Psychologist II - Forensics Services Department

Department Information

--------------------------

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 State’s 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 forensic 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\.

The Court Services Postdoctoral Forensic Fellowship Program develops and provides training to those accepted to this selective program to become subject matter experts in forensic evaluation. This program is nationally recognized, accepted by the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) for the experience waiver, and is approved to offer continuing education credits (CEU) through the American Psychological Association (APA). During the course of the training program, fellows directly contribute to all forensic evaluations court ordered to the OCFMH.

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 must make critical decisions in dynamic, fast-paced environments to ensure a high level of accountability in 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.

Description of Job

----------------------

This position assists the director of training within the Court Services Department and the fellowship training program. This position supports the achievement of all requirements to remain in good standing with the American Board of Forensic Psychology’s (ABFP) experience waiver, approved status as a provider of continuing education units (CEU), the American Psychological Association (APA) and/or Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). This position contributes to the determination of program admission/denial for all applicants, implements fellowship criteria and course of training, offers direct clinical supervision to all fellows, assesses and informs the performance management of all fellows, ensures timely completion of all evaluations, and adheres to all policies and procedures specific to the program. This position also contributes to the partnership with the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine shared didactic series and coordination of external training opportunities from national experts. This position directly contributes and leads the education and training series of both psychology and psychiatry fellows, who then function within our departments via evaluation completion.

This program exists to train evaluators and ensure the timely, high-quality completion of court-ordered evaluations and restoration reports required by Colorado Courts. This position provides direct operational and clinical supervision of assigned direct report staff. This position is expected to supervise the fellowship staff and/or Psychologist I positions with allowance for more independence based on the needs of the department. In addition, the department creates and provides training and supervision of forensic evaluators, fellowship, doctoral students, and interns. This position may assist in all training of Court Services staff regarding processes, legislation, best practices, and legislative updates. Other duties include:

Fellowship Caseload:

• Responsible for the training, supervision, and oversight of all forensic evaluations conducted by the postdoctoral fellowship trainees. As such, this position is based on the Pueblo campus to be present during evaluations, to offer direct guidance and support for all forensic evaluations, and to travel to locations throughout Colorado to appropriately train and supervise such evaluations.
• Reviews all evaluations completed by the fellowship trainees prior to submission to the Courts until one achieves approval for other practice arrangements. In conducting these duties, this position must be able to meet short deadlines, engage in follow-up defendant interactions, edit and correct reports, and offer responses to the Court.
• Should testimony be required, this position will offer the Court such testimony as the licensed psychologist responsible for the work product of the unlicensed trainees.
• This will require maintaining a valid, regular Colorado Driver’s license for the duration of employment.

Forensic Evaluation - Independent Caseload:* Completes an average of six (6) restoration and/or competency evaluations (or the equivalent based on sanity and mental condition or risk evaluations) per month and may be specifically assigned to high-profile cases on behalf of the department.

• Required to 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.
• Required to offer the Court testimony when so required.
• This will require maintaining a valid, regular Colorado Driver’s license for the duration of employment.

Work Lead:* Direct work lead for the postdoctoral fellows (Health Professional I), in positions IIB-03826, IIB-03798, and IIB-06149\.

• Influences on accountability and is available for consultation and education on reviews and evaluations.
• Foster the fellows' development through observation training during their various evaluations and stepwise increases in their autonomy.
• Communicates goals, objectives, and announcements/news of the department through the most effective means (e.g., staff meetings, email, individual interactions, etc.).
• Facilitates staff development, such as mentoring and coaching, and reinforces education and training by scheduling regular individual and/or group meetings and case consultations.
• Performs quality control checks on evaluations at a minimum of two times per year (October and April) and provides feedback to employees.
• Trains employees on changes to processes and procedures.
• 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 and the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, all State/Federal Statutes, State Licensing/Credentialing and Regulatory Board standards affecting the evaluation of competency.

Administrative Program Support:* Supports the director of training in the implementation of requirements associated with the director’s administrative oversight of the postdoctoral fellowship training program. This includes ensuring that processes and expectations set forth by the training director are adhered to to maintain the fellowship's standing within the American Board of Forensic Psychology’s (ABFP) experience waiver and its approved status as a provider of continuing education units (CEU).

• Supports all program obligations being met timely, contributes to the application and interview process for each cohort, adheres to any criteria, requirements, and timelines put forth by the American Psychological Association (APA) and/or Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), adheres to admission/denial for all applicants, may contribute to the hiring process, ensures fellowship criteria and course of training are being adhered to, and ensures timely completion of all evaluations.
• Contributes to the partnership with the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine's shared didactic series, as well as to the coordination of external training opportunities with national experts.

Forensic Assessment Mandatory Training:

Under the direction of the training director* Contributes to training for those performing court-ordered evaluations on behalf of forensic services.

• Contributes, reviews, and supports the accuracy of training materials and ensures that they are in line with best practices, reflect evolving discipline norms, and meet the needs of those performing this work.
• Will remain up to date on processes, legislation, and current best practices, which are critical to the agency's mission and fundamental business operations, and will provide the department with training and information on these issues.
• Stays abreast of best practices and current literature in forensic psychology. This position partners with national experts to offer inservice training opportunities throughout the year.

Fellowship Didactic Education Series:* In addition to the other duties detailed regarding the contribution to the fellowship program, the director of training and the contributor to the creation of didactic educational series in partnership with the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine.

• May lead certain didactic series in partnership with designated leadership through the University for both psychological and psychiatric fellows, who then function within our department as evaluators.
• Must maintain their knowledge base, level of expertise, and be aware of changes to State and Federal laws, as well as maintain nuanced knowledge of case law.

Other Duties as Assigned:* 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.

• Requires experience with previous supervision and training of staff. It is preferred that the position has board certification in Forensic Psychology and/or has specialized training and work experience conducting court-ordered forensic evaluations, and management skills for oversight of the post-doctoral forensic fellowship program.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment \& Appeal Rights

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

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

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

No Substitutions

Special Qualifications:* Current Licensed Psychologist with the State of Colorado

Preferred Qualifications:* Experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness

• Experience conducting forensic evaluations, specifically competency and/or sanity/mental condition evaluations
• Degree as PsyD or PhD in Clinical Psychology
• Prior training and/or supervisory experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to use independent judgment to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines
• Prior State Experience

Conditions of Employment:* Travel: In-state travel required. Requires regular travel between offices, CMHHIP, CMHIHFL, and

various detention facilities in state vehicles at times.

• Other: Influenza, COVID-19, and other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado
• Full Background Check: 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 standardized test results.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent that 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 responses and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity).

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 (Download PDF reader).
• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

+ By email ([email protected]), 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 acknowledgment 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.

Supplemental Information

----------------------------

• 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 [email protected].

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.