Clinical Psychologist (Forensics)

Quick Facts

• Forensic examination specialist role in a correctional setting
• Conducts court-related psychological evaluations and treatment planning

Description

The position requires a licensed clinical psychologist with forensic evaluation expertise in courtroom procedures and in assessments related to competency and responsibility under Title 18, U.S. Code. You will evaluate and/or supervise inmate evaluations, write reports supporting opinions, and provide expert testimony. You will also deliver psychotherapy, support interdisciplinary program planning and classification, and complete specialized assessments including Witness Protection Program pre-release reviews.

Responsibilities

• Administer, score, and interpret psycho-diagnostic assessment instruments
• Evaluate inmates for competency to stand trial and/or offender responsibility at the time of the offense
• Prepare detailed reports and discuss findings in court as an expert witness
• Assist in interdisciplinary classification by identifying behavioral, emotional, personality, organic mental disorders, substance dependencies, and self-destructive potential
• Recommend and develop treatment programs; refer medical problems to the Medical Officer and assist in facility transfer decisions
• Conduct assessments for Witness Protection Program candidates and organize pre-release reviews for danger related to mental disease or defect
• Provide individual and group psychotherapy; develop psychological treatment modalities for severely disturbed inmates
• Participate in ongoing correctional institution security responsibilities; correctional duties take precedence

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required
• Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology
• Full, current, unrestricted doctoral-level psychology license in a U.S. state/territory/commonwealth or the District of Columbia (upload license with expiration date)
• Selective Placement Factor applies (license requirement)
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12/GS-13), including forensic assessment and psychotherapy-related experience
• Experience administering/scoring/interpreting psycho-diagnostic instruments (projective personality assessments, intellectual tests, organic brain damage screening, interest/aptitude/achievement tests)
• Experience evaluating and/or supervising competency and/or responsibility assessments
• Experience formulating treatment program decisions and assisting transfer decisions
• Completion of required pre-employment steps (panel interview, urinalysis, physical, background investigation)
• Successful completion of the 3-week “Introduction to Correctional Techniques” training course

Benefits

A comprehensive federal benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type (full-time/part-time/intermittent).