Dshs Cstc Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologist - Evaluator

What inspired you to be a Psychologist? Make a difference. Work that matters.

As an expert in juvenile forensic mental health evaluations, bring your specialized knowledge of forensic evaluations, the juvenile justice system and the role of forensic evaluations within juvenile justice to provide services to juvenile courts throughout the state of Washington at the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood, WA.

With its focus on strong clinical diagnosis to address the rehabilitation orientation of the juvenile justice system, this role offers an opportunity to make significant contributions to the lives of children, teens, and families. As an Evaluator, you will have the opportunity to make mental health expertise relevant to a major social system by serving the courts and working with legal professionals who pursue the ideals of maintaining respect for the justice system. In addition, the hospital setting allows for multi-disciplinary collaboration with professionals providing other mental health interventions, such as social workers and university medical school affiliated psychiatrists.

In addition to living in the wonderful state of Washington and its natural beauty, receive a comprehensive medical benefits package, pension plan, and opportunities to grow and advance. We also support a hybrid work model with the understanding that travel to CSTC campus throughout the work week will be required for certain business needs.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. 

Watch the video below to learn more about why people like you chose a career with DSHS:

Some of what you will do

• Complete forensic evaluations mostly focused on competency to stand trial

• Evaluate referred youth to form opinions regarding clinical diagnoses, developmental status, competence to stand trial, and likelihood of restoration

• Write reports to inform courts of opinions made

• Work, consult, and collaborate with forensic evaluators across the state of Washington

• Provide competency restoration services

We are looking for

• A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)

• Licensed or eligible to obtain a license in Washington to practice psychology

• Training and/or experience working with patients/clients involved with the justice system

• Knowledge of normal child/adolescent development, developmental psychopathology, and developmental delays as identified in youth

• Training and experience in administering, scoring and interpreting psychological assessment instruments

In-Training Opportunity

This position is eligible as a 6 month In-Training position allowing those with a doctorate degree, but not yet fully licensed to apply.  The selected candidate will have up to 6-months to become fully licensed as a Forensic Evaluator and demonstrate they have satisfactorily achieved the in-training objectives.

The In-Training Forensic Psychology Resident will focus on familiarization with the Child Study and Treatment Center Forensic services rules, policies and basic resources.   Upon successful completion of the in-training plan and licensure as a Psychologist in the State of Washington the incumbent will advance to probation status as a Psychologist Forensic Evaluator.

Interested? When applying, we ask that you please provide a Forensic Evaluation. This should include a referral source and question, the background of the patient/client, diagnostic formulation, and an opinion/recommendation section.

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform Lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's mission that you bring an equity, anti-racism and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Contact jourdan.phipps@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 03494Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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