Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow

Job Description and Duties

The Psychologist (Safety) – Forensic Postdoctoral Fellow will be directed by the Senior Psychologist Supervisor in the Forensic Services Department at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• The Postdoctoral Fellow conducts forensic evaluations across all DSH-A forensic commitments (e.g., PC 1370, PC 2962/2972, PC 1026)
• The Postdoctoral Fellow writes forensic and psychological assessment reports that accurately and concisely integrate and communicate information from chart reviews, interview data, mental status exams, testing data, and collateral sources
• The Postdoctoral Fellow will be required to provide expert witness testimony on their forensic opinions in Superior Courts throughout the State of California, as well as before the Board of Parole.
• Attend weekly seminars conducted by members of the Forensic Services Department staff or other designated speakers
• Consult with treatment teams and other unit staff during the course of the forensic evaluation process and provide forensic consultation services during other designated times during the training year

Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on a certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.

If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.

Click here to take the Psychologist Examination

Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the department and is subject to change as business needs arise.
• Alternate work schedules may be available for this position.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

• Applicants must have a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology, or a Psy.D. in clinical psychology, from an APA or CPA approved graduate program by the start of the fellowship year.
• Applicants must have completed an APA or CPA approved pre-doctoral internship by the start of the fellowship year.
• Completion of doctoral degree is required to begin the fellowship.
• The Medical Staff of DSH-Atascadero requires Psychologist candidates meet the Medical Staff criteria for allied health professional privileging set forth in the facility bylaws. Candidates applying for both licensed and unlicensed positions must submit the required documents listed under the Required Application Documents Section.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Relevant training and experience conducting forensic evaluations, either independently or under supervision (e.g., competency to stand trial, mental state at the time of the offense, violence risk).
• Experience completing psychodiagnostic evaluations for adults with a range of psychological conditions and/or severe mental illness in acute inpatient or forensic settings.
  
• Proficiency in utilizing psychological assessment instruments with adult populations.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct culturally informed psychological assessments.
• Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
• Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually – specific accrual rates can be found here )
• Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
• Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• ScholarShare (college savings account)
• On-the-job training and professional development
• Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

Letter of Interest

Your Letter of Interest (LOI) should be typed in Arial, 12-point font, single spaced, with 1" margins, and be no more than 2 pages in length. A resume, cover letter, or statement of qualifications will not be accepted in lieu of a LOI. Your LOI should address the following:

• What interested you in the field of Forensic Psychology and this program
• Any relevant training and experience in forensic evaluation, psychological assessment, and work with individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
• A brief description of your career objectives following the completion of your fellowship year, as well as longer term career projections

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other -
  • Candidates must submit a copy of their unofficial college transcripts with their application (STD. 678).
    • Transcripts must include candidate's name, the name of the school, and the date the degree was conferred, if applicable, in order to be considered for this position.
    • Foreign transcripts must include verification for US equivalency from an independent company.
    • Please ensure that the birthdate and social security number are redacted from the transcripts.
• Other -
  • A Letter of Interest (LOI) is required and must be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an attached LOI will not be considered. See the Letter of Interest section for what is required to be addressed in the LOI.
• Other -
  • Candidates must include a copy of their current CV that includes months and years of experience.
• Other -
  • Candidates must include two (2) redacted example patient reports.