Department - Detainee & Crisis Systems

The Forensic Psychologist directs the restoration process of defendants in the Restoration to Competency (RTC) Program in the Pima County Jail. This position writes status and final reports to the Court as defined by A.R.S. § 13-4514, within established guidelines, and selects and administers the appropriate specialized testing related to the competency to stand trial skill set in the areas such as IQ, memory function, effort, malingering and many other considerations.

This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Constructs formal reports for the court, summarizing all the information gathered, providing an opinion, diagnosis, and factual basis regarding competency;

• Meets with defendants, forensic educators and the RTC psychiatrist within established timelines and benchmarks set out by RTC operating policy;

• Constructs and maintains responsibility for the individualized restoration plan on each defendant assigned;

• Selects and administers the appropriate specialized testing related to the competency to stand trial skill set in the areas such as IQ, memory function, effort, and malingering, along with other considerations;

• Consults with the RTC psychiatrist on health-related needs a RTC defendant may present that is a barrier to competency;

• Conducts defendant related investigative efforts such as examination of history, behavior displayed in custody, listening to jail phone calls, and observing taped visits;

• Demonstrates a working knowledge of the applicable laws in Arizona related to Competency, Sell Hearings and Title 36, and maintains ongoing continuing education related to clinical and/or impacts of competency and statute changes;

• Testifies at contested competency hearings as ordered by the court;

• Maintains and updates all restricted and specialized testing material related to RTC;

• Maintains knowledge of applicable laws and statutes related to competency and testimony.

Minimum Qualifications:

Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic or Clinical Psychology.

Licenses and Certificates:Valid driver license is required at time of application.ValidAZdriver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record. Must be licensed as a psychologist in the state of Arizona. Forensic Evaluator certification by the courts required. Certificate from the Court approved training regarding Competency. Obtain and maintain Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) certification within 1 year of hire date. Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment. Failure to obtain / maintain the required certifications/ licensure shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently remains in a stationary position. Moves frequently through the detention center. Rarely participates in external events. Other physical and sensory requirements will be determined by position.

Working Conditions: The Forensic Psychologist operates within the Pima County Adult Detention Center: defendant housing units, visitation rooms, office. Other working conditions will be determined by position.

EEO Information:Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor. Constructs formal reports for the court, summarizing all the information gathered, providing an opinion, diagnosis, and factual basis regarding competency;Meets with defendants, forensic educators and the RTC psychiatrist within established timelines and benchmarks set out by RTC operating policy;Constructs and maintains responsibility for the individualized restoration plan on each defendant assigned;Selects and administers the appropriate specialized testing related to the competency to stand trial skill set in the areas such as IQ, memory function, effort, and malingering, along with other considerations;Consults with the RTC psychiatrist on health-related needs a RTC defendant may present that is a barrier to competency;Conducts defendant related investigative efforts such as examination of history, behavior displayed in custody, listening to jail phone calls, and observing taped visits;Demonstrates a working knowledge of the applicable laws in Arizona related to Competency, Sell Hearings and Title 36, and maintains ongoing continuing education related to clinical and/or impacts of competency and statute changes;Testifies at contested competency hearings as ordered by the court; Maintains and updates all restricted and specialized testing material related to RTC;Maintains knowledge of applicable laws and statutes related to competency and testimony. Minimum Qualifications: Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic or Clinical Psychology. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application. Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.): Experience working with Restoration to Competency cases, Rule 11 evaluations and Competency Statutes. Experience with testifying when ordered by the courts. Experience with writing forensic reports. Experience with working with current or previously incarcerated individuals.

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