Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator

Date:
May 28, 2026

Location:

VERNON, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. Your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

Functional

Title:

Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator
Job Title: Psychologist III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Residential Care Supervisor J
Posting Number: 17402
Closing Date: 08/26/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $9,098.26 - $11,864.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27
Shift: Day
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility

Location:

Vernon State Hospital
Job Location City: VERNON
Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR
MOS Codes: 230X,42PX,71F,73B

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 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, including but 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.

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

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…