Title of Position:
Forensic Evaluation Manager
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Exempt
Union/ Non-Union:
Non-Union
Supervisor:
Director of Evaluations
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Forensic Evaluation Manager is a licensed Psychologist responsible for overseeing forensic evaluation services for the Conditional Release Program (CONREP) across Los Angeles and San Diego Counties. CONREP provides court- and parole-mandated treatment and supervision to individuals transitioning from the Department of State Hospitals to the community.
As part of the Evaluation Unit, the Evaluation Manager’s primary responsibility is to oversee operations and assessments related to individuals deemed Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST). This role provides clinical leadership, operational oversight, and staff supervision to ensure timely, high-quality forensic evaluations that inform legal decision-making regarding treatment placement, risk level, and community readiness. In addition to acting a liaison between the CONREP administration and the courts, the Evaluation Manager is responsible for assisting the Director of Evaluations (and providing coverage in their absence) with the operation of the Evaluation Unit overall, including interfacing with multiple key state stakeholders, program development and operations, and completing both routine and court ordered risk assessment and placement evaluations regarding readiness to discharge.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
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Oversee and coordinate evaluations for individuals found IST, ensuring accuracy, quality, and timeliness
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Assign and manage court-ordered evaluations and monitor workflow and productivity
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Supervise, mentor, and evaluate licensed and unlicensed forensic evaluators and trainees
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Provide ongoing training, coaching, and performance management to evaluation staff
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Conduct and review comprehensive forensic evaluations, including violence risk assessments (e.g., HCR-20)
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Evaluate competency, malingering, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive functioning
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Prepare and review detailed forensic reports for courts and legal stakeholders on individuals found IST as well as those currently placed within the DSH level of care system
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Maintain organized and accurate documentation, case records, and evaluation data
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Provide expert testimony in court and defend findings under cross-examination
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Consult with judges, attorneys, treatment teams, and external stakeholders
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Serve as liaison between CONREP, the courts, attorneys, Department of State Hospitals, CONREP Operation, and community-based providers
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Lead quality assurance initiatives and continuous process improvement efforts
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Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards
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Assist the Director of Evaluations with program development and operational needs
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Provide coverage of all Evaluation Unit oversight when the Director of Evaluations is out of the office
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Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
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Perform other duties as assigned
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
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Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
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Ability to work independently
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources
- Ability to lead and work well with coworkers, treatment staff, and administration
- Experience providing supervision preferred
- Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES
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Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Psychology
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Active license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience Required:
- Experience conducting forensic assessments, including violence risk evaluations
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Strong knowledge of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and forensic populations
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Experience working with individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders
Desired Experience:
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Management or supervisory experience in a forensic or clinical setting
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Prior experience providing court testimony
REQUIREMENTS
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Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.
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Valid California Driver’s license.
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TB clearance.
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Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.
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Fire and Safety Training**
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CPR/First Aid**
- Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI)**
Note: If indicated certifications/licenses are lacking, they must be obtained within 180 days of hire.
**Training needs to be completed within 30 days from the date of hire on a designated date provided by onboarding. Staff need to be certified at a commensurate level for their role to perform their job duties (staff will be taken off the schedule if certification is not achieved).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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To perform this job you must be able to carry out all essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
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Employee will be required to lift and/or move unassisted up to 25 pounds.