State of Washington Classified Job Specification
PSYCHOLOGIST - FORENSIC EVALUATOR
Definition
Typical Work
Performs forensic evaluations and provides testimony for the courts in accordance with RCW 10.77 and/or RCW 71.09;
Provides expert testimony in court regarding evaluations, competency, sanity, diminished capacity, civil commitment under RCW 71.09 or risk assessment; explains and defends findings;
Prepares forensic evaluation reports to the courts;
Conducts comprehensive review of relevant criminal or civil information, records and history;
Reviews case findings with prosecutors and defense counsel; provides case status reports;
Documents all aspects of evaluation and case chronology;
Conducts risk assessments; assesses patients for psychological testing needs;
Administers, scores and interprets psychological tests and produces written reports;
Provides in-service training and formal and informal psychological consultation regarding psychiatric disorders, treatments and care strategies to staff;
Interviews both pre- and post-trial defendants;
Conducts risk assessments of forensic patients subject to RCW 10.77.270;
Conducts forensic psychological evaluations pursuant to RCW 10.77;
Completes annual evaluation reports per RCW 71.09 for Special Commitment Center (SCC) residents, who have been civilly committed under RCW 71.09 for treatment;
Reviews resident medical records, psychological evaluations, police reports, victim statements and other records;
Reviews treatment progress; interviews resident to determine mental status; interviews treatment team regarding resident’s progress and response to treatment; consults with staff, members of the community and sex offender treatment providers;
Makes recommendations to the court regarding whether conditional release to a less restrictive alternative is in the best interest of the resident; makes recommendations to the court regarding conditions imposed to adequately protect the community;
Provides expert consultation to clinical staff that provides treatment services to individuals in the total confinement program;
Performs other duties as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Desirable Qualifications
Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of clinical/counseling psychology
AND
Three years of post-doctoral psychology experience working with forensic populations.
AND
Possession of a license to practice psychology in the state of Washington.
Class Specification History
New class; adopted June 30, 2015; effective July 1, 2015.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017.