Psychologist PhD - Forensic Sexual Behaviour Program

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Scotia Health Authority seeks a Psychologist PhD for the Forensic Sexual Behaviour Program within Mental Health & Addictions. You will conduct empirical assessments and provide treatment for adults, participate in program development, research, and supervision of practicum students.

The role includes occasional court testimony, aligns with CPA/NSBEP standards, and involves collaboration with diverse disciplines.

Qualifications

• PhD/PsyD in Clinical Psychology from an accredited university program.
• Registered or eligible for registration with the NSRP and in good standing.
• Minimum of two years clinical experience in forensic settings, preferably with sexual offenses.
• Minimum of two years research experience.
• Knowledge and experience with recidivism risk assessment tools.
• Knowledge of psychometric tests addressing personality and deception.
• Demonstrated DSM diagnosis expertise.
• Ability to provide expert witness testimony if subpoenaed.
• Knowledge regarding PPG assessment.
• Experience working with antisocial and personality-disordered populations.
• Ability to address ethical decisions about client rights and community risk.
• Collaborative work with multi-disciplinary teams (e.g., DCS, DOJ).
• French language skills are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance the Forensic Sexual Behaviour Program activities.
• Participate in research, prevention initiatives, and program evaluation.
• Conduct risk assessments and supervise group treatment as needed.
• Contribute to predoctoral internship and supervise practicum students.
• Possibly provide expert testimony in court as needed.
• Ensure services align with CPA/NSBEP guidelines and provincial standards.

Skills

Forensic psychology experience

Recidivism risk assessment knowledge

DSM diagnosis expertise

Expert witness testimony ability

French language asset

Education

PhD/PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Registration with NSRP or eligible

Job description

Location: Central Zone, Nova Scotia Hospital
Department: MHA CZ ECFH Sex Offender Pgm
Type of Employment: PermanentHourly PT (20%) x 1
Union: NSGEUHealthcarePosition
Posting Closing Date: 10-Nov-26

Psychologist PhD - Forensic Sexual Behaviour Program - Mental Health & Addictions

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Health Services Manager, and under the clinical direction of the Clinical Lead to ensure the effective provision of empirically supported assessment and treatment services to adults who have crossed legal sexual boundaries. The Forensic Sexual Behaviour Program (FSBP) offers specialized assessment and treatment services to individuals in Nova Scotia whose sexual behavior has crossed legal boundaries. Treatment is currently being offered in four Health Zones across the province (groups located in Kentville, Dartmouth, Truro and Sydney), whereas assessment is primarily centralized in Dartmouth where the coordination of FSBP services for the province is based.

The duties of the clinical psychologist (PhD) include program development activities, research, prevention initiatives, sexual recidivism risk/need assessment, and/or the facilitation of specialized group treatment as well as involvement in team meetings. While court testimony is infrequent, it is a potential aspect of any work conducted at the FSBP.

In addition, duties will also include participation in the predoctoral internship program and supervision of practicum students.

Independence will be both expected and encouraged while ensuring that all services are provided in accordance with CPA & NSBEP ethical standards and practice guidelines for Psychologists, the provincial standards of the FSBP, the principles and practices of NS Health, and relevant legislature.

About You

• Recognized PhD/PsyD in Clinical Psychology from an accredited university program
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychiatrists (NSRP) and in good standing
• Minimum of two years related clinical experience with experience in a forensic setting, particularly with sexual offenders, preferred
• Minimum of two years research experience
• Knowledge and experience with the use of recidivism risk assessment tools
• Knowledge and experience with psychometric tests addressing personality and deception
• Demonstrated skills in DSM diagnosis
• Expertise commensurate with the ability to provide expert witness testimony if subpoenaed
• Knowledge regarding PPG assessment
• Demonstrated ability to work with antisocial, personality disordered, and oppositional populations
• Demonstrated ability to address ethical decisions on a regular basis addressing client rights and risk to the community
• Demonstrated ability to work with counterparts from other disciplines in an effective, collaborative manner designed to optimize outcomes (e.g., DCS, DOJ)
• Competencies in other languages is an asset, French preferred

Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications

Hours

Permanent full-time position; 15 hours biweekly

Compensation and Benefits

$54.04 - $70.97 hourly

$73.46 hourly with 25 years of service with the employer

Candidate Registered (step 3): $60.80 hourly

Psychologist PhD (steps 4-6): $64.18 - $70.97 hourly

What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health

Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning. Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself. At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer. Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home.

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions.
Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.

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