The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.  

This position is located at:  Georgia Regional Hospital – Atlanta (GRHA)

Located on 174 Acres in DeKalb County, Georgia Regional Hospital in Atlanta operates 300 licensed, accredited inpatient beds in three major program areas: Adult Mental Health, Forensic Services, and Developmental Disabilities. In addition, GRH/Atlanta also offers inpatient and outpatient Dental Services.

Job Description

Job Title:  Assistant Forensic Director (AFD) - GRHA

Pay Grade:  O

Job Summary:

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Forensic Director. 

The Assistant Forensic Director (AFD) supervises master’s level staff (Counselors, Recovery Team Facilitators, Treatment Mall Coordinator) who are responsible for planning and providing active treatment for individuals admitted to a Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) hospital by order of a State or Superior Criminal Court to restore competency to stand trial, and teach necessary life-skills for those found not guilty by reason of insanity or civilly committed by a Court to allow for a safe return to the community.  The AFD provides backup for the Hospital Forensic Director in supervising Forensic Psychologists and overseeing the Forensic Program at the hospital.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• A. Under the supervision of the Forensic Director, oversees the clinical operations of three inpatient forensic psychiatric units, including supervising team facilitators, counselors, and treatment mall staff, monitoring for active treatment, auditing recovery plans for compliance with identified standards and expectations, providing immediate back up to the Forensic Director, and performing clinical duties as indicated.
• B. Completes assigned forensic psychological evaluations (competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, risk assessment, psychological), and assists the Forensic Director in reviewing Forensic Psychologist quality on these reports.
• C. Reviews Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Guidelines implemented on the Forensic units for appropriateness, consulting with the Positive Behavior Support team when indicated
• D. Assists the Forensic Director in reviewing incoming court orders for admission, civil commitment, privileges, and release of individuals for parameters within the mission of DBHDD, resolving any conflicts; arranging admissions of individuals with a forensic legal status and managing any waitlists for admissions; monitoring for correct data entry of legal statuses; overseeing the Team Leader’s operation of three community integration homes; and providing education to the courts served regarding the forensic program at the hospital. 
• E. Participation in the APA-Accredited Psychology Internship Program through supervision, provision of didactics, and/or administrative and organizational functions.  
• F. Participates in assigned meetings and committees.

Qualifications

Doctorate degree in a related filed from an accredited college or university AND Three years of management/supervisory experience in health care services OR Master's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Four years of management/supervisory experience in health care services OR Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Five years of management/supervisory experience in health care services OR Two years of experience at the lower level Mgr 3, Hlth Care (HCM012) or position equivalent. Note: Some positions may require certification and/or licensure.

Preferred Qualifications

Licensed Psychologist (Required) with substantial experience completing and supervising forensic psychological evaluations, providing and overseeing treatment programs for persons with severe persistent mental illness, and working within interdisciplinary teams.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

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.

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

 B9876

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.