DSHS BHA Forensic Psychologist
 
Are you interested in the intersection of psychology and the law? Be part of our team that provides answers to psycho-legal questions from the courts in Washington state! 
 
We have multiple job opportunities across the state. The State is divided into two major regions responsible for completing evaluations in county jails, local communities, and at state hospitals, on the east and west sides of the State. This position is a hybrid/telework model. Come join the team by becoming a behavioral health advocate and help shape the future of forensic mental health services on our mission to Transform Lives!
 
The Office of Forensic Mental Health Services (OFMHS) within the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) oversee the state’s adult forensic mental health system. This work supports the mission to transform forensic mental health throughout Washington state by partnering with community stakeholders to provide support to individuals struggling with mental illnesses and have become involved in the criminal justice system.
 
In this role, you will work in a collegial environment that fosters a collaborative, supportive team that specializes in the application of psychological knowledge and expertise within the court system. You will become an integral member of a dedicated team committed to completing various forensic evaluations, including a focus on competency to stand trial evaluations and will receive tremendous support from the team. Your daily tasks involve completing evaluations for the court that range in degrees of complexity, providing court testimony, and collaborating with fellow staff members.  
 
Why DSHS learn more. 
As a Psychologist – Forensic Evaluator at OFMHS, you will receive ongoing supervision and training to ensure your professional development and success in this role. You will have potential opportunities to participate and contribute to the nationally recognized internship and forensic fellowship program that provides hands-on experience and mentorship under the guidance of our seasoned team of experts. The agency, through the internship and fellowship structure, provides opportunities for continuing education for licensed seasoned psychologists with a wide variety of topics salient to our work. OFMHS is committed to fostering the growth of emerging professionals in the field of forensic psychology and allowing applicants at different career stages to contribute and advance their careers.
 
Washington state is unparalleled in natural beauty, including ready access to the coastline, mountains, and lush forests. There are miles of hiking trails, large and small concert venues, and amazing food, and major metropolitan areas of Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane cities provide region-wide opportunities to engage in arts and culture.
 
We offer outstanding compensation with a flexible work schedule, comprehensive medical & dental benefits package, paid holidays -vacation/sick time earned monthly, retirement and pension plans and amazing challenging career opportunities, and exciting chances to learn, grow, and enjoy the work. Forensic evaluators may choose to earn additional compensation (extra duty pay) for completing evaluations outside of normal work hours.
 
Watch the video below to learn more about why people like you chose a career with DSHS:

Some of what you will do.

• Complete forensic evaluations mostly focused on competency to stand trial but also evaluations related to mental state at the time of the offense.
• Work, consult, and collaborate with forensic evaluators across the state of Washington.
• Opportunities to testify, present educational/informative training to external partners, serve as training faculty for the intern and/or postdoctoral training programs.

We are looking for team players who have a passion to work in the behavioral health field, have a strong work ethic, and consistently display good judgment. Our ideal applicant is an adaptable professional who can anticipate program needs and ensure the team is well prepared for day-to-day commitments. They are comfortable navigating the system, have in-depth knowledge of procedures of civil, criminal, or administrative hearings, policies, and procedures, group, and individual behavior dynamics. They are self-starters, problem solvers with stellar interpersonal and communication skills and can handle several competing priorities, people, tasks, and projects, at the same time in their daily interactions.
 
If this is your area of expertise and interest, we encourage you to apply!
 
Who should apply?

• A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)
• Licensed or eligible to obtain a license in Washington to practice psychology.
• Strong clinical skills in interviewing, diagnostic clarification, and report writing.
• Experience in forensic setting
• Knowledge and experience with psychometric testing, instruments used to assess feigning, competency, and risk assessment measures. 
• Interest in writing evidence based, concise evaluations and providing expert testimony.
• Ability to establish collegial relationships with internal and external partners.

Applicants must be in or willing to relocate to Washington

When applying, we ask that you please provide a Forensic Evaluation. This should include a referral source and question, the background of the patient/client, diagnostic formulation, and an opinion/recommendation section.
 
Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform Lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s mission that you bring an equity, anti-racism and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Contact grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 13017