Psychologist II - Forensics Services Department

Title: Psychologist II - Forensics Services Department

Location: 1600 W 24th St, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

Full-time

Hybrid

Salary - $103,452.00 Annually

Job Description:

This position is open to current Colorado residents only

Located within the Colorado Department of Human Services, the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH) is responsible for policy development, service provision and coordination, program monitoring and evaluation, and administrative oversight for the public behavioral health system.  OCFMH funds, supports and monitors numerous mental health and substance abuse community programs and providers. OCFMH also operates the Colorado Mental Health Hospitals at Fort Logan and Pueblo and the Forensic Services Division. OCFMH executes the States' federal responsibilities as the State Mental Health Authority and State Substance Abuse Authority for the purposes of administering federal mental health and substance abuse block grant funds.

The Forensic Services Division is responsible for six departments, including Forensic Community-Based Services (FCBS), Jail-Based Evaluation and Restoration (JBR), Outpatient Restoration (OPR), the Forensic Support Team (FST), the Court Services Department, and the Operations Department. The Court Services Department employs forensically practicing psychologists to provide evaluative services statewide, with staff in Pueblo, Denver, and other locations.  Evaluators complete all court ordered forensic evaluations for defendants in criminal cases as so ordered by the court. These evaluations are performed in the jail, in the community, at CMHHIP, or at CMHHIFL and are performed by psychologists and psychiatrists, as mandated in the Colorado Statute, 16-8.5. 

Our teams work within various settings including community agencies, jails, courts, and hospitals. The locations can include locked units and secure facilities and our clients may at times be unpredictable due to their mental health needs. Our team is required to make critical decisions in dynamic and fast-paced environments in order to ensure a high level of accountability for patient care. Our staff are required to maintain updated skills, knowledge, abilities, and competencies necessary to the position through continuing education, clinical supervision, literature review, and discipline and team development. This position may be required to travel throughout Colorado to meet the needs of the department.

Weekly Hybrid Working Arrangements

Minimum 2 days In Office and Maximum 3 days Remote Work

This position will comply with the Forensics Services Department's current 

working arrangements. 

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.

The purpose of this position is to provide clinical and administrative supervision to Court Services evaluators, serve as a subject matter expert in designated forensic subspecialities, contribute to the establishment of best practices, policies, and procedures for the work unit, contribute to stakeholder engagement, education, training, and legislative review, and continue to practice forensic evaluation. In doing evaluations, this position is responsible for providing proper mental health diagnoses, statutory opinions, and testimony. In doing so, psychological testing measures may be required, which this position is responsible for maintaining an appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge for commonly utilized measures. This position often collaborates with internal and external stakeholders in their area of expertise and supports training needs of the department for both staff and trainees. Within supervision, this position is responsible for the oversight of evaluator schedules, assignments, productivity reviews, quality assurance reviews, feedback, performance reviews, progressive discipline, and departmental communications. This position is required to remain up to date with expert knowledge in internal process, statute, case law, best practices, and legislation. The consultation provided by this position is accepted as fact and is considered staff expert opinion that will directly influence decision making. Lastly, this position may contribute to departmental data tracking, analysis, and interpretation in order to provide data driven recommendations. Supervisory staff are responsible for completing a variety of forensic evaluations; however, each also has a designated area of expertise. 

Supervisory staff are responsible for completing a variety of forensic evaluations; however, each also has a designated area of expertise. Other duties include:

Supervision:

• Responsible for employee supervisory duties within the work unit. This includes provision of clinical and administrative supervision, professional development, employee performance evaluations, employee performance plans, corrective and disciplinary actions, monitoring staff assignments and quota, staff scheduling, position descriptions, recruitment, retention, interviewing and hiring, onboarding, training, and ensuring division-wide required training has been completed. 
• Facilitates orientation for newly hired psychologists in collaboration with the department. 
• Responsible for the completion of department-specific audits to support high-quality report writing and professional growth. 
• Responsible for communicating goals, objectives, and division/department announcements through the most effective means (e.g., staff meetings, email, individual interactions, etc.). 
• Reviews productivity numbers with employees, sets expectations, and administers performance improvement plans as needed. 
• Promotes operational and administrative compliance with Forensic Services and CDHS policies and procedures, the American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, all State/Federal Statutes, and State Licensing/Credentialing and Regulatory Board standards. 

Forensic Evaluations:

• Continues to practice and complete evaluations on behalf of the department. The type of forensic evaluations completed may vary based on subject matter expertise, departmental demand, and individual interests. 
• Completes an average of six restoration and/or competency evaluations (or the equivalent based on sanity, mental condition, risk, release, or juvenile evaluations) per month. 
• Supervise evaluators across the State and may complete evaluations across the state in order to respond to fluctuating court orders. 
• Travel to locations throughout Colorado in order to respond to short deadlines and the need for prompt and, in some cases, immediate response to a court-ordered evaluation. This will require maintaining a valid, regular Colorado Driver's license for the duration of employment. 

Subject Matter Expert (SME): Training and Consultation:

• Expected to hold and maintain subject matter expertise in forensic evaluations, which requires ongoing education and review of relevant research/literature, national best practices, case law, and state statute. 
• Creates training for internal and external stakeholders as needed on behalf of the Department and as identified by the Court Services leadership team. 
• Responsible for ensuring the training needs of contracted employees are met, which may involve separate training sessions from our internal staff training sessions. Supervisors are actively involved in the annual departmental training in order to provide support to evaluators and ensure quality evaluations, and may also directly support student training opportunities for externs, interns, and fellows in both clinical and didactic forms. 
• Will be relied upon for statutory change proposals and legislative hearings. 
• Responsible for maintaining subject matter expertise in quality assurance as it relates to best practices for forensic evaluations. As such, this position will directly inform internal best practices, report templates, and auditing tools. 

Policy and Procedure:

• Expected to be a direct contributor to the establishment and updating of all Court Services policies and procedures and may be asked to contribute to Division wide policy and procedures. In doing so, there may be certain data this position is required to track as it pertains to their role or the role of those they supervise in order to make data-informed decisions. 
• Responsible for ensuring direct report staff are knowledgeable of all policy and procedure on an ongoing basis. Should staff struggle to adhere to policy and procedure, the supervisor is responsible for addressing this through performance measures. 
• In collaboration with department leadership, they are responsible for identifying gaps or barriers to successful implementation and determining when policies or procedures may need to be updated to meet the department's changing needs. 

Other Duties As Assigned:

• This position may be called upon to perform tasks or undertake special assignments or projects deemed necessary by OCFMH, but not specifically referenced in the above duties.

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

Current, valid licensure as a Psychologist from the Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners

Three (3) years of experience as a licensed psychologist or permitted psychologist candidate, two of which must have been at the level of a fully operating psychologist

No Substitutions

Note: this position considers years of professional licensure

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness

• PhD and PsyD in Psychology

• Experience conducting psychological assessments

• Experience in the area of Forensic Evaluations

• Clear and effective written and oral communication skills

• Ability to use independent judgment to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines

• 3 years of experience working independently as a forensic evaluator.

Experience with a variety of forensic evaluations, including competence to stand trial, restoration, risk, release, mental condition, and sanity.

•  Travel - Explain: In-state travel required. Requires regular travel between offices, CMHIP, CMHI-FL, and various detention facilities

Conditions of Employment:

• Annual influenza and other vaccines as required by the State of CO
• Full Background  CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons):

CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults - Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

• Disclose that information on the application.

• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

• Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. 

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
• Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process 

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review 

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.     

Supplemental Questions 

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

• By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

• Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

• Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

• Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

•  Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

• How to apply to the State of Colorado(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.