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 severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities.

We have nearly 5,000 employees whose work is structured in three divisions by disability area: Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases.

DBHDD operates five regional state hospitals and provides and oversees community-based services across the state.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Forensic Psychologist – Inpatient for the following hospitals:

• Georgia Regional Hospital Atlanta, located in Decatur, GA
• Georgia Regional Hospital Savannah, located in Savannah, GA
• West Central Georgia Regional Hospital, locate in Columbus, GA
• Central State Hospital, located in Milledgeville, GA

Job Description

Under supervision of the 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 12 paid holidays

• Retirement - 401(k) with a matching employer contribution and a Defined Benefit Pension Plan

• Available Insurance – Health; Dental; Vision; Legal; Disability; Life & Dependent Life

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Healthcare & Childcare 

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer