Forensic Psychologist

Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute is 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-trial treatment. The forensic psychologist also answers referral questions and provides treatment update reports to jails, attorneys, and courts.

About the Role

• 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.).
• Adherence to the highest standards of professional practice, as demonstrated by training in programs meeting national accreditation standards for psychology.

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.

Additional Considerations

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

Pay

Hiring Range: $123,326 - $161,762