Forensic Evaluator

Gateways San Diego County Conditional Release Program

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center (a non-profit mental health agency) seeks licensed (or license-eligible) Psychologists to fulfill the role of Forensic Evaluator for the San Diego County Conditional Release Program (CONREP). The CONREP program as a whole provides court- and parole-mandated treatment and supervision to individuals transitioning from the Department of State Hospitals back into the community. As part of CONREP’s Evaluation Unit, the Forensic Evaluator conducts various assessments to assist legal decision makers determine appropriate placement and level of supervision for these individuals.

This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to expand or hone his/her skills in:

• Forensic mental health assessment
• Violence risk assessment
• Case conceptualization
• Treatment planning/recommendations
• Court report writing
• Expert witness testimony
• Consultation with courts and treatment providers

The Forensic Evaluator will work primarily with individuals found Incompetent to Stand Trial, though will also have the opportunity to work with additional forensic populations, including individuals found Guilty, but Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity and Offenders with a Mental Health Disorder. Specifically, you will conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine whether these individuals are suitable for treatment in the community or, given their level of risk, require treatment in a locked setting. Additional evaluations include Restoration to Sanity and routine six-month assessments to track individuals’ functioning and provide treatment-planning recommendations. The evaluations take place at local jails, courthouses, various State Hospitals, or remotely.

In addition to conducting evaluations, the Forensic Evaluator provides expert testimony, presents cases for CONREP’s outpatient treatment providers, and consults with the jail and/or state hospital treatment teams. Last, you will have the unique opportunity to interface with multiple key stakeholders in the forensic mental health system, including the Department of State Hospitals, the Superior Courts in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties, District Attorney’s Offices, Public Defender’s Offices, the Department of Parole, CONREP Operations, and other community-based providers.

For consideration, candidates should have the following:

• Licensed or License-eligible as a Psychologist (i.e., holds PsyD or PhD) in California
• Experience providing assessment, including assessing dangerousness/violence risk in a forensic setting (HCR-v3 preferred)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with individuals with severe mental illness & substance abuse problems
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Diagnostic skills using the DSM-5
• Valid driver’s license

This is a full-time position, with benefits, and allows for partial remote work.

For additional information contact Dr. Melinda Wolbransky, at mwolbransky@gatewayshospital.org