Psychologist​/Forensic Evaluator

Job Title

Psychologist/Forensic Evaluator

State Role Title

49213

Hiring Range

$123,326 to $;
Salary to Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band

6

Agency

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Location

Central State Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia

Agency Website

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

Recruitment Type

General Public - G

Overview

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277‑bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027.

CSH maintains the only maximum‑security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as for individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person.

Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence‑based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

Responsibilities

• Complete forensic evaluations
• Prepare written reports
• Consult with attorneys and court personnel
• Provide expert testimony when required
• Support the hospital’s commitment to least restrictive interventions and de‑escalation practices
• Offer training and supervision to post‑doctoral fellows and other trainees

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of criminal forensic evaluations and applicable case law
• Exceptional report‑writing abilities and proficiency in providing expert testimony
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines effectively

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology
• Completion of an Accredited Doctoral Program
• Licensed or License‑Eligible in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• On the List of Approved Evaluators in Virginia

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Requirements

Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.

Application Review Timeline

Applications will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.

Background Investigation

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre‑employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Legal Requirements

Under Virginia Code 37.2‑314 and 37.2‑408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (804) 524‑7111 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically…