Forensic Evaluator

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center seeks a licensed (or license-eligible) Psychologist to fulfill the role of Forensic Evaluator for the Los Angeles County CONREP Administration. The evaluator conducts comprehensive assessments to guide placement, risk, and supervision decisions within the CONREP Evaluation Unit.

The role includes expert testimony, case conceptualization, treatment planning, and collaboration with courts, hospitals, and parole services across multiple facilities.

Qualifications

• Licensed (or license-eligible) Psychologist for forensic evaluation.
• Experience with court-mordered assessment and report writing is preferred.
• Familiarity with HCR-20 and court testimony enhances effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive risk assessments of dangerousness and treatment needs using the HCR-20.
• Prepare comprehensive forensic reports for courts and legal teams.
• Document findings, test results, and clinical impressions.
• Maintain detailed records of interviews, assessments, and case chronology.
• Provide expert witness testimony in court regarding evaluations.
• Explain psychological findings in a legally relevant and understandable way.
• Defend conclusions under cross-examination.
• Review criminal and civil records, medical files, and collateral information.
• Consult with attorneys, judges, and treatment teams.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews.
• Evaluate for malingering, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric disorders.
• Performs other tasks as directed.

Skills

Forensic mental health assessment

Violence risk assessment

Case conceptualization

Treatment planning/recommendations

Court report writing

Expert witness testimony

Consultation with courts and treatment

Education

Licensed Psychologist

Job description

Title of Position: Forensic Evaluator

Location: CONREP

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Union/ Non-Union: Non-Union

Supervisor: Forensic Evaluation Manager

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center seeks licensed (or license-eligible) Psychologists to fulfill the role of Forensic Evaluator for the Los Angeles County Conditional Release Program (CONREP) Administration. The CONREP program as a whole provides court- and parole-mandated treatment and supervision to individuals transitioning from the Department of State Hospitals back into the community. As part of CONREP’s Evaluation Unit, the Forensic Evaluator conducts various assessments to assist legal decision-makers determine appropriate placement and level of supervision for these individuals.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career Psychologist seeking to expand his/her skills in:

• Forensic mental health assessment
• Violence risk assessment
• Case conceptualization
• Treatment planning/recommendations
• Court report writing
• Expert witness testimony
• Consultation with courts and treatment providers

Summary Of Position

The Forensic Evaluator will work with various forensic populations, including individuals found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, Incompetent to Stand Trial, and Offenders with a Mental Health Disorder. Specifically, he/she will conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine whether these individuals are suitable for treatment in the community or, given their level of risk, require treatment in a locked setting. Additional evaluations include Restoration to Sanity and routine six-month assessments to track individuals’ functioning and provide treatment-planning recommendations. The evaluations take place at various State Hospitals, local jails, or a courthouse.

In addition to conducting evaluations, the Forensic Evaluator provides expert testimony, presents cases for CONREP’s outpatient treatment providers, and consults with state hospital treatment teams.

Last, he/she will also have the unique opportunity to interface with multiple key stakeholders in the forensic mental health system, including the Department of State Hospitals, the Superior Courts in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, District Attorney’s Offices, Public Defender’s Offices, the Department of Parole, CONREP Operations, and other community-based providers.

Essential Duties

• Perform comprehensive risk assessments of dangerousness and treatment needs utilizing the HCR-20
• Prepare comprehensive forensic reports for courts and legal teams
• Document findings, test results, and clinical impressions
• Maintain detailed records of interviews, assessments, and case chronology
• Provide expert witness testimony in court regarding evaluations
• Explain psychological findings in a legally relevant and understandable way
• Defend conclusions under cross-examination
• Review criminal and civil records, medical files, and collateral information
• Consult with attorneys, judges, and treatment teams
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews
• Evaluate for malingering, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric disorders
• Performs other additional tasks as directed.