Director of Adult, Juvenile, and NGRI Forensic Services

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a leading state agency focused on improving lives through forensic psychological services. As the Director of Adult, Juvenile, and NGRI Forensic Services, you will oversee critical psychological assessments and develop policies that shape the future of mental health services in Texas. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals within the justice system while working collaboratively with various stakeholders. If you are passionate about forensic psychology and eager to lead innovative programs, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

100% Paid Employee Health Insurance

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Generous Time Off Benefits

Career Advancement Opportunities

Qualifications

• Requires a doctoral degree in forensic psychology and a current license.
• Knowledge of Texas laws related to forensic commitments is essential.

Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates forensic psychological activities across Texas State Hospitals.
• Conducts competency examinations and provides expert consultation on cases.

Skills

Forensic Psychological Assessment

Psychological Testing

Expert Testimony

Communication Skills

Training and Supervision

Education

Doctoral Degree in Forensic Psychology

Tools

Psychological Instruments

Computer Software

Job description

Director of Adult, Juvenile, and NGRI Forensic Services

Date: Jan 11, 2025

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

Functional Title: Director of Adult, Juvenile, and NGRI Forensic Services

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Posting Number: 1614

Closing Date: 02/11/2025

Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $11,864.50

Shift: Day

Telework: Part-Time

Travel: Up to 15%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Job Description:

The Director of Adult, Juvenile, and NGRI Forensic Services performs highly advanced psychological and managerial (senior-level) work providing direction and coordination of the strategic operation and planning of psychological and forensic services provided to adults found incompetent to stand trial, juveniles deemed unfit to proceed, and people found Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity in Texas State Hospitals. The position reports to the Chief of Forensic Medicine in the Office of Forensic Coordination.

The Director assists in the development, implementation, coordination, and oversight of forensic services and programming across Texas State Hospitals. They consult on intervention planning for difficult cases, conduct forensic competency assessments and evaluations as necessary, provide court testimony, and may conduct forensic competency assessments for partner organizations.

The Director serves as a point of contact to outside agencies on adult, juvenile, and NGRI forensic services and coordinates with county jails, courts, district attorneys, defense attorneys, and local mental/behavioral health authorities.

The Director works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime.
2. Develops, supports, and coordinates forensic psychological activities and programs in support of Texas State Hospitals.
3. Provides direction in the development, implementation, and oversight of forensic mental health policies, procedures, and training.
4. Directs, plans, and evaluates the delivery of forensic competency and NGRI services across Texas State Hospitals.
5. Administers and interprets psychological tests and conducts psychological assessments.
6. Conducts trial competency examinations and forensic assessments for Texas State Hospital and partner organizations.
7. Designs and implements special treatment programs for forensic populations.
8. Provides expert psychological consultation on difficult forensic-related cases.
9. Participates in various internal and external stakeholder workgroups.
10. Provides clinical and/or administrative supervision of others as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of Texas laws pertaining to forensic commitments.
2. Knowledge of forensic psychological assessment and clinical treatment modalities.
3. Skills in the use of psychological instruments for evaluation.
4. Ability to conduct forensic assessments and write clear reports.
5. Ability to provide expert testimony to courts.
6. Ability to communicate assessment data and treatment implications.
7. Ability to operate a computer and applicable software.
8. Ability to train and supervise the work of others.

Registration, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

1. Licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists or a reciprocity state.
2. Forensic psychology training is required.
3. Board Certification in Forensic Psychology is preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in forensic psychology and current license from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists or a reciprocity state.

ADA Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility: Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background checks. HHSC uses E-Verify.