Forensic Evaluator

Title of Position:
Forensic Evaluator

Location:
CONREP

Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Exempt

Union/ Non-Union:
Non-Union

Supervisor:
Forensic Evaluation Manager

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center seeks licensed (or license-eligible) Psychologists to fulfill the role of Forensic Evaluator for the Los Angeles County Conditional Release Program (CONREP) Administration. The CONREP program as a whole provides court- and parole-mandated treatment and supervision to individuals transitioning from the Department of State Hospitals back into the community. As part of CONREPs Evaluation Unit, the Forensic Evaluator conducts various assessments to assist legal decision-makers determine appropriate placement and level of supervision for these individuals.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career Psychologist seeking to expand his/her skills in:

- Forensic mental health assessment

- Violence risk assessment

- Case conceptualization

- Treatment planning/recommendations

- Court report writing

- Expert witness testimony

- Consultation with courts and treatment providers

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Forensic Evaluator will work with various forensic populations, including individuals found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, Incompetent to Stand Trial, and Offenders with a Mental Health Disorder. Specifically, he/she will conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine whether these individuals are suitable for treatment in the community or, given their level of risk, require treatment in a locked setting. Additional evaluations include Restoration to Sanity and routine six-month assessments to track individuals functioning and provide treatment-planning recommendations. The evaluations take place at various State Hospitals, local jails, or a courthouse.

In addition to conducting evaluations, the Forensic Evaluator provides expert testimony, presents cases for CONREPs outpatient treatment providers, and consults with state hospital treatment teams. Last, he/she will also have the unique opportunity to interface with multiple key stakeholders in the forensic mental health system, including the Department of State Hospitals, the Superior Courts in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, District Attorneys Offices, Public Defenders Offices, the Department of Parole, CONREP Operations, and other community-based providers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

- Perform comprehensive risk assessments of dangerousness and treatment needs utilizing the HCR-20

- Prepare comprehensive forensic reports for courts and legal teams

- Document findings, test results, and clinical impressions

- Maintain detailed records of interviews, assessments, and case chronology

- Provide expert witness testimony in court regarding evaluations

- Explain psychological findings in a legally relevant and understandable way

- Defend conclusions under cross-examination

- Review criminal and civil records, medical files, and collateral information

- Consult with attorneys, judges, and treatment teams

- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews

- Evaluate for malingering, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric disorders

- Performs other additional tasks as directed.

Qualifications

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES:

- Licensed or License-eligible as a Psychologist in the State of California

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS;

- Experience providing assessment, including assessing dangerousness/violence risk in a forensic setting.

- Treatment and diagnostic skills utilizing DSM-5-TR.

- Experience working with individuals with severe mental illness & substance abuse problems.

REQUIREMENTS:

- Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.

- Valid California Drivers license.

- TB clearance.

- California Class B Drivers License.

- Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center provides a supportive yet stimulating and creative environment where professionals are valued and given opportunities to develop their skills. Some of the many exciting ways Gateways invests in its employees include:

- Student loan forgiveness qualifying employer

- Option of a flexible work schedule (9/80)

- Medical insurance

- Dental insurance

- Retirement plan with employer matching

- Cell phone reimbursement pay

- Vacation, sick time, bereavement, and personal holidays

- Bilingual pay, when applicable

- Ongoing training in forensic mental health through a robust didactic training program, the Department of State Hospitals trainings, and the Forensic Mental Health Association of California Annual Conference

- Employee appreciation events throughout the year