Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator

Texas Health and Human Services; San Antonio (TX); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission seeks a Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator to perform advanced forensic evaluations across state hospitals and facilities. You will lead evaluations under 46B/46C and Chapter 55, including violence risk assessments, and provide expert testimony when required.

The role supports program development, training, and coordination with courts and teams, with telework eligibility and potential county jail work as needed. Texas license required.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in psychology and licensure as a Psychologist.
• One year of supervised experience with forensic evaluations.
• Experience conducting forensic assessments and writing reports.

Responsibilities

• Designs, conducts, and coordinates forensic activities and programs.
• Conducts evaluations in 46B/46C/Chapter 55 cases with standards.
• Provide expert consultation and testimony as needed.
• Maintain documentation and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Train staff and support program development and QA.
• Collaborate with disciplines to develop policies and procedures.
• Outreach, education, and liaison with courts and stakeholders.
• Participate in disaster response or COOP as needed.

Skills

Forensic psychology

Expert testimony

Program coordination

Staff training

Education

Doctoral degree in Psychology

Tools

MMPI

HCR-20

VRAG

Job description

Date: Aug 26, 2026

Location: SAN ANTONIO, 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator

Job Title: Psychologist III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: HSCS Forensic Coordination

Posting Number: 20620

Closing Date: 09/09/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Support

Salary Range: $8,184.00 - $11,864.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27

Shift: Day

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 20%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO

Job Location Address: 6711 S NEW BRAUNFELS

Other Locations: Austin

MOS Codes: 230X,42PX,71F,73B

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Psychologist III Forensic Evaluator performs advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) psychological work under the Director of Forensic Evaluation Services in the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination. The Forensic Evaluator is responsible for conducting trial competency evaluations under CCP 46B, fitness to proceed evaluations under Texas Family Code Chapter 55, and violence risk assessments under CCP 46C across the Health and Specialty Care System. Responsibilities include developing, supporting, coordinating forensic psychological activities and programs, and conducting virtual and in-person forensic psychological assessments with individuals in state hospitals, state supported living centers, and/or county jails. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Designs, conducts, and coordinates forensic activities and programs. Conducts evaluations of individuals on 46B/46C/Chapter 55 commitments in accordance with the HHSC State Hospital Forensic Operatic Procedure and utilizes evidence-based and standardized instruments to ensure accurate assessments. Provides expert consultation and testimony as needed in legal proceedings. Maintains thorough documentation and compliance with regulatory standards while contributing to ongoing program development, training, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance forensic services. (70%)
• Provides consultation, training, and guidance to state hospital and state supported living center staff on the appropriate use of forensic evaluations and provides technical assistance in communicating with the courts to facilitate safe discharges. (5%)
• Oversees forensic programs in collaboration with other relevant disciplines competency restoration, trial competency evaluation, and evaluation and treatment of individuals acquitted as not guilty by reason of insanity. Develops and implements procedures to ensure that forensic evaluations are completed, documented, and communicated to the relevant courts or other entities in accordance with applicable statutes, standards, and policies. Evaluates and ensures the professional competency of forensic evaluators through coaching and training as needed. Collaborates with other disciplines to develop forensic policies and procedures. (5%)
• Provides specialized forensic psychological services tailored to legal and clinical settings, which encompass a range of assessments and interventions designed to assess and manage mental health and behavioral concerns. (5%)
• Assists with and participates in performance improvement efforts toward implementation of a recovery/trauma-informed care (TIC) treatment/recovery planning environment. (5%)
• Provides consultation and guidance on the appropriate application of forensic-educational activities based on existing best practices and current peer-reviewed research. (5%)
• Provides case outreach, training, education, and expert consultation to multidisciplinary teams, relevant courts, and community stakeholders on forensic services. This is achieved through comprehensive continuing education programs, tailored outreach initiatives, and collaborative efforts designed to enhance awareness, improve inter-agency coordination, and promote best practices in forensic care and intervention. (3%)
• Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned including actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern, assignment, and/or location. (2%)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of forensic psychological assessment and treatment of the seriously mentally ill forensic populations
• Knowledge of psychotherapy and CBT, DBT, behavior therapy, and other empirically-supported psychotherapeutic modalities
• Skills in the use of psychological instruments to evaluate personality, neurocognition, adaptive functioning, suicide risk, and malingering (i.e. MMPI, HCR-20, VRAG, TOMM, MFAST, and SIRS)
• Ability to conduct forensic and psychological assessments and write clear, concise reports
• Ability to provide expert testimony to courts regarding forensic and psychological assessments
• Ability to provide direct services in accordance with accepted professional standards
• Ability to function as a member of the psychology management team
• Ability to provide individual and family education regarding serious mental illness
• Ability to complete treatment documentation in electronic medical record using computer
• Ability to communicate assessment data and treatment/discharge implications to team members, courts, and patients where appropriate
• Ability to educate staff in correct implementation of individual and group therapy programs as well as Individualized Intervention programs as needed
• Ability to operate a computer and applicable software
• Ability to train and supervise the work of others

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

• Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in psychology
• One year of supervised experience by a licensed psychologist in the field of psychological services; the year of supervised experience may be interpreted as an academic year of full-time supervised internship in an approved clinical program.
• One year of experience conducting both forensic evaluations and standard psychological assessments and writing reports with forensic populations in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
• Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market: San Antonio