Forensic Psychologist, Relief (PRN) JJTRIAD

For over 40 years, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) has provided support to the most underserved communities in Harris County with a vision to empower people with behavioral health and IDD needs to transform their lives. We are seeking professionals and persons interested in joining our organization, who are on a mission to help others, and who are passionate about this population. If you are seeking a fulfilling career that offers a competitive salary, excellent benefit package, retirement plans with company matching, prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual among other things, please search our open positions. Our employees are at the center of everything we do. We put our people first so they can make a difference in the lives of others. Come join our team today!!

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Forensic Psychologist, Relief (PRN) for our Juvenile Justice TRIAD program, 1200 Congress St. Houston, TX 77002, who will focus on supporting at-risk youth (ages 10 to 17) in Harris County who are experiencing behavioral or mental health challenges, or who have entered the juvenile justice system. The program focuses on prevention, early intervention, and stabilization. By providing comprehensive support, the department aims to improve the youth's daily coping skills, stabilize their mental health, and actively reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

The Forensic Psychologist in this position will primarily serve in a critical, multifaceted role focused on court evaluations, diagnostic testing, and system collaboration for youth involved in the legal system. The incumbent conducts clinical and legal assessments for children and adolescents (typically ages 10 to 17) who are referred by the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) or the Juvenile Courts.

Essential Job Functions:

· Conducting structured competency, sanity, and specialized forensic evaluations to determine a youth's legal standing and mental state.

· Interfacing continuously with judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and probation officers to gather case info and share findings.

· Compiling comprehensive, legally binding psychological profiles within strict statutory timeframes.

· Providing objective, science-based testimony in court regarding an adolescent's diagnosis, cognitive functioning, and legal competency.

· Conducting in-depth interviews with the child, as well as separate consultations with parents or caregivers.

· Administering and interpreting standardized intellectual testing (to assess cognitive capacity or potential intellectual disabilities) and personality testing.

· Analyzing educational, developmental, medical, and psychiatric histories to contextualize current behavioral or legal issues.

Requirements:

· Doctoral degree (Ph.D.), Doctoral Degree in Psychology

· Licensed as a psychologist in the State of Texas

· Minimum 5 years of clinical experience post-licensure working in the field of mental health.

· Minimum of 10 years’ experience conducting clinical/ psychological assessments of individuals with mental illness for courts.

· Must be able to meet state mandated criteria for conducting competency and sanity evaluations.

· Board Certification as a Forensic Psychologist by the American Board of Professional Psychology preferred.

· Not Board Certified as a Forensic Psychologist:

o 24 hours of specialized training or education in Forensic Psychology

 Required Knowledge

·         Knowledge of psychological assessment/ competency and sanity evaluation tools

·         Knowledge of diagnostic criteria, specific clinical features, and guidelines for formulating a diagnosis.

·         Knowledge of court requirements for competency and sanity evaluations.

Skills/Abilities

· Strong diagnostic skills, the ability to incorporate patient history, symptoms, environmental and related issues to formulate proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

· Strong communication skills, listening and interpersonal skills above average, written documentation is clear, concise and well-constructed.

· Effective time management and organization skills.

· Able to execute standard word processing software on the computer.