Psychologist III

About the Role

Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute (SVMHI) is a 72‑bed state psychiatric hospital in Danville, VA, serving a primarily forensic patient population. The forensic psychologist provides assessment, diagnosis, and legal expertise for individuals acquitted by reason of insanity, defendants undergoing competency restoration, and inmates requiring pre‑ and post‑trial treatment. The role includes answering psychological referral questions, preparing treatment update reports for jails, attorneys, and courts, and presenting testimony in legal settings. Psychologists have access to extensive educational resources, including didactic training, webinars, and expert consultation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic psychological assessments and provide diagnostic evaluations.
• Develop and implement treatment plans and psychotherapy for forensically involved individuals.
• Answer referral questions and prepare treatment update reports for courts, jails, and attorneys.
• Provide expert testimony and present findings in legal proceedings.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary treatment team to coordinate care.
• Develop behavioral assistance plans and analyze behavior patterns.
• Manage crises and respond to emergency situations.
• Utilize basic computer skills for word processing, test scoring, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from an APA‑accredited program or equivalent recognized by the Virginia licensing board.
• Completion of an APA‑accredited predoctoral internship.
• Experience working with forensically involved individuals with mental illness.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Virginia Licensed Clinical Psychologist license within 12 months of hire.
• Eligibility to obtain DBHDS forensic certification through the Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy (ILPPP) within 12 months of hire.
• Comprehensive knowledge of psychological principles, ethical standards, diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and psychotherapy.
• Proficiency in administering and scoring basic psychological testing instruments.
• Ability to assess and treat a variety of clinical presentations and familiarity with psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery models.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and develop behavioral assistance plans.
• Strong crisis management skills and ability to present/testify in court.
• Basic computer skills (word processing, computerized test scoring, etc.).

Additional Considerations

• Forensic certification by Virginia’s Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy.
• Board certification in forensic psychology (preferred).
• Veterans and individuals with National Service experience are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• $8,000 sign‑on bonus for candidates new to state service who remain employed for one year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• 12+ paid vacation days.
• 8 paid sick days.
• 4+ paid family/personal days per year.
• Family Medical Leave.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• Low‑cost comprehensive health insurance (Anthem or AETNA).
• Group life insurance and optional additional life insurance.
• Flexible reimbursement accounts.
• Referral bonuses.
• Potential eligibility for a Virginia 529 College Savings Plan.
• State employee discounts and additional benefits.

Pay

Hiring range: $126,321 – $166,723 (Pay Band 6).