State of Georgia

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is seeking a full time Forensic Psychologist for our jail-based restoration program in Dodge County, Georgia. The Psychologist will work with the treating professionals to ensure that the individuals served in this program are receiving the treatment needed for restoration to competency to stand trial. They will be involved in group and individual treatment. They will provide screening and some evaluations for competency to stand trial for the individuals served.

Under supervision of a hospital forensic director, the successful candidates will be responsible for the completion of criminal forensic evaluations.

Knowledge of abnormal psychology, pertinent statutes and case law related to the practice of forensic psychology, malingering assessment tools, intellectual testing, personality assessment, best practices in mental health treatment, and ethical/professional guidelines for the practice of forensic psychology is required.

Job duties include the participation on the recovery planning (treatment) team; facilitation of group treatment; participation in the development of individualized recovery (treatment) plans; documentation of treatment progress; completion of face-to-face forensic mental health evaluations to determine competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and violence risk; report preparation; expert testimony; behavioral programming; clinical supervision of mental health counselors, and related work as assigned. Completion of the state's Competency to Stand Trial Certification process within one year of hire is required for continued employment.

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

• Conducts court-ordered pretrial forensic psychological evaluations to answer questions of competency to stand trial and/or criminal responsibility as a neutral friend of the court.
• Completes assessments on individuals admitted to a State Forensic Psychiatric Unit.
• Conducts forensic risk assessments and other psychological testing.
• Conducts groups and psycho-educational interventions.
• License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent. "License eligible" if able to obtain within a reasonable time (i.e. relocation from another state)

Benefits:

• Vacation
• 15 days each year up to 5 years of service
• 18 days each year from 5-10 years of service
• 21 days each year for 10 + years of service
• Sick Leave – accrual at a rate of 10 hours per month (15 days each year)
• Holidays – the state of Georgia recognizes 13 paid holidays
• Retirement
• 401(k) plan with a matching employer contribution
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Available Insurance
• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Legal
• Disability
• Healthcare & Childcare spending accounts
• Life & dependent life insurance
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Additional Information - Selected applicant must meet the following standards: 

1. Must pass a pre-employment background check (which includes criminal records check, driver's history, and verification of work history) and a post-hire federal background investigation.

2. Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and will be placed in the pool for the State Random Drug Testing Program.

3. Eligible to work in the U.S.

4. Able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Doctorate degree in clinical or counseling psychology from an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited college or university AND current Georgia license to practice psychology AND One year of experience at the lower level Psychologist 1 (HCP140) or equivalent. Note: License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent.

Additional Information

• Agency Logo:
• Requisition ID: HEA09L6
• Number of Openings: 1
• Advertised Salary: $95,400 – $112,700
• Shift: Day Job
• Posting End Date: Mar 15, 2025