Forensic Psychologist - Detainee & Crisis Systems

About the role

The Forensic Psychologist directs the restoration process of defendants in the Restoration to Competency (RTC) Program in the Pima County Jail. This position writes status and final reports to the Court as defined by A.R.S. 13-4514, within established guidelines, and selects and administers the appropriate specialized testing related to the competency to stand trial skill set.

Responsibilities

• Writes formal reports for the court, summarizing all the information gathered, providing an opinion, diagnosis, and factual basis regarding competency;
• Mets with defendants, forensic educators, and the RTC psychiatrist within established timelines and benchmarks set out by RTC operating policy;
• Selects and administers the appropriate specialized testing related to the competency to stand trial skill set in the areas such as IQ, memory function, effort, and malingering, along with other considerations;
• Consults with the RTC psychiatrist on health-related needs a RTC defendant may present that is a barrier to competency;
• Conducts defendant related investigative efforts such as examination of history, behavior displayed in custody, listening to jail phone calls, and observing taped visits;
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of the applicable laws in Arizona related to Competency, Sell Hearings and Title 36, and maintains ongoing continuing education related to clinical and/or impacts of competency and statute changes;
• Testsifies at contested competency hearings as ordered by the court;
• Maintains and updates all restricted and specialized testing material related to RTC;
• Maintains knowledge of applicable laws and statutes related to competency and testimony.

Requirements

This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic or Clinical Psychology;
• Experience working with Restoration to Competency cases, Rule 11 evaluations and Competency Statutes;
• Experience with testifying when ordered by the courts;
• Experience with writing forensic reports;
• Experience with working with current or previously incarcerated individuals.

Skills

A working knowledge of the applicable laws in Arizona related to Competency, Sell Hearings and Title 36, and maintaining ongoing continuing education related to clinical and/or impacts of competency and statute changes.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

$96,200 - $144,289 Annually

Schedule

N/A