Psychologist III

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Excellent state benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers’ Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Danville seeks a Psychologist III to support forensic assessments and clinical treatment within Virginia’s DBHDS. This state role involves conducting evaluations, diagnostic formulation, treatment planning, and testimony where required, in a 72-bed psychiatric facility with a forensic patient population.

We offer a signing bonus of $8,000 for new to state service candidates who remain employed for one year, plus

Job description

Title: Psychologist III

State Role Title: 49213

Hiring Range: $126,321 - $166,723

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Southern Va Mental Health Inst

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/svmhi/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Come Join our Psychology team that makes a difference!

$8,000 sign‑on bonus for candidates that are new to state service and remain employed with the facility for one year.

Exceptional State Benefits Include:

• 13 paid holidays, 12+ paid vacation days, 8 paid sick days and 4+ paid family personal days per year; Family Medical Leave, Short- and Long-term disability coverage; Low-cost, comprehensive Anthem or AETNA health insurance benefits; Group life and optional life insurance, and Flexible Reimbursement accounts.

Other state benefits include:

• Referral Bonuses
• Virginia 529 College Savings Plan may be available for this role
• State Employee Discounts and More!

Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and dedicated professionals while putting your forensic assessment and clinical skills to work? Are you looking to increase your exposure to forensic psychology cases with opportunities for assessment, diagnosis, and legal experience? As a forensic psychologist working for Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), you will have access to psychological referral questions across a wide range of legal codes, diagnoses, and patient presentations. You will also have access to educational resources to include didactic training, webinars, and expert consultation.

Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute is seeking a forensic psychologist to assist patients in their recovery and answer mental health questions for the courts and jails. We are a 72‑bed state psychiatric hospital located in Danville, VA with most of our patient population being forensic. The forensic psychologist works with individuals acquitted not guilty by reason of insanity, as well as defendants ordered for competency restoration, and inmates ordered for pre‑ and post‑trail treatment. The forensic psychologist also answers referral questions and provides treatment update reports to jails, attorneys, and courts.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in psychology (e.g. Ph.D., Psy.D.) from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or an equivalent accrediting body recognized by the Virginia licensing board, as required for licensure eligibility.

Completion of a predoctoral internship accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or an equivalent accrediting body, as required for licensure eligibility as outlined in Code of Virginia Regulation 18VAC125‑20‑54E.

Experience as a doctoral degree psychologist in working with forensically involved individuals with mental illness.

Must currently hold or be able to obtain license through the Virginia Department of Health Professions as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist within 12 months of hire and maintain such licensure throughout employment in this role.

Must currently hold or be able to complete the DBHDS forensic certification through the Institute of Law Psychiatry and Public Policy (ILPPP) within 12 months of hire.

Comprehensive knowledge of psychological principles, practices, and ethical standards as evidenced by rigorous, accredited training programs.

Strong skills in diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and psychotherapy, typically acquired through APA‑accredited doctoral programs and internships.

Proficiency in the administration and scoring of basic psychological testing instruments.

Proficiency in assessing and treating individuals with a variety of clinical presentations.

Familiarity with psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery model.

Strong oral and written communications skills.

Ability to analyze behavior patterns and develop behavioral assistance plans.

Ability to work effectively within a multi‑disciplinary treatment team.

Strong crisis management skills.

Ability to present/testify well in court.

Previous basic computer skills (word processing, computerized test scoring, etc.).

This position requires adherence to the highest standards of professional practice, as demonstrated by training in programs meeting national accreditation standards for psychology.

Additional Considerations

Forensic certification by Virginia’s Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy. Board certification in forensic psychology.

Veterans and people with National Service.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 434‑421‑3060

Email: [e-mail]

DBHDS is an equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability. Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.

SVMHI uses Form I‑9 and E‑Verify in the verification of eligibility for employment.

SVMHI is a smoke and vape‑free facility in all buildings and outside facility grounds.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022‑ February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.