Forensic Psychologist

Title

Forensic Psychologist

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

49213

General Public - G

$123,326 minimum, negotiable based on relevant years of experience

6

Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute, Danville, VA

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Assist patients in their recovery and answer mental health questions for the courts and jails.
• Provide treatment update reports to jails, attorneys, and courts.
• Work with individuals acquitted not guilty by reason of insanity, as well as defendants ordered for competency restoration, and inmates ordered for pre‑ and post‑trail treatment.
• Attend educational resources including didactic training, webinars, and expert consultation.
• Participate as part of the Psychology team that makes a difference.

$8,000 sign‑on bonus for candidates that are new to state service and remain employed with the facility for one year.

• 13 paid holidays, 12+ paid vacation days, 8 paid sick days and 4+ paid family personal days per year.
• Family Medical Leave, Short‑ and Long‑term disability coverage.
• Low‑cost, comprehensive Anthem or AETNA health insurance benefits.
• Group life and optional life insurance, and Flexible Reimbursement accounts.
• Referral Bonuses.
• Virginia 529 College Savings Plan may be available for this role.
• State Employee Discounts and More.

• Doctoral degree in psychology (e.g., Ph.D., Psy.
  
  D.) from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or an equivalent accrediting body recognized by the Virginia licensing board, as required for licensure eligibility.
• Completion of a predoctoral internship accredited by the APA or an equivalent accrediting body, as required for licensure eligibility.
• Experience as a doctoral degree psychologist working with forensically involved individuals with mental illness.
• Must currently hold or be able to obtain license through the Virginia Department of Health Professions as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist within 12 months of hire and maintain such licensure throughout employment in this role.
• Must currently hold or be able to complete the DBHDS forensic certification through the Institute of Law Psychiatry and Public Policy (ILPPP) within 12 months of hire.

• Comprehensive knowledge of psychological principles, practices, and ethical standards.
• Strong skills in diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and psychotherapy.
• Proficiency in the administration and scoring of basic psychological testing instruments.
• Proficiency in assessing and treating individuals with a variety of clinical presentations.
• Familiarity with psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery model.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze behavior patterns and develop behavioral assistance plans.
• Ability to work effectively within a multi‑disciplinary treatment team.
• Strong crisis management skills.
• Ability to present/testify well in court.
• Previous basic computer skills (word processing, computerized test scoring, etc.).

• Forensic certification by Virginia’s Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy.
• Board certification in forensic psychology.
• Veterans and people with National Service.

Applicants must list all relevant experience that you wish to be considered for this position. A fingerprint‑based criminal history check, drug screen, and reference checks are required for the selected candidate for this position. Under Virginia Code 37.2‑314 and 37.2‑408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services prohibits employing persons who have been convicted of specific “barrier” crimes or are subject to pending “barrier” charges.

Vaccination Policy: DBHDS facilities are no longer required to ensure all staff members are vaccinated against COVID‑19. However, facilities encourage and educate staff on the benefits, and continue to offer COVID‑19 vaccination programs to staff and residents/clients.

Commonwealth Alternate Hiring Process:
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS.

DBHDS is an equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability. Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.

Name:
Human Resources

Phone:

Email: svmhihrginia.gov