Forensic Psychologist

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Forensic Psychologist to join our team. Under the general direction of Lead Forensic Psychologist, this position is responsible for forensic psychological evaluations and expert testimony as designated by the criminal court system for defendants under the jurisdiction of Harris County criminal courts. Duties may include collaboration with individuals in the court as requested or other individuals designated by the criminal justice system and clinical supervision of designated staff/interns.

Your role in action:

• Conducts competency and sanity evaluations and other court ordered evaluations completing written reports within required timeframe and provides court testimony relating to evaluation results as requested.
• Effectively interacts with judges, attorneys and other court staff in the collection of information and collaboration on assigned cases.
• Conducts psychological testing and provides documentation of findings from assessment instruments.
• Meets divisional productivity standards.
• Demonstrates ethical conduct in all clinical and professional activities.
• Performs related work as assigned. Adapts to changing work requirements.
• Complies with agency policies and procedures, accrediting/regulatory bodies and performance contract documentation requirements.
• Communicates and works with consumers/visitors/other staff in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to cultural diversities.

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) or equivalent in Psychology.
• Licensed as a psychologist in the State of Texas.
• Board Certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology as a Forensic Psychologist is preferred.

Experience:

• 24 hours of specialized training, education, or professional development in forensic psychology which may be obtained prior to employment or through training on the unit in the first 30 days of employment

Knowledge, skills, and abilities :

• Knowledge of forensic psychological methods and procedures regarding competency to stand trial and insanity.
• Knowledge of diagnostic criteria, specific clinical features and guidelines for formulating a diagnosis.
• Knowledge of statutory requirements for competency and sanity evaluations.
• Strong diagnostic skills, the ability to incorporate defendant history, symptoms, environmental and related issues to formulate prospective diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
• Strong communication skills, listening and interpersonal skills above average, written documentation is clear, concise and well constructed.
• Effective time management and organization skills.
• Able to execute standard word processing software on the computer.

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What else you should know:

• This posting is associated with position #3179
• Shift: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provided care to over 96,000 people in fiscal year 2023!

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.