Psychologist (Fam. Court) II
About the Organization
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the United States. We provide essential outpatient, inpatient, and home-based services to more than one million New Yorkers every year across the city’s five boroughs. Our diverse workforce is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers through high-quality care, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.
About the Role
This class of positions encompasses professional and/or supervisory work in the field of forensic psychology within the City’s Family Court System. The role conducts court-ordered evaluations of a culturally diverse population of families, youths, and adults for juvenile delinquency, termination of parental rights, custody disputes, neglect and abuse cases, and other Family Court proceedings. Evaluations are conducted in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and psychology standards of care. As a mandated reporter, the position documents and reports suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the New York State Central Registry.
Responsibilities
- Conduct impartial and objective court-ordered forensic clinical evaluations for juvenile delinquency, termination of parental rights, custody issues, neglect and abuse cases, and other Family Court proceedings in compliance with program requirements and quality standards.
- Complete multiple clinical evaluations within the standard caseload requirements and timeframes of Family Court Mental Health Services (FCMHS).
- Evaluate individuals’ emotional and intellectual functioning through clinical interviewing, interactional observation, and/or standardized tests of personality, development, and intellectual capacity.
- Ensure evaluations comply with Family Court protocols and legal admissibility standards.
- Conduct research necessary to prepare court testimony and prepare formal written reports for Court records, including in emergency or expedited cases.
- Testify as an expert witness in Family Court cases where directly involved in evaluations.
- Participate in in-service educational and administrative activities in compliance with program requirements and quality standards.
- Conduct a sufficient number of interviews to render recommendations to the court with a reasonable degree of professional certainty.
- Obtain informed consent when necessary and inform all participants of the limits of confidentiality and conditions of disclosure.
- Make recommendations in evaluations utilizing information derived from the integration of all available data and prepare reports for court records in a timely manner.
- Supervise unlicensed psychologists, psychology interns, and psychologists-in-training, coordinating their activities with other City Agencies, including Secure Detention facilities, Non-Secure Detention Homes, and Group Homes.
- Assist with or coordinate training programs, conduct case conferences, and seminars for training purposes.
- Provide instructions to psychologists and psychologists-in-training on diagnostic and evaluation techniques.
- Review existing court, medical, and mental health records to compile respondents’ histories and summarize findings into reports for licensed psychologists’ use in evaluations.
- Conduct interviews with collateral contacts (e.g., family members, therapists, school staff) and summarize findings into reports for licensed psychologists’ use in evaluations.
- Administer, score, and interpret cognitive assessments and/or psychological tests, documenting testing procedures, results, and any environmental or individual limitations that may have affected test results.
- As a mandated reporter, document and report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the New York State Central Registry.
- Attend and participate in all general training and staff conferences, as assigned.
- Perform other relevant professional clinical activities, as directed and with required supervision.
Requirements
- Valid license and current registration to practice as a Psychologist issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED); or
- Valid limited permit to practice as a Psychologist issued by the NYSED, with the requirement to obtain a full license and current registration within six (6) months of appointment. Proof of the following must be submitted to NYSED:
- Passing the licensing examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
- Application for Licensure (Form 1).
- Certification of Professional Education (Form 2).
- Reports of Professional Experience/Certifications of Supervised Experience (Form 4).
- Must successfully complete the NYC Health + Hospitals Family Court Mental Health Services (FCMHS) Forensic Training Program within twelve (12) months of appointment.
- Must maintain a valid Psychologist license for the duration of employment by completing thirty-six (36) hours of Continuing Education (CE) from a New York State Department of Education-approved provider every three (3) years after initial certification.