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Forensic Program Director - Psychologist – Savannah, GA

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Healthcare
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Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Georgia Department of - DBHDD

Join a Mission-Driven Team in Historic Savannah, GA
Now Hiring: Forensic Program Director – Licensed Psychologist
Location: Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah (GRHS)


Discover Purpose. Lead with Impact. Thrive in the Heart of the South.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) invites an experienced forensic psychology leader to join us as Forensic Program Director at Georgia Regional Hospital – Savannah (GRHS).

This is more than a job—it’s a meaningful opportunity to transform lives, shape statewide forensic mental health services, and lead an expert team in one of Georgia’s most iconic cities.


About DBHDD & Our Hospital Network

DBHDD operates five state hospitals across Georgia, providing essential mental health and forensic services to adults. Our mission is rooted in recovery, dignity, and community integration.

At GRHS, we serve a 34-county region in Southeast Georgia, offering acute psychiatric care and forensic treatment for individuals referred by the legal system. Our work is vital, challenging, and deeply rewarding.


Why Savannah?

Experience the timeless charm of Savannah—from cobblestone streets and Spanish moss to vibrant culture, coastal cuisine, and year-round sunshine. Whether you're exploring historic neighborhoods or enjoying quiet weekends in nature, Savannah offers an unmatched quality of life.

🌐 Visit Savannah – Official Guide


Your Role: Forensic Program Director (Psychologist)

As Forensic Program Director, you will provide clinical and administrative leadership to GRHS’s forensic units, ensuring high-quality care, legal compliance, and innovative program development. You’ll oversee multidisciplinary teams, develop policies, and drive strategies that support client recovery and community reintegration.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Direct day-to-day operations of forensic inpatient services
  • Oversee clinical treatment, discharge planning, and competency restoration efforts
  • Lead, mentor, and evaluate program staff and managers
  • Design and implement evidence-based policies and procedures
  • Monitor quality of care and outcomes across forensic units
  • Engage in strategic planning, budget oversight, and accreditation efforts
  • Stay current on legal and clinical trends in forensic psychology

Qualifications

Minimum:

  • Doctorate in Clinical or Counseling Psychology (APA-accredited)
  • Georgia license to practice psychology (temporary, provisional, or permanent)
  • 3+ years of experience at the Psychologist 3 level or equivalent

Preferred:

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
  • Georgia license to practice psychology
  • 5+ years of forensic psychology experience
  • 5+ years of supervisory/management experience in forensic or psychological services
  • Specialized training in forensic mental health
  • Proven expertise in competency restoration and forensic evaluation

Benefits You Can Count On

We value your contributions with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Generous Paid Time Off:
    • 15–21 vacation days annually based on tenure
    • 13 paid holidays
    • 15 days of sick leave
  • Retirement Plans:
    • 401(k) with employer match
    • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Insurance Options:
    • Medical, dental, vision, life, legal, and disability
  • Additional Perks:
    • Tax-deferred healthcare & childcare spending accounts
    • Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • Continuing education opportunities available for highly qualified candidates.

This link for more Benefits Information | DBHDD


Our Mission at GRHS

To provide and promote local accessibility to quality services and community-based partnerships—helping every person we serve lead a satisfying, independent life with dignity and respect.


Ready to Lead the Future of Forensic Mental Health in Georgia?

Don’t miss the opportunity to build a legacy of healing and progress in one of Georgia’s flagship mental health hospitals.

Apply today — applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will close once a strong candidate pool has been established.

🛡 Note: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of national and state background checks.

 

B9876

Doctorate degree in clinical or counseling psychology from an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited college or university AND current Georgia license to practice psychology AND Three years of experience at the lower level Psychologist 3 (HCP142) or equivalent. Note: License may be temporary, provisional, or permanent.

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INTERNSHIPS

Unlock Your Future

You've got talent, we've got opportunity! Almost any career path can come to life with our internship programs. Whether you are an undergraduate or a graduate student, as an intern, you will work on meaningful projects wile gaining an understanding what your career could be.

Internship Opportunities

AgencyCareer InterestInternship TermRequirement CriteriaPaid/Unpaid
Council for the Arts UndergraduateOpenMust go to www.georgia.org (GA Dept of Economic Dev) to applyUnpaid
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Jr, SrSemester8 weeks. FT students, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related career fields. Accredited college or Unv.Unpaid
Department of Administrative Services Open to all majorsSemesterJr/Sr in a Georgia state and/or College. Must be enrolled during internshipPaid
Department of Agriculture Open to all majors, Agriculture preferred.Spring/SummerEnrolled in a Georgia university and/or college at the time of intern or graduated within one calendar year of internship timeframe. Paid/Unpaid
Department of Community Supervision Jr, SrSemesterVarious majors at an accredited college/university, 2.5 GPA min.Unpaid
Department of Human Services Majors gerontology, social work, health care administration, communications, public administration, law, criminology, psychology, sociology and other fields.SemesterUndergraduates who are juniors or seniors; or graduate students enrolled at an approved accredited college or university under the U.S. Department of Education; Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduates. Georgia residents or students attending or who attended a Georgia college, university, or other educational institution may be given preferenceUnpaid
Department of Economic Development UndergraduateOpen3-8 Months, Resident of GA or attended a GA institution of higher learning.Unpaid
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Various MajorsOpenPersons interested in an Internship with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources should contact the Internship Coordinator for the Division that is applicable to their area of interest/study as each Division coordinates their own Internship Program. Unpaid/Paid
Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles Jr/SrSemesterAlternate schedules may be arranged. Various majors. Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful alien, 4 yr accredited college/Unv GPA 2.5Unpaid
Georgia Port Authority UndergraduateSummerVarious MajorsPaid
Georgia Public Broadcasting HS/CollegeSemesterMust be able to commit to a full semester.Unpaid
General Assembly (Legislative Internship Program) Open to all majorsInternship during the legislative session JanJr/Sr in a Georgia state and/or College. Must be enrolled during internshipPaid
Georgia Bureau of Investigations Jr/SrOpen8 weeks. FT students, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related career fields. Accredited college or Unv.Unpaid
Georgia Emergency Management Agency Sophomore, Jr, SrYear Round3.0 GPA or higherPaid
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority Sophomore, Jr, SrSemesterMust be a currently enrolled sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student or law student. Must be in good academic standing. Must be attending a Georgia college, university or law school.Paid
Georgia Forestry Commission OpenYear RoundRequirements varyPaid
Georgia Games Commission OpenSemester/FT/PT/Weekend only/Four week compactHousing/partial meal reimbursement, apartment (utilities covered)Paid
Georgia Technology Authority Marketing, Accounting, Project Management, Corporate GovernanceSpring/SummerFreshman, Sophomore, Jr, Sr enrolled in a Georgia state and/or College. Must be enrolled during internship.Paid
Governor's Office (Governor's Internship Program) Jr, SrFall/Spring/SummerFall/Spring 18 wks, Summer 13 wks. Resident of GA or a student at a GA college/Unv/Law school.Paid
Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, EconomicsFall (14 weeks), Spring (12 weeks), Summer (10 weeks)Junior or senior undergraduate student enrolled in a Georgia college/university; majoring in public administration/policy or related field. Learn more on OPB’s internship program webpage Paid
Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Horticulture, Engineering, Environmental Technology, Soil Science, and GIS MappingOpen Persons interested should contact josh.jackwood@gaswcc.ga.govPaid
Secretary of State GA College/UnvFall/Spring/SummerAuthorized to work in the U.S. resident or non-resident that is currently enrolled in a GA College/Unv/law school.Paid
Georgia Department of Corrections All MajorsFall/Spring/SummerEnrolled in a Georgia university and/or college at the time of intern. Unpaid
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning All MajorsFall/SummerEnrolled in a Georgia university and/or college at the time of intern. Paid
State Accounting Office Accounting MajorsSummer/FallJr/Sr in a Georgia state and/or College. Must be enrolled during internship.Paid

Internship Opportunities

AgencyCareer InterestInternship TermRequirement CriteriaPaid/Unpaid
(DNR) State Parks and Historic Sites Div. Graduate in final academic yearSemestersHousing at most sites. Be in final academic year majoring in a field relating to one of the eight internship curriculums.Paid/Unpaid
Council for the Arts Graduate or Recent GradOpenMust go to www.georgia.org (GA Dept of Economic Dev) to apply.Unpaid
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council GraduateSemester8 weeks. FT students, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related career fields. Accredited college or Unv.Unpaid
Department of Community Supervision GraduateSemesterVarious majors at an accredited college/university, 2.5 GPA min.Unpaid
Department of Human Services Graduate; majors gerontology, social work, health care administration, communications, public administration, law, criminology, psychology, sociology and other fields.SemesterGraduate students enrolled at an approved accredited college or university under the U.S. Department of Education; Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA; Georgia residents or students attending or who attended a Georgia college, university, or other educational institution may be given preferenceUnpaid
Department of Law (Attorney General) Third year law studentsSummerEnrolled in an accredited law school.Paid
Department Economic Development Graduate or Recent GraduateOpen3-8 Months, Resident of GA or attend a GA institution of higher learning.Unpaid
Georgia Public Broadcasting Graduate or Recent Graduates out of school for less than a yearSemesterMust be able to commit to a full semesterUnpaid
Georiga Board of Pardons and Paroles GraduateSemesterAlternate schedules may be arranged. Various majors. Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful alien, 4 yr accredited college/Unv GPA 2.5Unpaid
Georiga Bureau of Investigations GraduateOpen8 weeks. FT students, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related career fields. Accredited college or Unv.Unpaid
Georiga Environmental Finance Authority Graduate or Law School StudentSemesterMust be a currently enrolled sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student or law student. Must be in good academic standing. Must be attending a Georgia college, university or law school.Paid
Governor's Office (Governor's Internship Program) Graduate, Law student, not more than 1 yr past graduationFall/Spring/SummerFall/Spring 18 wks, Summer 13 wks. Resident of GA or a student at a GA college/Unv/Law school.Paid
Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, EconomicsFall (14 weeks), Spring (12 weeks), Summer (10 weeks)Bachelor’s degree and enrolled in graduate program at a Georgia college/university; program of study or concentration in public administration/policy or related field. Learn more on OPB’s internship program webpage Paid
Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia FT second yr law studentsAt discretion of elected prosecutor in each office.Completed 2/3 of graduation requirementsUnpaid
Secretary of State GA College/Unv/Law schoolFall/Spring/SummerAuthorized to work in the U.S. resident or non-resident that is currently enrolled in a GA college/Unv/las schoolPaid
State Charter School Commission GraduateFallCurrently enrolled in graduate programs for education policy, education law, economics or related fieldPaid

Internship Opportunities

AgencyCareer InterestInternship TermRequirement CriteriaPaid/Unpaid
Department of Administrative Services Open to all majorsSemesterJr/Sr in a Georgia state and/or College. Must be enrolled during internship.Paid
Georgia Technology Authority Cybersecurity, Information Security, Developers, Web Developers, Digital Content DevelopersSpring/SummerFreshman, Sophomore, Jr, Sr, enrolled in a Georgia state and/or College. Must be enrolled during internship.Paid