Benefits of Employment

Insurance:  Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, Life and an Employee Assistance Program.  Supplemental Life may be purchased at group rates.   

Paid Time Off:  Twelve (12) holidays, vacation time (after 6 months) of three (3) weeks per year for the first eight (8) years of service, and sick time.

Retirement:  Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and Deferred Compensation Plans.

Job Summary

The Forensic Psychologist will assist the Diagnostic Clinic in ensuring the quality of mental health assessment services provided to youth and families involved in the court system. The position primarily involves conducting in-person forensic assessments. 

The Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Diagnostic Clinic performs forensic mental health evaluations to assist jurists in balancing concerns for juvenile rehabilitation and public safety.  The Juvenile Court is committed to prevention and diversion for low-risk youth and to top-quality intervention for high-risk offenders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.

Conducts various court-ordered forensic assessments to address psycho-legal issues and, as appropriate, communicates findings to judges and magistrates, probation officers, detention center staff, and child protective services caseworkers.

Produces forensic reports pertaining to juvenile competency to stand trial, transfer of cases to criminal court, allocation of parental rights (custody/visitation issues), juvenile diagnostic assessments, and children’s services adult mental health assessments.

Conducts clinical interviews and behavioral assessments of youth, including social history, mental status, diagnostic considerations, and treatment recommendations.

Incorporates collateral information into reports from sources such as court records, parents and guardians, mental health facilities, physicians, and schools. 

Interprets and integrates psychological testing results into work products to quantify intellectual and adaptive functioning, academic skills, emotional responding, personality aspects, and specific abilities.

Dictates reports using a digital voice recorder or voice recognition software.

Produces thorough, well-considered, and data-driven work products that are responsive to jurists’ referral questions.

Provides expert witness testimony in court trials. 

Presents mental health-related information to court departments and external agencies, as appropriate. 

Participates in various staffing committees and sits on committees as needed.     

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Consults on forensic evaluations completed by other staff members, including child custody/visitation, adult diagnostic, and juvenile delinquency cases.

Mentors and teaches local university placement students and other learners on rotation in the Diagnostic Clinic.

Oversees the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological testing by other staff members or learners.

Equipment Operated

Standard office equipment and office technology such as dictaphones, copy machines, personal computers, and telephones.

Confidential Data

Includes all court-related information regarding hearings, etc. the employee may come in contact with while working in the facility.

Working Conditions

Works in a general office setting with moderate noise levels.  Also may work partially remote from home or private office.

Usual Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, to speak clearly, and to hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Knowledge of the field of applied psychology including techniques and instruments used in developmental and psychological assessment and treatment interventions.  Knowledge of the behavioral and emotional disorders associated with adolescent populations and of intervention techniques for antisocial and destructive behavior patterns.   Preferred knowledge of Juvenile Justice and effective correctional practices, such as relational skills and behavior management strategies; understanding of court operations and knowledge of evidence-based interventions for the juvenile justice population; understanding of ecological factors that impact adolescent development and behavior and ability to articulate comprehensive systemic recommendations; ability to work independently with demonstrable skills in organization, establishing and maintaining work relationships, and problem-solving; familiarity with social service agencies serving children, parents, families, community, etc.; excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to effectively present to adult learners; ability to effectively provide constructive feedback to aid in implementing best practices; knowledge of American Psychological  Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and APA forensic and other practice guidelines;  ability to make use of supervision and be culturally competent; proven record of discretion and diplomacy.  Knowledge of Ohio legal statutes pertaining to evaluative and treatment services for juveniles.  Must have excellent technical writing skills.

Education and/or Experience

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Psychology required.

AND

Five (5) years of post-doctoral experience working in the mental health field.   Must be proficient in psychological testing, including instrument selection, standardized administration, scoring and interpretation.  Prior training in juvenile forensic psychology is preferred.

Licensure or Certification Requirements

Must possess a valid Ohio Psychology license or be licensed within 6 months of hire.

Court Expectations of Employee

In accomplishing the responsibilities of this position, the Court expects that the employee will adhere to the mission and values of the Court as well as all Court policies and procedures.  In addition, while carrying out the duties of this position, the employee is expected to model high ethical conduct on and off the job and exhibit a professional and respectful demeanor with all Court employees.

Court Mission Statement

To administer justice, rehabilitate juveniles, support and strengthen families, and promote public safety.

Application Procedure

Current Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division Employees:

• The deadline to apply is 10/11/24. 
• Please visit https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings-internal to complete and submit the Job Posting Response Form to the Human Resources Division.
• The Job Posting Response form must be received in Human Resources by the job posting deadline for consideration as a candidate for the posted position.
• If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you can submit a waiver to Human Resources. Please refer to the Employee Handbook Policy number 1.02.04.

External Applicants: 

• This position will remain posted until filled. 
• Please visit https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings to view this posting and to complete and submit the Application for Employment. 

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