Psychologist III - Forensic Psychologist

Job no:
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Danville, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services

Title: Psychologist III - Forensic Psychologist

State Role Title: 49213

Hiring Range: $126,321 - $166,723

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Southern Va Mental Health Inst

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/svmhi/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and dedicated professionals while putting your forensic assessment and clinical skills to work? Are you looking to increase your exposure to forensic psychology cases with opportunities for assessment, diagnosis, and legal experience? As a forensic psychologist working for Virginia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), you will have access to psychological referral questions across a wide range of legal codes, diagnoses, and patient presentations. You will also have access to educational resources to include didactic training, webinars, and expert consultation.

Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute is seeking a forensic psychologist to assist patients in their recovery and answer mental health questions for the courts and jails. We are a 72-bed state psychiatric hospital located in Danville, VA with most of our patient population being forensic. The forensic psychologist works with individuals acquitted not guilty by reason of insanity, as well as defendants ordered for competency restoration, and inmates ordered for pre- and post-trail treatment. The forensic psychologist also answers referral questions and provides treatment update reports to jails, attorneys, and courts.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in psychology (e.g. Ph.D., Psy.D.) from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or an equivalent accrediting body recognized by the Virginia licensing board, as required for licensure eligibility.

Completion of a predoctoral internship accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or an equivalent accrediting body, as required for licensure eligibility as outlined in Code of Virginia Regulation 18VAC125-20-54E.

Experience as a doctoral degree psychologist in working with forensically involved individuals with mental illness.

Must currently hold or be able to obtain license through the Virginia Department of Health Professions as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist within 12 months of hire and maintain such licensure throughout employment in this role.

Must currently hold or be able to complete the DBHDS forensic certification through the Institute of Law Psychiatry and Public Policy (ILPPP) within 12 months of hire.

This position will also require:
Comprehensive knowledge of psychological principles, practices, and ethical standards as evidenced by rigorous, accredited training programs.
Strong skills in diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and psychotherapy, typically acquired through APA-accredited doctoral programs and internships.
Proficiency in the administration and scoring of basic psychological testing instruments.
Proficiency in assessing and treating individuals with a variety of clinical presentations.
Familiarity with psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery model.
Strong oral and written communications skills.
Ability to analyze behavior patterns and develop behavioral assistance plans.
Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary treatment team.
Strong crisis management skills.
Ability to present/testify well in court.
Previous basic computer skills (word processing, computerized test scoring, etc.).
This position requires adherence to the highest standards of professional practice, as demonstrated by training in programs meeting national accreditation standards for psychology.

Additional Considerations

Forensic certification by Virginia's Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy. Board certification in forensic psychology.
Veterans and people with National Service.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Applicants must list all relevant experience that you wish to be considered for this position. Applicants will be provided confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 434-421-3060

Email: [email protected]

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 18 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 07 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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