Description

Position Title: Clinical Psychologist - JBCR Program

Employment Type: Part-Time, non-exempt

Reports To: Forensic Psychiatrist / Clinical Director

Location: Gadsden County Detention Facility

Position Summary
The Clinical Psychologist provides specialized forensic mental health services for the Jail-Based Competency Restoration (JBCR) program. This part-time role, up to 25 hours per week, focuses on evaluating and treating justice-involved individuals who have been judicially determined incompetent to proceed to trial. The Clinical Psychologist conducts forensic evaluations, delivers competency restoration treatment, provides clinical consultation to the multidisciplinary team, prepares forensic reports, offers expert testimony, and responds to psychiatric crises within the correctional setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Forensic Evaluations (30%)
Conduct court-ordered updates on competency to stand trial for JBCR participants

Perform specialized psychological assessments related to malingering, cognitive impairment, and other forensic concerns

Review collateral records, legal documents, clinical histories, and behavioral observations to support forensic opinions

Administer, score, and interpret psychological and forensic assessment instruments as clinically indicated

Prepare clear, objective, and defensible forensic reports for submission to the court and other authorized parties

Maintain timely and accurate documentation of all forensic evaluation activities

Competency Restoration Treatment (30%)
Facilitate evidence-based individual and group treatment sessions designed to restore legal competency

Provide psychoeducation regarding courtroom procedures, legal rights, courtroom personnel, and trial-related decision-making

Address psychiatric, cognitive, and behavioral barriers that may interfere with competency restoration

Monitor participant progress toward restoration and modify treatment approaches as clinically appropriate

Collaborate with the treatment team regarding participant response to interventions and restoration readiness

Document treatment services thoroughly and in a timely manner

Clinical Consultation (15%)
Provide expert clinical guidance to the multidisciplinary team, including the Jail Administrator, LCSWs, Forensic Peer Specialists, nursing staff, and psychiatric providers

Assist in the management of complex, high-risk, or severely mentally ill participants

Support treatment planning by offering diagnostic clarification and behavioral recommendations

Participate in treatment team meetings and case consultations as needed

Expert Testimony and Court Reporting (15%)
Prepare comprehensive forensic summaries, progress updates, and court reports regarding competency status

Provide professional expert testimony in court proceedings when required by the judiciary

Communicate clinical and forensic findings in a manner that is objective, well-supported, and understandable to legal stakeholders

Coordinate with attorneys, court personnel, and program leadership as appropriate and permitted

Crisis Management and Risk Assessment (10%)
Perform emergency mental health evaluations for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises within the jail setting

Conduct suicide risk assessments, violence risk assessments, and other urgent clinical evaluations as needed

Provide recommendations for stabilization, higher level of care, or additional psychiatric intervention

Support staff in responding to behavioral health emergencies while maintaining safety and security standards

Required Qualifications
Education and Licensure
Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology from an APA-accredited program

Active, clear, and unrestricted license as a Psychologist in the State of Florida

License must be in good standing with no disciplinary actions

Training
Completion of specialized Florida forensic examiner training strongly preferred

Additional forensic psychology, competency restoration, or correctional mental health training preferred

Experience
Experience conducting forensic mental health evaluations strongly preferred

Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness, cognitive impairment, or co-occurring disorders preferred

Experience in correctional, forensic, state hospital, or other secure treatment settings highly desirable

Experience providing expert testimony and writing forensic reports preferred

Knowledge and Skills
Strong knowledge of forensic mental health principles and competency to stand trial standards

Skill in conducting psychological assessments and interpreting findings in forensic contexts

Knowledge of evidence-based interventions for competency restoration and serious mental illness

Strong crisis assessment, risk evaluation, and clinical decision-making skills

Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and legally sound reports

Ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, legal professionals, and court personnel

Ability to maintain professional objectivity, sound judgment, and confidentiality in a correctional environment

Other Requirements
Must pass a Level 2 background screening and security clearance for jail entry

Must comply with all facility security requirements and program policies

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a secure correctional setting

Reliable transportation and valid Florida driver's license preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work is performed in a secure correctional facility

Daily interaction with justice-involved individuals, including those with serious mental illness and behavioral instability

May encounter verbally aggressive, disorganized, or psychiatrically acute individuals

Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the facility during the workday

Must be able to respond promptly and appropriately during emergency situations

Part-time schedule up to 25 hours per week, based on program needs