Psychologist Candidate - Forensics Services Department

Department Information

Weekly Hybrid Working Arrangements

Minimum 2 days In Office and Maximum 3 days Remote Work

This position will comply with the Forensic Services Department's  current 

working arrangements.

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.

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 forensically practicing 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 conducted in the jail, in the community, at CMHHIP, or at CMHHIFL and are performed by psychologists and psychiatrists, as mandated by Colorado Statute 16-8.5. 

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 is required to make critical decisions in dynamic and fast-paced environments in order to ensure a high level of accountability for patient care. Our staff is 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

About this Position: 
The purpose of this position is to complete court-ordered adult initial and restoration to competency evaluations under the supervision of a Colorado-licensed staff psychologist. In doing so, this position is authorized to represent the Department via their completed work product and any consultation and/or testimony that may occur. In doing evaluations, this position is responsible for providing proper mental health diagnoses, statutory opinions, and testimony. In doing so, psychological testing measures may be required, for which this position is responsible for maintaining an appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge for commonly utilized measures. This position often collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and participates in training needs of the department for both staff and trainees. This position is required to remain up to date with expert knowledge in internal process, statutes, case law, best practices, and legislation. This position is responsible for adhering to department policy, procedure, quota requirements, and quality assurance expectations.
 
Job Duties:
Forensic Evaluations:
Under supervision

• Responsible for completing court-ordered forensic evaluations, including adult initial and restoration to competency, as well as mental condition, sanity, risk, and release when statutorily eligible. All evaluations are completed on behalf of the department. In doing so, this position must adhere to the established productivity requirements and quota expectations set by the department. 
• Completes a written report detailing the statutorily required opinions regarding the specific forensic question. Reports adhere to the established quality assurance standards set forth by the department and utilize established templates. 
• Represents the department through testimony when so required. In completing evaluations, evaluators are 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. 
• All evaluations shall be completed in a manner that supports OCFMH policies, procedures, the American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, all State/Federal Statutes, and State Licensing/Credentialing and Regulatory Board standards.

Testimony:
Under supervision

• Provides expert witness testimony and their professional opinion regarding the psycholegal questions at hand (competency, restorability, sanity, etc.). 
• Must be able to detail information utilized to inform their opinion, remain neutral and objective, and clearly communicate the nexus between mental health issues and the statutory requirements for the specific opinion. This requires ongoing expertise in Colorado Statute, case law, best practices, relevant research, psychological testing measures, and mental health diagnoses. 

Training, Meetings, Professional Development, and Presentations:

• Responsible for attending all required meetings, supervision, and training. 
• Participate in the training of students, offer internal and external presentations on behalf of the department, and offer case presentations and/or training when requested. All staff are expected to engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to strengthen and expand their knowledge and skills both clinically and administratively (i.e., secondary supervision, student training, certifications, etc.). 

Other duties as assigned:

• This position 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. 

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only:

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

No Substitutions

Special Qualifications

• Must be a Licensed Psychologist Candidate

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.
• Experience conducting psychological assessments.
• Experience conducting forensic evaluations, specifically competency and sanity/mental condition evaluations.
• Doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) in clinical psychology.

• Clear and effective written and oral communication skills

• Strong time management skills.

• Previous State experience.

• Ability to use independent judgment to accomplish tasks to meet deadlines.

 Conditions of Employment

• Full Background: 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)
•  Travel: Court Services provides court-ordered psychological evaluations statewide. Travel will be necessary to complete evaluations, in the event of a subpoena, and specialized training in the evaluation process.

• 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.

• Annual influenza vaccination and other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado
• Doctoral degree from an APA-approved program and obtain licensure within one year of accepting employment
• Must be 21 years of age or older

• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

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. 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 a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

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

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. 

• 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 acknowledgement 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

• For Statewide Hiring Freeze NON-EXEMPTED position ONLY: 

  • This job offer is contingent upon funding availability from all sources, including state and federal (if applicable), to start or continue.

• For additional recruiting questions, please contact Jeru Marshall: [email protected]

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.

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of ColoradoAddress See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/