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
