Psychologist-Forensic Evaluator-Utah State Hospital

If you have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a passion for Forensic Evaluation, come shape the future of justice and mental health by joining Utah's Forensic Evaluation Program. Become an integral part of a dedicated team of professionals at the Utah State Hospital (USH), Division of Services for People With Disabilities (DSPD), and Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services within the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

Principal Duties

The Psychologist - Forensic Evaluators at the Utah State Hospital are responsible primarily for Forensic Evaluations throughout Utah in coordination with the Utah State Hospital (USH), Division of Services for People With Disabilities (DSPD), Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS) Competency Program, and District and Juvenile Courts requesting the forensic evaluations.

In addition, this may include input on training, inter-agency communication, service coordination, data collection and outcome evaluation. The Psychologist in this position performs the following tasks:

• Assesses, opines, and generates reports on competence to proceed, guilty with a mental condition, diminished capacity, malingering, and juvenile competency to proceed;

• Selects, administers, and interprets psychological tests and assessments;

• Reports results, findings or recommendations;

• Acts as an expert witness. Gives testimony and/or recommendations in court cases and/or hearings;

• Consults with members of a cross-disciplinary team to discuss new or unusual situations, findings, options, and recommendations on client/patient cases.

Great Opportunities! 

• Opportunity to participate in forensic didactics presented by licensed and practicing forensic psychologists, multi-day trainings in forensic evaluation presented by national experts, a weekly journal club focused on case law and other forensic issues, and an annual mock trial.

• Opportunity to provide supervision and training within predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship programs.

• Support can be offered for research in orensic evaluation and treatment related topics.

Minimum Requirements:/ Preferred Requirements:

The model candidate for this position is someone who has:

• A License as a Psychologist in the State of Utah or is eligible to practice in the State of Utah.

• At least one year of experience (either in graduate school, predoctoral  internship, or postdoctoral fellowship/training) in conducting forensic evaluations (e.g., competency to proceed, mental state at time of the offense).

• Training in adolescent brain development, intellectual disability, and related conditions (e.g. Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury).

• Training or experience in written and oral communication with legal personnel, such as attorneys and Judges.

• Training or experience in providing courtroom testimony.

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance, mental processes, psychological research, or assessment, methods, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

• The ability to communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing

• The ability to read and understand information presented in writing.

• The ability to enter, transcribe, record, store, or maintain information in either written or electronic form.

Preferences

Preference may be given to candidates who:

• Are licensed two years or more, have board certification, are board eligible, or have a clear path towards board certification in Forensic Psychology.

Why You Should Join Our Team

This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to apply your specialized skills in a mission-driven environment. You will be a valued member of a team dedicated to supporting one of Utah's most important healthcare institutions. In addition to a competitive salary, the State of Utah provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family.

• Health Insurance: Multiple medical plan options, including a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Opt-out cash benefit available.

• Dental & Vision: Multiple dental and vision plan options available.

• Paid Leave: Accrue 4 hours of annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave per pay period, with accrual rates increasing with state longevity. 12 paid holidays per year.

• Retirement: A generous 10% employer contribution to your Utah Retirement Systems (URS) account (Tier II). Options include a Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or a Defined Contribution Plan.

To review the full benefits summary and access a Total Compensation Calculator, please visit the main state benefits page here.

Additional Benefits:  

• Access to a UTA Bus Pass.

• Cafeteria on site with meals, snacks and drinks available for purchase. 

• Access to the Utah State Hospital Disc Golf Course.

• Access to comfort rooms while on campus, as well as other mental wellness benefits.

The Utah State Hospital is a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility, fully accredited from the Joint Commission and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare, certifying the high quality of the Hospital's environment and treatment programs. Our beautiful campus is situated at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, conveniently close to all the best recreation Utah Valley has to offer. For more information about the Utah State Hospital, our philosophy, mission, and treatment programs, we invite you to browse our website.