) holidays, vacation time (after 6 months) of three (3) weeks per year for the first eight (8) years of service, and sick time.

Retirement:
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and Deferred Compensation Plans.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.

• Conducts various court-ordered forensic assessments to address psycho-legal issues and, as appropriate, communicates findings to judges and magistrates.
• Produces forensic reports pertaining to juvenile competency to stand trial, transfer of cases to criminal court, allocation of parental rights (custody/visitation issues), juvenile diagnostic assessments, and children’s services adult mental health assessments.
• Conducts clinical interviews and behavioral assessments of youth, including social history, mental status, diagnostic considerations, and treatment recommendations, when applicable.
• Incorporates collateral information into reports from sources such as court records, parents and guardians, mental health facilities, physicians, and schools.
• Interprets and integrates psychological testing results into work products where appropriate to quantify intellectual and adaptive functioning, academic skills, emotional responding, personality aspects, and specific abilities.
• Dictates reports using voice recognition software.
• Produces thorough, well-considered, and data-driven work products that are responsive to jurists’ referral questions.
• Provides expert witness testimony in court hearings.
• Presents mental health-related information to court departments and external agencies, as appropriate.
• May consult with various staffing committees and sit on committees as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

May consult on forensic evaluations completed by other staff members. May oversee the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological testing by other staff members or learners.

Standard office equipment and office technology such as, copy machines, desktop and laptop computers, and telephones.

Includes all court-related information regarding hearings, etc. the employee may come in contact with while working in the facility.

Works in a general office setting with moderate noise levels. Also may work partially remote from home or private office. This position may require work beyond normal hours, including evenings and weekends.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, to speak clearly, and to hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Knowledge of the field of applied psychology including techniques and instruments used in developmental and psychological assessment and treatment interventions. Knowledge of the behavioral and emotional disorders associated with adolescent populations and of intervention techniques for antisocial and destructive behavior patterns. Preferred knowledge of Juvenile Justice and effective correctional practices, such as relational skills and behavior management strategies; understanding of court operations and knowledge of evidence-based interventions for…