Institutional Research Director - Assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency providing treatment and support services for Georgia’s most-in-need individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Our priority population are those individuals and families who are uninsured, underinsured, or receiving Medicaid.

Agency Information:

·      6 Field Offices

·      5 State Hospitals

·      4,000 – 5,000 staff

·      22 Community Service Boards

·      600 Community Provider Partners

·      Oversight of the 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis Line

DBHDD is currently seeking a State Assistant Forensic Director of Hospital Services. 

The State Assistant Forensic Director of Hospital Services is a member of the State Office of Forensics Services (SOFS), and reports to the State Forensic Director. Responsible for the development and management of all aspects of hospital forensic services.  

-         General oversight of five (5) Hospital Forensic Directors

o   On-site visits and consultations

-         Clinical oversight of forensic admissions and transfers

o   Supervision of Forensic Transition Coordinator

-         Oversight of the quality, quantity, and timeliness of competency evaluations, risk assessments, annual civil commitment reviews, and discharge plan completed by DBHDD forensic hospital staff.

o   Possesses working knowledge of abnormal psychology, pertinent statutes and case law related to the practice of forensic psychology, malingering assessment tools, intellectual testing, personality assessment, best practices in mental health treatment, and ethical/professional guidelines for the practice of forensic psychology.

-         In close coordination with the State Assistant Forensic Director of Community Services, continuously monitors and improves treatment/discharge planning/transition processes used by DBHDD forensic hospital teams.

-         Develops hospital-specific policy and procedures that are consistent with SOFS and recommends/implements changes to ensure efficient functioning.

-         Contract management and oversight of jail-based restoration programs.

-         Represents the state’s hospital forensic programming in relationships with judicial systems and law enforcement agencies.

•         Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals, and other literature and attending pertinent seminars, conferences, and workshops as available. Applies relevant new knowledge to performance and other responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications - 

• Doctoral degree in psychology and at least 7 years of experience in provision of clinical services in a psychiatric or correctional setting
• Significant knowledge and at least 5 years of experience in the practice of forensic psychology. 
• Completion of the State’s Competency Certification Program is required within one year of position start.
• Experience in administration and management.  
• Substantial experience in forensic evaluation of adults (including competency, insanity, risk assessments, and civil commitment reviews).
• Obtained State Competency Evaluator Certification

Employment Requirements 
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia. 

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care: 

-    Drug Screening
-    TB Evaluation
-    Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer 
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other  characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. 

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. 

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. 

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history. 

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 

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