Assistant Director of Forensic Services - Psychologist

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Job Title:  

Assistant Director of Forensic Services - Psychologist

Agency:

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000005168

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$95.400 - $112,700

Job Description:

Assistant Forensic Director - Psychologist - Columbus, GA

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is in downtown Atlanta.

This position is located at: West Central Georgia Regional Hospital (WCGRH) in Columbus, GA

WCGRH has inpatient treatment units for Adult Mental Health and Forensic care. The hospital can serve 154 Forensic and 40 Adult Mental Health patients for a total of 194 beds at any point in time. The hospital employs approximately 600 staff members.

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Forensic Director WCGRH

Job Summary:

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Forensic Director.

The Assistant Forensic Director (AFD) supervises master’s level staff (Counselors, Recovery Team Facilitators, Treatment Mall Coordinator) who are responsible for planning and providing active treatment for individuals admitted to a Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) hospital by order of a State or Superior Criminal Court to restore competency to stand trial, and teach necessary life-skills for those found not guilty by reason of insanity or civilly committed by a Court to allow for a safe return to the community. The AFD provides backup for the Hospital Forensic Director in supervising Forensic Psychologists and overseeing the Forensic Program at the hospital.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Forensic Director, oversees the clinical operations of three inpatient forensic psychiatric units, including supervising team facilitators, counselors, and treatment mall staff, monitoring for active treatment, auditing recovery plans for compliance with identified standards and expectations, providing immediate back up to the Forensic Director, and performing clinical duties as indicated.
• Completes assigned forensic psychological evaluations (competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, risk assessment, psychological) and assists the Forensic Director in reviewing Forensic Psychologist quality on these reports.
• Reviews Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Guidelines implemented on the Forensic units for appropriateness, consulting with the Positive Behavior Support team when indicated
• Assists the Forensic Director in reviewing incoming court orders for admission, civil commitment, privileges, and release of individuals for parameters within the mission of DBHDD, resolving any conflicts; arranging admissions of individuals with a forensic legal status and managing any waitlists for admissions; monitoring for correct data entry of legal statuses; overseeing the Team Leader ’ s operation of three community integration homes; and providing education to the courts served regarding the forensic program at the hospital.
• Participation in the APA-Accredited Psychology Internship Program through supervision, provision of didactics, and/or administrative and organizational functions.
• Participates in assigned meetings and committees.

Qualifications

Doctorate degree in a related filed from an accredited college or university AND Three years of management/supervisory experience in health care services OR Master's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Four years of management/supervisory experience in health care services OR Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Five years of management/supervisory experience in health care services OR Two years of experience at the lower level Mgr 3, Hlth Care (HCM012) or position equivalent. Note: Some positions may require certification and/or licensure.

Preferred Qualifications –Psychology license is a requirement for this position. 

Licensed Psychologist (Required) with substantial experience completing and supervising forensic psychological evaluations, providing and overseeing treatment programs for persons with severe persistent mental illness, and working within interdisciplinary teams.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Employment Requirements

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in health care services or related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional managerial or supervisory experience in health care services; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Mgr 2, Hlth Care (HCM011) or position equivalent. --Note: Some positions may require certification and/or licensure.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.