Psychologist​/Forensic Evaluator

Overview

Title: Psychologist/Forensic Evaluator

State Role

Title:

49213

Hiring Range: $123,326 to $;
Salary to Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277 bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027.

CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person.

Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

Central State Hospital is recruiting for a Psychologist/Forensic Evaluator to join our dedicated forensic team. This position plays a key role in providing high-quality, timely forensic and psychological evaluations that meet court standards and legal requirements. The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, clinical competence, and cultural awareness while modeling respectful and ethical behavior toward patients and staff. Responsibilities include completing forensic evaluations, preparing written reports, consulting with attorneys and court personnel, and providing expert testimony when required.

The Psychologist/Forensic Evaluator also supports the hospital’s commitment to least restrictive interventions and de-escalation practices, while offering training and supervision to post-doctoral fellows and other trainees. This role is essential in ensuring evaluations and reports are completed in accordance with court orders and forensic best practices—helping to advance justice, safety, and excellence in forensic mental health care.

• Knowledge of criminal forensic evaluations and case law
• Excellent report writing and expert testimony skills
• Effective time management skills
• Ability to prioritize effectively to meet deadlines

• Doctoral Degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology
• Completion of an accredited doctoral program
• Licensed or license-eligible in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Preferred:
On the list of approved evaluators in Virginia.

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.

Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.

Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

• Under Virginia Code 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot…