Psychiatric Examiner; Psychologist; NY HELPS), Office

Overview

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), Division of Forensic Services is recruiting to fill Psychiatric Examiner (Psychologist), Grade 27, positions in various locations throughout New York State.

• Under the direction of a Chief Psychiatric Examiner (Psychologist), conduct psychiatric evaluations of individuals statutorily referred for civil management consideration under the Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act (SOMTA).
• Review records, conduct and interpret actuarial risk assessments, complete clinical face-to-face interviews, generate reports and provide expert testimony in court for evaluations related to determining the presence of a mental abnormality and whether civil confinement or intensive community supervision and treatment is appropriate, annual evaluations concerning the need for continued confinement, and determination of the level of dangerousness in identified community treatment cases.
• Meet the Office of Mental Health’s statutory obligations under SOMTA (MHL Article 10) in performing duties including evaluation of sex offenders nearing the end of sentences, annual evaluations of civilly confined individuals, re-evaluation of dangerousness, assessment of SIST conditions, and related responsibilities.
• Evaluate those undergoing SIST conditions, determine whether conditions should be modified or civil confinement is warranted based on current dangerousness; conduct bi-annual evaluations of SIST clients to assess release or condition reduction.
• Administer, score, and interpret results of actuarial and other standardized risk assessment tools (e.g., Static-99R, VRS:
  
  SO, SSPI, PCL-R, Stable-2007/Acute-2007).
• Interview collateral contacts and prepare detailed reports for Article 10 evaluations, legal proceedings, and by secure treatment and SIST providers.
• Consult with Division of Forensic Services staff and other team members to assist in making and validating case outcomes; make recommendations to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
• Provide expert testimony at probable cause hearings, civil management trials, disposition hearings, annual review hearings, SIST hearings, and other Article 10 legal proceedings.
• Collaborate with OMH Central Office, secure treatment facilities, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, community SIST treatment providers, the OAG, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and other state and local agencies.

Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications Under the NYS HELPS Program: In order to be eligible for appointment, candidates must have either:

• Current New York State license and registration to practice psychology and one year of pre- or post-licensure experience in the clinical assessment of the sex offender population, where clinical assessment entails the use of diagnostic tools and techniques to determine the effectiveness of an overall treatment plan in reducing recidivism and/or harm, assess treatment needs, progress, and/or risk.
• Current New York State license and registration to practice psychology and two years of pre- or post-licensure experience in the clinical assessment of a forensic population, including diagnostic tools and techniques to determine/recommend the functional status, effectiveness of treatment plans and forensic assessments of individuals involved in the legal or criminal justice system.
• Experience described above gained for those authorized to practice psychology under Article 153 of the New York State Education Law or equivalent statute in other states is qualifying.

Transfer: Candidates must be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law by having at least one year of permanent service in either of the qualifying titles of Licensed Psychologist, Grade 25, or Principal Psychologist, Grade 27.

Psychiatric Examiner (Psychologist) positions will be located statewide; please indicate the geographic region(s) of the State in which you prefer to work. Recruitment will remain open until the positions are filled.

Employment with New York State offers comprehensive benefits, including NYS pension and retirement…