Program Director, Forensic Community Treatment Center - Licensed Psychologist

Gateways Hospital & Mental Health Center; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Student loan forgiveness

Flexible work schedule

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan with employer matching

Cell phone reimbursement

Job summary

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center invites a licensed psychologist to serve as Program Director of the Forensic Community Treatment Program (FCTP). The role leads a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team, ensuring high‑quality, compliant forensic services and strong clinical governance.

The ideal candidate will bring forensic expertise, leadership experience, and a commitment to collaboration within a dynamic outpatient setting that supports court and parole-mandated treatment and

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in psychology required.
• Current California psychologist license required.
• Experience in forensic mental health settings.
• Experience providing clinical supervision and leadership.
• Strong organizational, communication, and decision‑making skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and supervision to a multidisciplinary team.
• Oversee treatment planning, case conceptualization, and clinical effectiveness.
• Lead crisis intervention and violence risk assessments.
• Prepare and provide expert court reports/testimony as needed.
• Manage program operations, recruitment, training, and QA initiatives.
• Foster collaboration and accountability across disciplines.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical supervision

Forensic decision-making

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Crisis intervention

Education

PhD or PsyD in Psychology

California Licensed Psychologist

Job description

Title of Position:Program DirectorLocation:Forensic Community Treatment CenterExempt/Non-Exempt:ExemptUnion/ Non-Union:Non-UnionSupervisor:Administrative DirectorGateways Hospital and Mental Health Center’s Conditional Release Program (CONREP) is seeking a Licensed Psychologist to fulfill the role of Program Director in its Forensic Community Treatment Program (FCTP). This forensic outpatient program provides court and parole-mandated treatment and supervision to individuals committed as Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, Offender with a Mental Health Disorder, or Incompetent to Stand Trial.SUMMARY OF POSITIONWe are seeking an experienced, licensed psychologist to serve as Program Director of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary forensic outpatient treatment program. This is a leadership role for a psychologist who enjoys thinking critically, navigating complex forensic and clinical issues, and leading diverse professionals in collaborative, high-stakes work.The Program Director provides oversight of all clinical and administrative aspects of the program, ensuring high-quality treatment, sound forensic practice, regulatory compliance, and effective team functioning. This role blends sound clinical judgment, forensic acumen, and strong leadership skills, and is well-suited for a psychologist who thrives in dynamic environments and values both accountability and teamwork.Importantly, the Program Director is not expected to do this work alone. The position is supported by seasoned professionals, with access to consultation, guidance, and ongoing professional development.ESSENTIALS DUTIESClinical Leadership and OversightProvide clinical supervision to multidisciplinary staff, including psychologists, therapists, and other treatment providersOversee treatment planning, case conceptualization, and implementation for a complex forensic outpatient populationLead crisis intervention efforts and provide guidance on high-risk clinical situationsConduct and oversee violence risk assessments and risk management strategiesEnsure clinical services meet ethical, professional, and forensic standardsForensic and Court-Related FunctionsPrepare, review, and oversee court reports addressing a variety of penal codesProvide expert witness testimony as requiredEnsure documentation is thorough, defensible, and compliant with legal and regulatory requirementsAdministrative and Program ManagementOversee program operations, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and professional development of staffManage administrative functions such as timecards, scheduling, and workload distributionLead program development and continuous quality improvement initiativesEnsure compliance with agency policies and Department of State Hospital guidelinesMonitor program outcomes and quality assurance metricsTeam Leadership and CollaborationLead and facilitate multidisciplinary treatment team meetingsFoster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable team culture across disciplinesServe as a clinical and organizational leader, providing clear direction while valuing diverse perspectivesQUALIFICATIONSRequiredDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in PsychologyCurrent licensure as a psychologist in CaliforniaExperience in forensic mental health settingsExperience providing clinical supervisionStrong organizational, communication, and decision-making skillsPreferredPrior experience in program leadership or managementExperience in violence risk assessment, crisis intervention, and forensic documentationExperience providing expert testimony and working closely with courtsFamiliarity with Department of State Hospital systems and related guidelinesREQUIREMENTSMust pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.Valid California Driver’s license.TB clearance.Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.WHO WILL THRIVE IN THIS ROLEThis role is ideal for a psychologist who:Enjoys complex cases and nuanced clinical and forensic decision-makingThinks critically and communicates clearly, both verbally and in writingIs comfortable taking leadership responsibility while remaining collaborative and approachableValues mentorship, consultation, and ongoing professional growthCan balance clinical excellence with administrative accountabilitySUPPORT AND PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTThe Program Director is supported by experienced professionals and leadership who value consultation, shared problem-solving, and professional development. Training, guidance, and collaboration are integral to the role, allowing the Program Director to lead with confidence while continuing to grow.BENEFITSGateways Hospital and Mental Health Center provides a supportive yet stimulating and creative environment where professionals are valued and given opportunities to develop their skills. Some of the many exciting ways Gateways invests in its employees include:Student loan forgiveness qualifying employerOption of a flexible work schedule (9/80)Medical insuranceDental insuranceRetirement plan with employer matchingCell phone reimbursement payVacation, sick time, bereavement, and personal holidaysBilingual pay, when applicableOngoing training in forensic mental health through a robust didactic training program, the Department of State Hospitals trainings, and the Forensic Mental Health Association of California Annual ConferenceEmployee appreciation events throughout the year